How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Becoming an Ultrasound Technician, or Diagnostic Medical Sonographer as it is now called, is typically achieved by completing an associates degree, becoming certified through the ARDMS, and getting any state licenses to practice where you live. Below, we have outlined the steps to becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer from researching schools to getting your first job.
1. Find a school offering Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs.
Start by requesting information from schools and speaking with admissions representatives. Compare the programs offered, check out course lists, and find a program that suits your personality and needs. We have put together a list of radiology schools offering ultrasound programs for you to begin this critical first step. We've done some research to get your acquainted with ultrasound courses and ultrasound training to make sure you understand what to expect.
2. Complete your Ultrasound Degree
Enroll in and complete an Ultrasound Technician program. If attending school during the day is not possible for you, look into radiology schools offering evening degree or online programs. Completing an associates degree for Diagnostic Medical Sonography will prepare your for a sonography license and provide you with the credentials needed to begin applying for ultrasound jobs.
3. Become licensed with the ARDMS
Become registered with the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). Many employers prefer that you be ARDMS certified and most ultrasound programs will prepare you for the exam. While there are only a few states that require registration, it is recommended that you take this step in order to make yourself a strong job candidate.
4. Apply for and obtain a job as an Ultrasound Technician
Apply for and obtain an ultrasound position. Be sure you understand what will be expected of you in an ultrasound job and that you can speak to the skills and competencies you have gain through your education and clinical training. Take a look at our ultrasound technician job description page to read about job duties that will be expected of you. Network with contacts you may have in the health care industry, post your resume on job boards, and sharpen your interviewing skills by doing mock interviews with friends and relatives.
Radiology Programs:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
OrlandoGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
HillsideGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
CliftonAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
MelbourneKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Medical Career Institute
Campus Locations:
Newport NewsExperience the Rewards of Caring, With ECPI’s Medical Careers Institute, you can Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in 2.5 Years or Your Associate’s Even Sooner through Our Year-Round Schedule!
ATI Career Training Center
Campus Locations:
MiamiATI has over 35 years of experience helping working adults like you get hands-on career training. Quality programs are offered in healthcare, automotive and electronics.
Carrington College
Campus Locations:
MesaCarrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs offered:
AICHP-Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
KissimmeeGive your career a boost with American Institute College of Health Professions. We offer diploma and bachelor's degree programs in diagnostic general sonography and diagnostic cardiac sonography.
Programs offered:
Keiser Career College
Campus Locations:
New Port RicheyKeiser Career College offers career-oriented training programs that prepare students for positions in allied health and computer technology. Associate degrees and diplomas are available from our Florida campuses. All programs focus on the specific skills and knowledge needed for today's career fields. The faculty is comprised of industry-experienced professionals who offer students personal attention and their own practical knowledge in an environment that simulates the real world.
Programs offered:
Career Colleges of America
Campus Locations:
GardenaGet your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.
Programs offered:
Ohio Business College
Campus Locations:
ElyriaOhio Business College offers a variety of Associate degrees, including Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Web Page Design, Information Technology, Accounting and Legal Assistant. We also offer Real Estate Pre-Licensing courses and Microsoft Office Specialist exams.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: www.ohiobusinesscollege.edu/disclosure.asp.
Programs offered:
Vatterott College
Campus Locations:
WichitaAdvance your career with a certificate, diploma or bachelor's degree from Vatterott College. Our innovative, hands-on training helps you build the life you want.
Programs offered:
Columbia Southern University
Online
Columbia Southern University offers a broad range of online degrees and prides itself on its high-quality instruction and affordable pricing relative to many other online universities. Personalized service, along with flexible, self-paced programs, consistently makes CSU a popular choice among online degree students.
Programs offered:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
MemphisGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
College of Westchester
Campus Locations:
White PlainsAt The College of Westchester, you'll experience a real-world education that will give you an edge in a highly competitive job market. Your professors and advisors are committed to providing you with the skills you need for a successful future. Your success is our success!
Programs offered:
