Ultrasound Technician Schools

Ultrasound technicians are trained to operate machines that use sound waves to internally view different areas of a patient's body. Most ultrasound technicians work in obstetrics, and use ultrasound machines to monitor the growth and development of the fetus in the womb; however, there are opportunities to work with other areas of the body, including abdominal, neurological, and other specialties. Ultrasound technicians also record a patient's medical history prior to performing the ultrasound, direct the patient during the test if another position or viewing angle is needed, and select the best images to review with the physician.

Browse Ultrasound Technician Schools schools by State:

CA | FL

Recommended Schools

ATI Career Training Center

Associate, Diploma
Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology: The Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology (Florida) program prepares graduates for employment opportunities in the area of Ultrasound with clinics, medical offices, hospitals, and specialty-area environments.
Other programs available at ATI Career Training Center: Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology (DUT)
Florida

Carrington College California

Certificate, Associate
Ultrasound Technology
California

Other Community and Technical Colleges

next >

Community College of the Air Force

130 W Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery, 36112
Telephone:(334) 953-2223
http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/

George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

801 Main St NW, Hanceville, 35077
Telephone:(256) 352-8000
http://www.wallacestate.edu

Virginia College-Birmingham

65 Bagby Dr., Birmingham, 35209
Telephone:(205) 802-1200
http://www.vc.edu

GateWay Community College

108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, 85034
Telephone:(602) 392-5000
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu 60 Sargent Dr, New Haven, 06511
Telephone:(203) 285-2000
http://www.gwctc.commnet.edu

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

4301 W Markham, Little Rock, 72205
Telephone:(501) 296-1275
http://www.uams.edu

American Career College

3130 East Sedona Court, Ontario, 91764
Telephone:(951) 739-0788
http://www.americancareer.com 4021 Rosewood Avenue, Los Angeles, 90004
Telephone:(323) 668-7555
http://www.americancareer.com

ATI College

12440 Firestone Blvd Ste 2001, Norwalk, 90650
Telephone:(562) 864-0506 x10
http://www.ati.edu

ATI College-SantaAna

1125 East 17th Street, Santa Ana, 92701
Telephone:(714) 730-7080
http://www.ati.edu

Career Colleges of America

5612 E Imperial Hwy, South Gate, 90280
Telephone:(562) 861-8702
http://careercolleges.org

Casa Loma College-Van Nuys

6850 Van Nuys Blvd Ste 300, Van Nuys, 91405
Telephone:(818) 785-2726
http://www.casalomacollege.edu
next >

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technologists use diagnostic imaging through sound waves to create an internal picture of a patient's body. Unlike most diagnostic testing, ultrasound is not computer operated, it is actually guided by the sonographer's ability to get clear, accurate pictures. In this field, it is required to work closely with a radiologist and communicate which images need to be studied further.  read more [+]

Educational Background

There was a time when becoming an ultrasound technician was really easy. A few years back, if you knew an ultrasound technician, you could just have him train you. Then, you were required to complete a certain amount of hours to become certified or recognized as a trained ultrasound technologist. Today advances in medicine, and specifically ultrasound, require thorough training.

Certification

Many job openings require the sonographer to be ARDMS certified. State laws don't require you to be certified, but most employers will not hire you unless you are. There are several paths you can take to become ARDMS certified. Depending on which path you choose will depend on how long it will take to become ARDMS certified.

  • If you don't have any experience or college degree, the best way to become an ultrasound technician is by taking an associate's or bachelor's degree program specifically for ultrasound.
  • If you do have a degree already, it will still depend on what your degree is in, on how long it will take, and which requirements you will need to meet before becoming ARDMS certified.

With the new advances in sonography, it is very important to be properly trained. Sonography is being used in many situations, whether it is OB, cardiology, breast, brain, or abdominal. Once properly trained, you can continue to be certified in different areas and will be required to stay up to date on all your certifications. Depending on which direction you hope to go within the ultrasound field, will depend on what further education is required.

Dedication is Everything

To become successful in sonography after you finish your schooling, you will need to continue to nurture and grow your skills. It's almost an art of its own, because there is not a computer controlling the pictures or the probe, but the hand of the technician. It has become an acquired form of art, of how well your pictures turn out. If you have the ability, dedication, and desire to become an ultrasound technician, you can make a decent salary. Proper training is important for success as a diagnostic sonographer.