Show Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images Ultrasound technicians conduct diagnostic medical imaging that can be used to monitor illness and other health conditions. Ultrasound technology is commonly used to establish and to date pregnancy. To become an ultrasound technician, you must complete at least an associate degree or post-secondary certificate. The length of these programs varies by the school that offers them, but it typically takes two years to finish them. Course WorkAn ultrasound technician must have a strong math and science background. Coursework may include calculus, anatomy, biology, physics and physiology. Classes specific to ultrasound technology are also included, such as the physics of ultrasound, application of the technology and an overview of ultrasound equipment. Some programs require that you complete some of the math and science courses before you enter the program, giving you a strong foundation on which to succeed. Others may require admissions testing. Certificate and Degree ProgramsThere are many pathways to becoming an ultrasound technician. You may complete a certificate program, an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most ultrasound technicians receive either a certificate or an associate degree. Both programs take about the same amount of time to complete -- two years -- depending on the school. Some accelerated programs can be completed in a year to 18 months. SpecializationJust like doctors, ultrasound technicians can specialize. Technicians may specialize in vascular ultrasound, echocardiography ultrasound, breast ultrasound and other areas. Specialization requires taking coursework that focuses on the area of choice. Some schools offer programs for specialization, with all of the coursework already outlined. Specialization may help you be more competitive in the job market when applying for certain positions. Clinical RequirementsMost ultrasound technician programs require a certain number of clinical hours. Students use ultrasound equipment on actual patients. Students often complete clinical requirements in a hospital or outpatient facility under the supervision of a medical professional. The number of required clinical hours varies by program. Some programs may also grant credit hours for clinical work. Related ArticlesReferences Writer Bio Maria Magher has been working as a professional writer since 2001. She has worked as an ESL teacher, a freshman composition teacher and an education reporter, writing for regional newspapers and online publications. She has written about parenting for Pampers and other websites. She has a Master's degree in English and creative writing. Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use sound waves to look inside patients' bodies in order to access and diagnose various medical conditions. While best known for checking fetal health, diagnostic medical sonographers also use sound waves to help physicians diagnose problems in the chest cavity and elsewhere in the body. High school students interested in pursuing this career can get started by adding appropriate classes to their schedule. Take as Many Science Courses as PossibleWhen entering a medical profession, a thorough knowledge of the sciences is a must. CityTownInfo.com suggests that high school students interested in becoming diagnostic medical sonographers can improve their chances of success by taking physics, biology, physiology and anatomy. Good grades in these subjects will not only help with acceptance into an appropriate college but will also help the student succeed in his or her coursework. Take Math and Computer Skills ClassesAccording to Campus Explorer, ultrasound technicians have to perform various calculations after taking their initial measurements, so high school students who want to get into this field should make sure to get good grades in all of their math classes, including algebra. Classes focusing on computer skills can also be helpful to aspiring diagnostic medical sonographers, as it will be their responsibility to use and maintain the relevant sonography equipment. Take Advanced English ClassesTo be successful, a diagnostic medical sonographer must have great communication skills, according to U.S. News & World Report. Sonographers are often among the first medical professionals to work with certain patients, so it's essential they know how to express themselves in a clear, friendly manner. While collecting information about the patient's relevant medical history, ultrasound technicians should be able to explain the sonogram procedure in a way that keeps the patient relaxed. Campus Explorer suggests that sonographers require solid writing skills, as it is their responsibility to maintain various patient records. Taking high school English classes -- preferably with advanced placement -- will help develop and sharpen the communication skills necessary for success in this profession. Job OutlookAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for the diagnostic medical sonography profession is expected to grow by 44 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is a much faster growth rate than the average for all other occupations. As the technology gets more advanced, doctors will likely start to favor sonography over invasive diagnostic procedures. The median annual pay for an ultrasound technician was $64,380 in 2010. High school students who choose to pursue employment in this field can rest assured that they've decided on a promising, stable career path. |
What classes should i take to become an ultrasound tech
Copyright © 2024 ko.wiewird Inc.
