An ultrasound technician is one who operates ultrasound equipment to assess and to help physicians and other healthcare professionals monitor or diagnose medical conditions.

Steps for becoming an Ultrasound Technician

• Locate an accredited school

• Complete your degree

• Successfully pass the ARDMS exam

• Apply for and obtain a job

 
Length of Ultrasound Training
Time varies upon the program chosen. A two year associate’s degree depends on the prerequisites that have been completed. A bachelor’s degree usually can be completed within 4 years. Also, one year certificates are available for people who have previous healthcare experience and education.

Academic Preparation for Ultrasound Training
As part of educational preparation for ultrasound technician training, math, science, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, computer technology, physics, and psychology will help prepare the student for the educational programs that support academic success.

Training for Ultrasound Technician
A prospective ultrasound technician in the state of Missouri has various opportunities to receive training through programs at the Certificate, Associates or Baccalaureate degree levels. An important recommendation is that the school chosen should be accredited by CAAHEP and then the technician should sit for the ARDMS or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exam. Successful registration proves to employers that the sonographer has the appropriate capabilities, knowledge, skills and clinical training.

Missouri requires that the ultrasound technicians keep their certification current by taking continuing education classes.

Missouri Certification for an Ultrasound Technician
For certification within the state of Missouri, the technician must pass both a background check and drug test. The state recognizes the credential of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exam. The only way that the applicant can obtain this certification is through the test. The ARDMS documents the standardized professional achievements of the applicant through the examination process.

Salary for Ultrasound Technician
Across the state of Missouri, salaries depend upon the amount of training, the experience of the sonographer and the city location of the health institution. According to Salary.com an Ultrasound Technician earns approximately $66, 580 for a median salary, the low salary range is $55, 696 or below and a high range is above $79, 199.

Common Tasks for Ultrasound Technician

• Performs diagnostic sonographic examinations using ultrasonic equipment

• Schedules, organizes and records tests results
• Acquires and records correct patient history including prior test results

• Prepares patient for exam by describing the procedure, shifting the patient to ultrasound table, cleansing skin, applying gel and positioning patient properly

• Scrutinizes screen during scan to confirm that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and adjusts the equipment as needed

• Provides a summary of findings for use in medical diagnosis

• Calibrates and cares for sonographic equipment

• Prepares and maintains operational logs

 
Ultrasound and its Bright Future
A diagnostic medical sonographer plays an important role in medicine today. Seeing inside the body is paramount for successful diagnostic and treatment plans. The technologist has dual responsibilities of locating the medical information needed and dealing with the patient as they do so. This is a valued rewarding occupation that allows employment within hospitals, imaging clinics, surgical centers, obstetricians, gynecologists and specialists offices.

Ultrasound technology is one of the highest paid jobs around one can have with only an associate’s degree. Anyone can become part of this field by going to an ultrasound technician school. Medical imaging is expected to have above average job growth.

Job description

Ultrasound technicians are trained to operate equipment and to look for problem areas in an image. They must ensure that the image is clear enough for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. The ultrasound technician may also be required to do measurements, perform calculations and evaluate results.

Instruction

Certificate programs typically take one year of study, while associate degree programs take two. Applicants must a high school diploma, or be a high school senior. They should take courses in biology and human anatomy and physiology.

An associate degree program requires 60 or more credit hours. The hours include coursework in areas like sectional anatomy, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, and OB/GYN and abdominal ultrasounds. An associate degree also requires a student take several courses in English, psychology, speech and communication and the humanities. These programs also require clinical rotations to get practical experience.

Prerequisite courses include anatomy and physiology, college algebra, physics and medical terminology courses are prerequisites for most programs.

Course work

Ultrasound technician programs begin with a course on patient care. Students study the legal, ethical and psychological concerns of professional ultrasound. This course includes a study of basic medical terminology used in ultrasound and an overview of diagnostic imaging procedures.

Technician classes in anatomy include descriptions of bodily systems and how they work together for efficient bodily functions. Students examine ultrasound images to learn to identify parts of the body like the developing brain, liver, and kidneys when they appear on screen or during x-rays.

Special topics in the ultrasound physics course include sound transmission, three-dimensional applications, diagnostic images and the workings of ultrasound technology. Students operate and maintain ultrasound machines and practice using them on classmates.

Clinical rotation

Clinical rotation is done near the end of a program. They take place in a hospital or doctor’s office, where students interact with patients, doctors and nurses. The rotation provides students a chance to work in cardiac, vascular and general fields to understand how each uses diagnostic imaging. Clinical work also includes monitoring infant growth, which helps identify potential problems.

Certification

After completing a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree program on ultrasound, an individual will need to take the ultrasound technician certification exam. While no state currently requires an ultrasound technician to be certified or licensed, most employers prefer individuals who are. Certification shows that an individual is competent and is able to meet the professional standards the industry requires.

Certification process

To receive certification, a student must first complete a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor degree program at a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After completion, the technician can then register with the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers.

After registering, the technician will need to pass the certification exam. The exam will test the technician’s knowledge of ultrasound equipment and physical principles of ultrasound technology. The technician must also take an exam in a specialty of his or her choosing, such as obstetrics or abdominal ultrasound.

The certification exam will have about 150 multiple choice questions. Some specialty exams have video cases as well. Each test will take around three hours to finish. Recertification is required every 60 months.

Continuing Education

Ultrasound technicians must maintain their professional certification with continuing education. ARDMS requires 30 continuing medical education credits in each three-year period to maintain certification. Technicians can earn CMEs by obtaining additional certifications or taking classes.

Salary in Mississippi

In Mississippi, ultrasound technicians work in a variety of healthcare facilities, including doctors’ offices, specialty clinics, hospitals, acute care centers, urgent care clinics, and cancer clinics. Although the average diagnostic ultrasound salary in Mississippi is around $51,630, the type of facility can make a difference. The majority of ultrasound technicians in Mississippi work in hospitals.