What is ultrasound technology?
Ultrasound technology is a process of using non-invasive, high frequency sound waves to project images of body tissues, organs, and structures in order to assess or diagnose medical conditions.
What should I look for in an online ultrasound technician school?
The best online ultrasound technician schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online ultrasound technician schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
In choosing the best online ultrasound technician school for you, you should consider the following factors:
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online ultrasound technician programs are available?
The following levels of Ultrasound technician degree online programs are available:
- Online Ultrasound Technician Certificate Programs
- Online Associates in Ultrasound Technician
- Online Bachelor in Ultrasound Technician
How long does it take to get an online ultrasound technician degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online Ultrasound technician degree depends on the level of Ultrasound technician degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online Ultrasound Technician Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online Ultrasound Technician Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online Ultrasound Technician Bachelor Degree – 4 years
What are some examples of online ultrasound technician courses?
The best ultrasound or sonography online degree programs courses teach students the medical terminology, skills and applications of ultrasound technology. Common courses are:
- Anatomy & Physiology
This is the core course in understanding the form and function of the human body.
- Medical Ethics
In dealing with patient care, privacy, treatment and procedures, students learn about the ethical questions of medical practice.
- Sonographic Instrumentation
This course is one of the skills classes focusing on how to properly use, read and care for ultrasound equipment.
- Grayscale and Color Doppler Sonography
Different types of ultrasound technology are used in different specialties, so this course reviews and compares grayscale and color ultrasound readings.
- Patient Care
Practical skills in working with patients of various backgrounds and levels of health are the topics of this core course.
What areas of ultrasound technician specialization are available?
Online ultrasound technology degrees from accredited universities offer specializations in:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Abdominal Sonography
- Vascular and Cardiovascular Technology
- Neurological Sonography
- Ophthalmology (Eyes)
- Mammography
What can I do with an ultrasound technician degree?
With a good online ultrasound technician degree from an accredited university, graduates can pursue Ultrasound technician jobs such as:
- Hospital ultrasound technician
- Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonographer
- Abominal Sonographer
- Vascular Sonographer
- Neurology Sonographer
- Ophthalmology Sonographer
- Medical Assistant
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
What is an ultrasound technician?
An ultrasound technician examines patients using sound wave technology to create a visual image of internal organs and tissues for further diagnosis.
What does an ultrasound technician do?
Specifically, an ultrasound technician works with patients to explaining how an ultrasound works and what the ultrasound results can show a doctor to help a person’s health concerns. Career ultrasound technicians use the non-invasive ultrasound equipment to take pictures of patients’ internal body systems and then interpret the results of the scan or assist a doctor in interpreting the ultrasound. The ultrasonographer also maintains patient records, keeps the equipment clean and may recommend further scans to monitor a patient’s health changes.
How much does an ultrasound technician earn?
On average, ultrasound technician jobs in hospitals and a doctor’s office pay between $52,500 and $73,600 per year. The growth rate for jobs in ultrasound technology is expected to be faster than average at 18% until 2018. As some imaging procedures become less expensive to use in outpatient settings and the baby boomer population ages, more careers will open up for ultrasound technicians.
How do I become an ultrasound technician?
The best plan for how to become an ultrasound technician is to complete an online associates or bachelors degree from a university accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After completing the appropriate education, candidates should register for a certification exam from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The exam tests sonographers on physics and imaging procedures. States do not require licensing for diagnostic medical sonographers, but the ARDMS certification is an aid in gaining higher p
