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How long does it take to do the school for an ultrasound technician? Is it better to attend a four year college or two for what I want to do?

is is better to go to an four year or two year school?

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Lisa’s Answer

I have to agree that attending a four year college based program is the best route. I was fortunate to have attended a university based school that offered a Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Technology with a concentration in Ultrasound. I realize a four year program may be difficult to find, however, one other option would be to either attend a community college based ultrasound program and continue on to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Often when employers are hiring, they ask for a Bachelor’s degree. Having my Bachelors degree has enabled me to perform as a Lead, Supervisor, and Manager. You never know where the employment role is going to take you!!!!
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Dhriti’s Answer

Hi! My suggestion would be to obtain a Bachelors degree (which will take four years) just so you get enough knowledge which will put you in a better place to then get a job after with better pay.
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Heather’s Answer

Hi Hope! Great question, and so happy to hear you are interested in becoming a registered diagnostic sonographer! My advice to you would be to look to see where you can go and test for your RDMS certification after you graduate. Look for an accredited ultrasound program, because this will allow you to take the test after you graduate. What this means to you is that you will have the RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographer) title after your name when you go to look for an ultrasound job, and a business looking to hire an ultrasound technician will be looking for that. While there is nothing negative about earning a bachelor's in radiology/ultrasound, looking at your community college or other learning establishment that is an ultrasound accredited program should not be discounted. Where I live, unfortunately the four year degree is not accredited, and therefore graduates of that program would have to find a place that would hire them without being RDMS certified, they would have to work a year in ultrasound, and then they would be qualified to take the test for RDMS certification. I went to my community College, and the benefits I received from it was 1) Less expensive than going to university, 2) Shorter time to receive degree of 6 semesters - not including prerequisites- (this does not mean that you don't learn what you need to for ultrasound vs a university. This means that you focus strictly on ultrasound, where a four year radiology degree makes you focus also on x-ray, MRI's and other radiologic modalities), 3) a smaller classroom - 13 of us were a family throughout the entire program, and we received stellar instruction. It is true that if you get a four year degree, you will have your bachelor's. I wish my community college offered a bachelor's program in ultrasound, however I am only a couple of classes away from a bachelor's degree (I graduated with an Associates of Applied Science) so if I wanted to obtain it, it wouldn't be that time consuming to obtain it. Additionally, I have to tell you honestly that I have never had to go and look for an ultrasound position. They have always found me. Both the four-year program and a six-semester program are completely viable options. My suggestion to you would be to meet with the health counselor at the establishments you are thinking about going to, and get a feel for each place. Take in to consideration your time, tuition, and also look for scholarships (which can be very easy to obtain). Make a well informed decision for yourself. Being a sonographer is my passion, and I go to work each day loving what I do. This is my way to give back to the community while at the same time making a good life for me and my family. Good luck on your journey. I wish you the best!

Heather recommends the following next steps:

Contact the health counselor/advisor at your community college and university. They will go over your transcript nd tell you what classes you will need to take next.
Do your best in getting the best grades possible in your pre-requisite classes. This will increase your chances of getting into the program. Remember that some of these classes are offered online.
If you decide to go to a university, you may still be able to take pre-requisite classes at the community college. Just make sure the university you want to go to allows the transfer of credits from the community college.
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