I live in shreveport LA and I am interested in becoming an ultrasound technician. ?

Question

I was told that you did not necessarily have to go to school, you would just need to get the proper hands on training. Who/Where can I get more information on getting the training I need to be an ultrasound technician. (I already have a B.S in Biological Sciences)

Answer 1

If you are not already a radiological technologist, or some other type of imaging tech, you are going to have a hard time finding any facility who will give you the hands on training in ultrasound.  It is true that you are not required to attend a formal training program, but if you don't, you cannot take your licensing examinations until you get the clinical experience.  That is a very difficult and unrealistic route.  But, your BS might make it easier for you to gain acceptance to an ultrasound program.

When thinking about entering an ultrasound program, you need not be concerned so much about certificate vs. degree. What is important is that you go to an ACCREDITED program, whether it is college or hospital based. An accredited program allows you to take your registry (licensing) exams upon graduation. Once you get licensed, you will never be asked about your schooling again. An employer does not care what route you take to get licensed, they just want you to have that license.

Don't waste your time or money on a NON-accredited program. Upon completion and graduation from a NON-accredited program, you must work in the field of sonography for a full year prior to taking your licensing examinations. But, you will have a hard time finding an employer to hire you, unless you are licensed.

I would suggest you observe an imaging department to get an idea of what ultrasonographers do daily. There is much more to it than scanning pregnant women. Most people have no idea how much is involved in this career!

You can find a list of accredited schools in your area, by searching "diagnostic medical sonography" and your state at the following site. There are links provided for each program, which will give you additional information (including course duration and prerequisite courses):

http://www.caahep.org/Find_An_Accredited...

Many people, myself included, go to school to become a radiologic technologist, before continuing to ultrasound school. In fact, it can be difficult to get into u/s school without the RT license (although, like I said, the BS might fulfill a program's prerequisites). There are many more choices for schools for x-ray in most states. You can find them here, by searching “radiography“ and your state:

http://www.jrcert.org/cert/Search.jsp

The pay for ultrasound technologists will vary, depending on experience and geographical location.  The American Society of Radiologic Technologists just did a large salary survey, in 2007.   You can see how much a RT and/or ultrasound technologist averaged, per year, in your state here:

https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/research/...

Answer 2

For general career info:  http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'diagnostic medical sonographers' or such.  Just fyi that a person needs to take 'technical physics' as part of the curriculum.

Please only consider programs accredited within the industry.