Ultrasound technician how many years of college

It is used to help diagnose pain or distention enlargement and evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta. In order to successfully compete for a job as sonographer you will need to sit for the licensure test, you will also need academic credentials and work experience.

A certification will give you a professional pride and higher standing in your chosen career field if you choose to work in industry, academia or clinical. After passing the SPI examination, you can earn additional credentials without having to retake the SPI examination, provided you maintain active status.

You may look at many internet job sites including: Indeed. What is breast ultrasound? Breast ultrasound imaging of the breast uses sound waves to produce pictures of the internal structures of the breast. It is primarily used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities that may have been found during a physical exam, mammogram or breast MRI.

A neurosonographer performs ultrasounds on the brain and nervous system of their patients of all ages. Also called neurosonology or neuroimaging, neurosonography utilizes specialized beam shapes and frequencies from a Transcranial Doppler TCD unlike traditional obstetric and abdominal sonography machines. Those who have the NE RDMS can utilize their certification until or until their year recertification cycle is complete.

What is obstetric and gynecological ultrasound? Obstetrical OB sonography refers to the use of ultrasound to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her fetus.

What is echocardiography? Echocardiography, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The pictures show the size and shape of your heart. ARDMS American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers administers examinations and awards credentials including the areas of diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography and vascular technology.

Vascular ultrasound is the general term for a non-invasive painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to image blood vessels including arteries and veins. The veins in the legs are compressed and the blood flow is assessed to make sure the vein is not clogged. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints throughout the body. It is used to help diagnose sprains, strains, tears, and other soft tissue conditions.

Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. Request More Info. For Students. A sonographer uses ultrasound equipment to collect, analyze and prepare images of the human body. How Long Is Sonography School? These career options include: An Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree Bachelor of Science degree Certificate program for individuals already training in a separate medical field.

Some of the required courses may include: Anatomy and physiology Sonographic anatomy Principles of sonography Echocardiography OBGYN sonography Abdominal sonography Due to the technical nature of these courses, the ultrasound program can be challenging at times.

In fact, the more credentials you earn, the more you can stand out in a field of candidates. Gaining certification in several sonography specialties can make you more versatile and widen your job prospects.

Sonographers are responsible for operating equipment that produces and records images or conducts tests. These images are then used by physicians to make a diagnosis. Most people are familiar with the role of a sonographer as it relates to pregnancy, but sonograms are also used to examine breast tissue, the brain and spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, and organs in the abdominal cavity.

Like other allied health careers, you can specialize as a sonographer. A vascular sonographer focuses primarily on blood vessels and blood flow. Sonograms are used to examine breast tissue, the brain and spinal cord, the heart, and many other parts of the body. Analyzing diagnostic information and providing it to the physician is another regular task.

Some programs prefer applicants with a background in science or experience in another healthcare profession, but many also will consider high school graduates with courses in mathematics and science, as well as applicants with liberal arts backgrounds. Because these students already have a healthcare background, a certificate program focuses specifically on sonography. In a sonography program, you will take classes with your cohort. With several options to choose from, which sonography degree is best?

An associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography can open the door to entry-level positions in the field. Taking patient history and answering questions about the ultrasound procedure Position patient for procedure Record observations and communicate with doctors or other medical professionals Perform office duties such as scheduling or record keeping.

Why should you become an ultrasound technician? Cutting edge career field. Save lives. Earning potential. Continuing education and ongoing training. Enter the field quickly. Job opportunities.

Varied routines. Several options to become an ultrasound technician. How long will it take to complete my education? Anatomy and physiology Sonographic anatomy Principles of sonography Echocardiography Obstetrics and gynecology sonography Abdominal sonography Vascular ultrasound Ultrasound physics Medical terminology Anatomy and physiology of the heart. How to operate state-of-the-art equipment The principles of sonography Types of sonograms How to record data and observations for doctor How to communicate with patients The proper positioning of patient Ethics and patient privacy laws.

One year certificate program. College algebra English composition Anatomy and physiology General physics Biology Psychology and sociology Medical terminology.

Two-year associate's degree program. Principles of general sonography Ultrasound physics and instrumentation Abdominal scanning and pathology Obstetrics and gynecology pathology Vascular scanning Patient care Clinical internship and labs.

Four-year bachelor's degree program. Academic and professional writing Healthcare ethics Introduction to epidemiology Aging and healthcare Conflict resolution Health policy Ultrasound physics. Become certified.