4 answers
Guadalupe
Student
Ennis, Texas
1
Question
Updated
2038 views
What classes and colleges or path, would you recommend for someone who desires to be an ultrasound technician?
"I am in 12th grade wanting to take a gap year to save up and focus on myself before school".
"Something affordable would be nice."
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3 answers
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
139
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Guadalupe, it is great that you are thinking ahead about what you might like to be trained to do. If you can, I would suggest that you try to "shadow" an ultrasound tech to see if what they do seems interesting to you and like something you would like to do. You can contact your local hospital or clinic and ask if you might spend some time talking to and watching the tech at work. They may suggest that you go through the Volunteer department of the hospital because there sometimes are things they will want you to do before you can be in contact with patients (proof of vaccinations, training about the HIPPAA privacy policy, etc.). I would urge you to use your gap/growth year to clarify what exactly you are interested in, whether in health care or something else. At the end of the year you want to feel like you accomplished something!
Typically, ultrasound techs get an associates degree from a community college. You could look into which schools you might want to attend and find out how the application process works. Contact them and ask if you can come visit and sit in on a class. Be sure this is something that interests you. If not, what other programs or certifications do they offer?
Here is a list of ultrasound "Sonographer") training programs in Texas: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtraining/29-2032.00?st=TX
Here is some more general info about this field: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2032.00
I would also suggest you do some general testing for what kind of careers you are interested in. Online version for free can be found at: https://www.onetcenter.org/IP.html#web-based
Typically, ultrasound techs get an associates degree from a community college. You could look into which schools you might want to attend and find out how the application process works. Contact them and ask if you can come visit and sit in on a class. Be sure this is something that interests you. If not, what other programs or certifications do they offer?
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
That's a fantastic question, and you're smart to think ahead about a career as an ultrasound technician (also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer). Here's what you need to know to get started:
Pathway to Become an Ultrasound Technician
1. Education Requirements:
- Most people earn an Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which usually takes about 2 years.
- If you already have healthcare experience, some programs offer certificates that take 12-18 months.
- While a few colleges offer Bachelor's degrees (4 years), most entry-level jobs only require an associate degree.
2. High School Preparation:
- Try to take classes in biology, math, physics, and computers. These subjects will give you a strong foundation.
3. Gap Year:
- Use this time wisely! Save money, volunteer or shadow professionals at hospitals or clinics, and gain any healthcare experience you can.
4. Choosing a School:
- Community colleges are often the most affordable and offer accredited associate degree programs.
- Make sure the program is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) as this is crucial for certification and finding a job.
- Some hospital-based programs might also be available.
Recommended Classes (After High School):
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Physics (related to sonography)
- Patient care
- Courses specific to sonography (like abdominal, obstetric, vascular)
- Clinical practicums or hands-on training
Affordable Colleges/Options:
- Check out your local community college; they often have sonography programs with affordable in-state tuition.
- Public state universities and colleges are good options too.
- Hospital-based certificate programs can also be a great choice.
- Use the CAAHEP website to find accredited and affordable programs near you: CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Programs
Certification:
- After earning your degree or certificate, consider becoming certified by the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). This certification can greatly improve your job opportunities.
Pathway to Become an Ultrasound Technician
1. Education Requirements:
- Most people earn an Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which usually takes about 2 years.
- If you already have healthcare experience, some programs offer certificates that take 12-18 months.
- While a few colleges offer Bachelor's degrees (4 years), most entry-level jobs only require an associate degree.
2. High School Preparation:
- Try to take classes in biology, math, physics, and computers. These subjects will give you a strong foundation.
3. Gap Year:
- Use this time wisely! Save money, volunteer or shadow professionals at hospitals or clinics, and gain any healthcare experience you can.
4. Choosing a School:
- Community colleges are often the most affordable and offer accredited associate degree programs.
- Make sure the program is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) as this is crucial for certification and finding a job.
- Some hospital-based programs might also be available.
Recommended Classes (After High School):
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Physics (related to sonography)
- Patient care
- Courses specific to sonography (like abdominal, obstetric, vascular)
- Clinical practicums or hands-on training
Affordable Colleges/Options:
- Check out your local community college; they often have sonography programs with affordable in-state tuition.
- Public state universities and colleges are good options too.
- Hospital-based certificate programs can also be a great choice.
- Use the CAAHEP website to find accredited and affordable programs near you: CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Programs
Certification:
- After earning your degree or certificate, consider becoming certified by the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). This certification can greatly improve your job opportunities.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Guadalupe,
This kind of self-awareness is deeply important and will serve you well in any healthcare career, especially one as hands-on and patient-focused as being an ultrasound technician. It's exceptionally thoughtful of you to think about taking a gap year to save money and take care of yourself before starting school.
To become an ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you’ll want to enroll in an accredited program that offers either an associate’s degree or a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs usually take about 18 to 24 months and include a mix of classroom learning, lab practice, and clinical training. Some people also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but that isn’t always necessary if you’re looking for a more affordable and quicker route into the field.
During your gap year or as you prepare, it’s helpful to focus on strengthening your background in subjects like biology, anatomy, physics, and math. Computer skills are also useful, as imaging systems are tech-based. If you’re still in high school, or planning how to use your gap year, taking classes or online courses in these areas can give you a head start.
For affordable education options, consider starting at a community college. Many offer accredited programs in sonography that are more budget-friendly than private institutions. You should also look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as that accreditation is important for future job placement and certification. Public state colleges can also offer solid programs at in-state tuition rates, which can help save costs.
During your gap year, you might also look for volunteer or entry-level work in a healthcare setting to gain some experience and see what the day-to-day environment is like. If you can, try to connect with someone already working in the field for an informational interview or even job shadowing, it can offer a lot of insight and help you feel more confident in your direction.
You’re asking the right questions and taking proactive steps, which is a strong foundation for any career. The field of medical imaging really needs caring, thoughtful people, and it sounds like you’re a great fit already.
Wishing you all the best as you take this next step!
This kind of self-awareness is deeply important and will serve you well in any healthcare career, especially one as hands-on and patient-focused as being an ultrasound technician. It's exceptionally thoughtful of you to think about taking a gap year to save money and take care of yourself before starting school.
To become an ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you’ll want to enroll in an accredited program that offers either an associate’s degree or a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs usually take about 18 to 24 months and include a mix of classroom learning, lab practice, and clinical training. Some people also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but that isn’t always necessary if you’re looking for a more affordable and quicker route into the field.
During your gap year or as you prepare, it’s helpful to focus on strengthening your background in subjects like biology, anatomy, physics, and math. Computer skills are also useful, as imaging systems are tech-based. If you’re still in high school, or planning how to use your gap year, taking classes or online courses in these areas can give you a head start.
For affordable education options, consider starting at a community college. Many offer accredited programs in sonography that are more budget-friendly than private institutions. You should also look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as that accreditation is important for future job placement and certification. Public state colleges can also offer solid programs at in-state tuition rates, which can help save costs.
During your gap year, you might also look for volunteer or entry-level work in a healthcare setting to gain some experience and see what the day-to-day environment is like. If you can, try to connect with someone already working in the field for an informational interview or even job shadowing, it can offer a lot of insight and help you feel more confident in your direction.
You’re asking the right questions and taking proactive steps, which is a strong foundation for any career. The field of medical imaging really needs caring, thoughtful people, and it sounds like you’re a great fit already.
Wishing you all the best as you take this next step!