How to Get Certified in Ultrasound Tech

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get certified in ultrasound tech so you can start your new career in diagnostic imaging.

Checkout this video:

Introduction

Becoming an ultrasound technician requires completing an accredited education program and passing a licensing exam. Certification is voluntary, but it may give you an edge when applying for jobs or moving to a new state. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers certification in eight different specialties, including abdominal, breast, cardiovascular, fetal echocardiography, musculoskeletal, neurosonology, obstetric and gynecologic sonography, and pediatric sonography.

To be eligible to sit for an ARDMS exam, you must have completed an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program and fulfilled the clinical training requirements in your chosen specialty. Once you’ve met these requirements, you can apply to take the ARDMS examination. The examination process includes a written exam and a skills assessment.

If you’re interested in becoming certified in ultrasound technology, read on to learn more about the process and what it entails.

What is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a medical professional who uses special equipment to create images of the inside of the human body. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Ultrasound technicians typically work in hospitals, clinics, or private offices. They may also work in research laboratories or in industry. Some technicians may travel to patients’ homes or to other locations to provide mobile ultrasound services.

Most ultrasound technicians have at least an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, although some have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, all states require ultrasound technicians to be licensed or certified. certification is usually granted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?

An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a professional who uses medical imaging equipment to create images and provide patient care. Ultrasound techs work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices and diagnostic laboratories. They may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as obstetrics, cardiology or emergency medicine.

The duties of an ultrasound technician vary depending on their specialty and work setting, but they typically involve operating ultrasound machines, performing examinations, providing patient care and education, and keeping accurate records. Ultrasound techs must be able to use complex scientific equipment and have excellent communication skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and maintain a calm demeanor in emergency situations.

What are the Education Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

While certification is not required in all states, according to the ARDMS, most employers prefer or require certification. There are two ways to become certified through the ARDMS: by passing an exam or by completing a course of study and clinical internship approved by the ARDMS.

Those who choose to take the exam must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours from an accredited institution, including courses in general physics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care and ethics, pathophysiology and Introduction to Vascular sonography. Once these prerequisite courses have been completed, students can then register for the ARDMS examination.

Alternately, students can enroll in a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited diagnostic medical sonography program. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the ARDMS exams. Clinical internships are an integral part of these programs and provide students with hands-on experience in the field.

What are the Certification Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

In order to become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

There are several different certification exams that you can take in order to become an ultrasound technician. The most common exam is the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Exam. This exam covers the basic principles of sonography, as well as the instruments used in ultrasound imaging. You will also need to pass a clinical skills exam in order to become certified.

Once you have passed the SPI Exam and the clinical skills exam, you will be eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). In order to maintain your certification, you will need to complete continuing education credits on a regular basis.

What are the Job Prospects for Ultrasound Technicians?

The job prospects for ultrasound technicians are very good. There is a high demand for qualified technicians, and the salary is very competitive. Ultrasound technicians can find employment in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and research facilities.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Technician Make?

In order to become an ultrasound technician, one must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. The average salary for an entry-level ultrasound technician is $63,610 per year.

What are the Ultrasound Technician Salary by State?

The ultrasound technician salary in each state varies somewhat, but there are a few states that stand out as offering significantly higher salaries than the rest. In general, the Northeast and West Coast states seem to offer the highest salaries for ultrasound technicians, with New York, California, and Massachusetts leading the pack. Here is a look at the average salary for ultrasound technicians in each state, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

-Alaska: $87,920
-Arizona: $74,290
-California: $84,620
– Colorado: $75,650
– Connecticut: $81,750
– Delaware: $77,950
– District of Columbia: $92,180
– Florida: $68,780
– Georgia: $70,560
– Hawaii: $81,230
– Idaho: $68,130
– Illinois: $75,450
– Indiana: $68,030
– Iowa: $70,290

What are the Top Online Ultrasound Technician Programs?

There are many online ultrasound technician programs available, but not all of them are created equal. To ensure that you get the best education possible, it’s important to choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to accredited programs, you can further narrow down your list by looking at the program’s curriculum and seeing if it meets your needs. Most ultrasound technician programs will offer both didactic (classroom) and clinical components. The clinical component is important, as it will give you the opportunity to put what you’ve learned in the classroom into practice.

When you’re looking at online ultrasound technician programs, be sure to ask about the admissions requirements, as each program will have its own set of requirements that must be met before you can be accepted into the program. Once you’ve been accepted into a program, you can then begin working towards your certification.

There are two main types of certification for ultrasound technicians: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). To become certified, you will need to pass an exam administered by either the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once you have passed your exam, you will then be able to use the designation “ Ultrasound Technician-Registered” (UT-R) after your name.

Conclusion

After completing an accredited training program, you will be eligible to take the national examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Once you have passed this exam, you will be credentialed as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). You will then need to maintain your registration through continuing education and annual fees.