Accreditation Is Key
Whether you opt for an ultrasound certificate or prefer to earn a two or four-year degree as an ultrasound technician, some professionals say that the most important thing is to ensure that whatever program you 
select is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). About two-thirds of all ultrasound programs (out of a total of about 150) are accredited and this status is important since students who complete an accredited training program then go on to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam to become a registered diagnostic medical sonographer. Passing this exam is a requirement for most jobs in the field. To become registered ultrasound technician, you need to pass both a general and specialty exam and you also need to take continuing education courses to stay up to date on best practices.
(Note that if you attend a non-accredited school, you may be required to work for a year in the field prior to qualifying to take this exam. However, it can be difficult to get an employer to hire you without you being registered so this can be a challenging path to take.)
It is also worth pointing out that no state licensing currently exists for medical sonographers, so the ARDMS registration is the standard for the field.
What You Will Learn
Students who participate in diagnostic medical sonography training programs usually learn a variety of basics including anatomy, physiology and physics. You will also learn how to operate the ultrasound equipment, how to interact with patients and you may also be required to have some clinical, on-the-job experience, such as an internship, prior to graduating and/or earning your certificate.
What To Look For In A School
When considering different ultrasound training schools, there are a number of factors you will want to weigh to determine the best fit for you and your goals. First, the scope of the ultrasound program (such as whether it is a certificate program, a two-year associate’s program or a four-year college degree) is important to consider. In addition, you will need to find out the requirements. Some ultrasound training programs actually require that you already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree prior to being accepted.
You will also likely want to find out more about how the coursework is structured and what will be covered. Keep in mind that some of the basic information you will learn in the ultrasound program will consistent no matter where you go, you will find different schools have different teaching styles so the experience can vary a great deal in the end. For instance, some programs will give more of an in-depth introduction into the sonography equipment, while other programs may put more emphasis on interacting with patients and other health care providers. You will also want to look at the cost of the ultrasound program and determine what, if any, financial aid is available to help cover the expenses.
When in doubt, you may want to talk to a few potential employers that interest you and ask them what type of training they prefer for their ultrasound technicians. This may help point you to the right program to help you along your career path.
