There are a myriad of ultrasound technician schools to choose from when deciding where you wish to study. You can choose to attend a community college, technical school, university, or take online courses. Whichever route you decide to take, it is important to thoroughly research the institution to ensure that it is affordable and offers the right type of education and training for you. There are many highly rated, reputable schools that can you help you in achieving your goals. Each institution has different tuition schedules, entrance requirements, course loads, and course lengths.
Ultrasound Technician Schools
Tuition
Tuition ranges from $4,000 on the low end for a certification program, all the way up to $30,000 for a bachelor's degree and associated studies. The price of books, lab fees, uniform costs, and other incidental costs must also be taken into consideration.
While $30,000 may sound like a lot of money to spend on your education, your earning potential will be much greater and you should have no trouble finding employment once the program is completed. If you are short on funds, you can also enrol in a program offered by an online institution. Some online schools still require on-site training, though, due to the hands-on nature of an ultrasound technician's job.
Education and Training
The most commonly sought after degree is an associate's degree, which takes two years to complete. Certificate programs, on the other hand, can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Bachelor's degree programs take around four years due to more involved and intensive study.
Entrance requirements will vary between each ultrasound technician school, but you must have a high school diploma or GED, and you may also be required to pass an entrance exam.
Coursework usually begins with patient care courses, as technicians work very closely with patients on the job. There will also be courses in human anatomy and physiology, which teach what various structures look like on ultrasound scan. There will also be courses on ultrasound physics, which teaches students all the processes involved in ultrasound technology, as well as how to operate the machines and maintain them.
Finally, a clinical practicum course will need to be taken in which real world experience can be obtained, either in a hospital or doctor's office while under supervision.
Colleges and Institutions
You can choose to study at any ultrasound technician school you wish, but some of the highest rated are as follows:
Seattle University offers a highly rated Bachelor of Science program in Diagnostic Ultrasound.
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences offers an associate's degree program as well as an online bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
The Kettering College of Medical Arts offers a Bachelor's degree program.
BryanLGH College of Health Sciences offers a bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography, as well as specialties in cardiac and vascular sonography.
It is important to note that out of all the ultrasound technician schools you may research, it is highly recommended that you choose a CAAHEP (Council for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program) accredited institution. Doing so will enable you to sit for the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) exam, which would grant you a certificate making you eligible for employment at any hospital or other healthcare facility. There are many routes one can take to becoming an ultrasound technician, and choosing the right one can provide you with the best possible start to enter this rewarding career.
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