What are the pre-requisites for becoming an ultrasound technician?

Question

I was told there are pre-requisites for studying to be an ultrasound technician that can be fulfilled at community college. What are these?

I am assuming english/writing course, but what else? Thank you!!

Answer 1

Most individuals receive training in diagnostic medical sonography in one of the following ways:

Training in a hospital

Training from a vocational-technical institution

Training from a college or university offering a 2-year or 4-year program

Training in the armed forces

I've provided a website for you to look at to find ultrasound schools in your area hope this has helped x

Answer 2

The prerequisite courses will vary, depending on what program you attend.  You can look at the programs near you and see what they require.

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...