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Thinking about a career in ultrasound? Here’s everything you need to know about becoming an ultrasound technician.
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The Prerequisites
There are a few things you need before you can start your training to become an ultrasound technician. Firstly, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Secondly, you need to complete an accredited ultrasound technician program. And lastly, you need to obtain certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
High School
In order to become an ultrasound technician, you will need to complete high school or earn your GED. During your time in high school, you should focus on completing a strong academic program that includes classes in math and science. After you have completed high school or earned your GED, you will then be eligible to enroll in an accredited ultrasound technician program.
Postsecondary Training
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification is the primary credentialing body for ultrasound technicians, and most employers prefer to hire certified workers. There are no specific education requirements to take the certification exams, but most students complete at least an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field before taking the exams. Once you have completed your formal education, you will need to gain clinical experience by completing a supervised internship or externship in an ultrasound department.
The Certification
There are no formal education requirements to become an ultrasound technician. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited ultrasound program. These programs are typically offered through community colleges, technical schools, and hospitals.
The Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
The Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential is the most popular and widely recognized ultrasound certification. RDMS is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). To qualify to take the RDMS exam, candidates must have completed an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program and must have completed a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical work experience in the field.
The Registered Vascular Sonographer
Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) certification is the most recognized credential in the field of vascular sonography. To be eligible for the Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) examination, candidates must have graduated from an accredited vascular technology program and completed a minimum of 1,500 hours of clinical training in vascular sonography. The examination is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The Certified Vascular Sonographer (CVS) credential is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). To be eligible for the CVS examination, candidates must have graduated from an accredited vascular technology program and completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical training in vascular sonography. The examination is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credential is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Candidates must have graduated from an accredited cardiac sonography program and completed a minimum of 1,500 hours of clinical training in cardiac sonography. The examination is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The Licensure
In order to become an ultrasound technician, you will need to have completed an accredited ultrasound program and have earned a certificate or Associate’s degree. Once you have completed your education, you will then need to obtain licensure in order to practice.
The Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
In order to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) you will need to have completed your training at an accredited institution and then pass a credentialing exam. Once you have passed your exam, you will be able to use the title of RDMS and work in any state. Some states have additional licensure requirements.
The Registered Vascular Sonographer
Most people in the ultrasound field are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS) with specialties in abdomen, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), or cardiac sonography. The Registered Vascular Sonographer credential (RVS) is for those focused on vascular sonography. To become an RVS, one must have graduated from an accredited vascular sonography program and have successfully completed all required examinations.
