Pretty shocking, isn’t it? Considering how many hours we spend away from our family, a job takes up a large portion of our life. Some jobs require you to perform the same tasks, over and over. You may work in a factory, or a small cubicle, staring at the wall. Some jobs pay so little you live paycheck to paycheck. Maybe your job pays well but doesn’t challenge you in any way. If you are unhappy or dissatisfied with your job, you can quickly become bored or ‘burned out.’

Provided you start working at 21 and retire at around 65, you will work over 22% of your life.

You should enjoy what you do for a living

A career as an Ultrasound Tech offers something different. Ultrasound Techs, also known as ultrasonographers, aren’t stuck in a small cubicle, performing the same tasks. They work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, mobile imaging units, dental practices, veterinary clinics and specialty centers.

Ultrasound Techs meet and work with new patients each day. Each patient represents a new challenge, and opportunity, to make a difference in that patient’s life. Ultrasound Techs are a respected and valued part of the healthcare team. They work closely with the Radiologist and the patient’s Physician In this career, Ultrasound Techs use their education and skills to obtain the best possible diagnostic images of patients, images that could and do save lives.

To join the healthcare team as an Ultrasound Tech, you will need to obtain your education from an accredited school or college. You can choose a less than one year certificate, a less than two year certificate, an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s degree. The most popular choice is an Associate’s or two-year degree. Selecting an accredited school signifies one that meets the high standards of a quality education through national accrediting standards.

Some colleges or schools that are not accredited may offer ‘cheaper’ tuition. However, you could lose more in the long run than just money.  You will not be eligible to take your certification exam unless you have obtained your education from an accredited college or school. You must first work in the Sonography field for a full year before taking the exam. In addition, should you wish to transfer credits from a non-accredited school, you will not be able to. These credits, and all the hard work you did to receive them, will be lost. In addition, a non-accredited school may not provide you all the skills you will need for your career. The smartest and safest choice is to select an accredited school. After all, your education is important. You deserve the best!

Connecticut does not require you to become licensed or certified. However, most employers do require you to be registered. You can obtain your ARDMS, American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography by taking the exam. Once you have become registered you can earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.

There are two accredited colleges in Connecticut:

Gateway Community College, 60 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511 Telephone (203)285-2000 

 This college offers students a 21 to 1 student to teacher ratio. The New York Times ranked this college the top community college in the state (incoming freshman). The college offers over 95 accredited programs and has been open for over forty years. There are three Ultrasound Tech programs offered, a less than one year certificate, less than two year certificate and an Associate’s Degree.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program instructs students on the technical and academic skills for successful obstetrical, gynecological, vascular and abdominal sonography. Students will also learn patient care, ethical behavior, communication and analyzing data. After completing the program, students will be prepared and eligible to apply for the ARDMS national registry examination.

St Francis Hospital and Medical Center-Hartford, 114 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06105 Telephone (860) 714-5698

This college boasts a 100% pass rate on the national exams since the Ultrasound Tech program obtained national accreditation in 2003. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offered at this college focuses on cardiac ultrasound – adult or pediatric, and is available to students who have the prerequisite two year healthcare –related degree. Additional prerequisites include human anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a fulltime program that instructs students on cardiac ultrasound, and includes specialty areas such as transthorasic ultrasound and stress echocardiography. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be given a certificate. An additional program, lasting six months, is offered for certification in pediatric ultrasound. The College proudly offers students a 100% employment rate after they have successfully completed the program. 

As an Ultrasound Tech, you will be well compensated for your skills and knowledge. In the State of Colorado, this career earns an average annual wage of $77,880.00 per year. Colorado is one of the top five paying states for diagnostic medical Sonographers. This salary can fluctuate depending on where you work, your employer, and if you are specialized in a particular area of ultrasound such as Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also known as the ARDMS, is the certifying body for students who have completed their education and then passed the certification exam. For those who wish to continue their education and pursue specialization within this field, such as Obstetrics and Gynecology, the ARDMS also provides certifying exams for the nine areas of specialty as well as a general certification in principles and instrumentation. Students who obtain certification (s) in areas of specialization may enjoy a higher salary range and be in greater demand by some employers.

It is not a requirement to have your state licensure in Colorado, although most employers prefer registered Sonographers. It is very important to select an ultrasound program that is accredited through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Attending an accredited school ensures the program meets the high standards of a quality education, and will provide you all the skills needed to be successful in your career. Accreditation also ensures the education you obtain can be transferred to another school, should you wish to continue your education.  Some Ultrasound Tech programs are shorter in length. While this may be highly desirable for students wishing to begin their career sooner, many of these programs are not accredited. The programs may not include important areas of instruction. This may leave you lacking in the skills needed for your career, as well as make your ineligible to take the certification exam to become registered.

In the State of Colorado, there are several accredited Ultrasound Tech programs such as:

Pueblo Community College, 900 West Orman Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81004-1499 Telephone (719)549-3200
This college boasts a 36 to 1 student ratio, and has provided two-year degrees to students for over 75 years. The job placement rate for the Health Professionals who graduate from this College is 100%. There are three Ultrasound programs offered:  An Associates of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, an Associate’s in Radiologic Technology as well as a certificate of completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at this College is temporarily on hold due to the resignation of the Medical Ultrasound Coordinator. Both regional and national searches are currently under consideration for the program.

Red Rocks Community College, 13300 W Sixth Ave, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-1255 Telephone (303) 914-6600

This college boasts a 61 to 1 student to teacher ratio. The college is a two-year college that offers students both an Associate’s degree and certification programs in diagnostic medical sonography. The ultrasound program instructs students in general sonography. The course includes abdominal ultrasound and physics, as well as prepares students for specializations such as Obstetrics and Gynecology. The degree program resulting in an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in diagnostic medical sonography includes a capstone project and internship. The certification program results in a Diagnostic medical sonography certificate. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared and eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam for certification.

University of Colorado Hospital – Anschutz Center for Advanced Medicine, 1635 Aurora, Colorado 80045 Telephone (720) 848-1872

This University provides an education to students at its hospital, and focuses on providing a quality medical education. The ultrasound program offered is at the University’s school of Medicine. The Department of Radiology at this University will be nationally recognized with a stature that will match or exceed the SOM by 2020.The program is one year in length, and provides training through classroom as well as UC labs. The program instructs students on the different types of ultrasound such as abdominal, superficial structures and gynecology. To attend the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at this University, students must first possess an Associate’s degree in a related field (or Bachelor’s). After completing the program, students receive a certificate of completion in sonography and ultrasound.  Students will be eligible to take ARDMS certification exams in several areas, such as OB-GYN, abdomen / superficial structure imaging and ultrasound physics.

Pima Medical Institute Telephone (800) 477-7462

This Institute began in 1972 and currently offers 13 campuses in 7 states. In Colorado, there are three campuses for students:

 Denver- Opened in 1988; this campus is located at 7475 Dakin Street, Denver Colorado 80221

Colorado Springs – Opened in 2002, this campus is located at 3770 Citadel Drive North, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909

South Denver – Opened in 2010, this campus is located at 10200 E. Girard Avenue, Building C, Suite 150, Denver Colorado 80231

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at this Institute is one year, five months in length, and instructs students on each area of Ultrasound technology. Along with medical terminology and equipment, the program covers ultrasound techniques and protocols in areas of specialization such as: Vascular, Abdominal, Small parts, Gynecology and Obstetrics. Students will learn the skills to differentiate healthy from unhealthy areas within these specializations, medical ethics and patient care.

Students must first hold a bachelor’s degree or a two-year allied health education degree in a patient-related field. Additional prerequisites include completion of general education courses including:

Communications

Math and Physics

Anatomy and Physiology

Communications

Joining the Healthcare field as an Ultrasound Tech, also known as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, is your opportunity to make a difference – in your patients lives’ as well as your own. Each day you will use your skills, compassion and knowledge to work with each patient, obtaining the images needed for diagnosis and treatment. By providing the best possible images for interpretation and reading, you could capture early stages of cancer or other life-altering disease, making this career the perfect choice for those wanting to help others.

There are many exciting places for Ultrasound Techs to work in California. Some of the top medical facilities are located in this State, along with many smaller hospitals, clinics and medical centers. The typical salary in the State of California is around $73,000 per year, around 8% higher than the national average.

In California, there are many colleges and universities that offer Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  Whatever program you choose, it is very important that you go to an accredited program. Not only does accreditation make sure the program you choose has met high standards and will provide you an excellent education, an accredited program will allow you to take your registry exam once you graduate, so you can become licensed. If you select a non-accredited program, once you have graduated you must work for a full year before being eligible to take your licensing exam – and most employers will not hire a non-licensed Ultrasound Tech.

San Joaquin Valley College 10641 Church St, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730-6862 Telephone (866)544-7898

Founded in 1977, this college has nine campuses in California. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offered instructs students on sonography fundamentals, ultrasound administration including abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology and vascular imaging, data collection, and emphasizes providing compassionate care.

Prerequisites for this program are: English Composition, Basic Algebra (or higher), Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology. Students must take these course at a regionally accredited college or university and have a passing grade of 2.0 or higher.

The eighteen month program is broken down into three 24 week terms, including summers. Classes are held each Monday through Friday. This college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Central California School 3195 McMillian # F, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Telephone 805-543-9123     

The Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound program at this college is a two year program that instructs students on abdominal and obstetrical ultrasound, as well as clinical medical assisting. The total credit hours (quarter) are 186 for this program, which is offered during the week for local students. For students outside the area, the classroom sessions are also offered on the weekends.  This College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges as well as the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch. ARDMS requirements are discussed during student orientation.

Platt College 1000 South Fremont Ave. Suite A9 West, Alhambra, CA – 91803 Telephone (626) 300-5444

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is also offered at two other campuses:

Ontario Campus, 3700 Inland Empire Boulevard, Ontario, CA 91764

Alhambra Campus, 1000 South Fremont Ave, Suite A9W, Alhambra, CA 91803  

Founded in 1948 with just 500 students, this college is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers students an Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program instructs students on the areas of OB/GYN, advanced vascular ultrasound and abdominal sonography. The prerequisites for this program include health occupations, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. Upon successfully completing this program, students will have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and the skills to manipulate a variety of instruments. The program is a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Loma Linda University, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, California 92354 Telephone (909) 558-1000

This University is Seventh-day Adventist. Eight schools make up the University which boasts more than 4,000 students.  There are two Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at this university: General Medical Sonography and Vascular Technology, and Cardiac Sonography.  Students must have an associate’s degree, preferably in a science area, a bachelor’s degree or a graduate of an accredited allied health program.

The General Medical Sonography program is twenty-four months, and prepares students for a variety of ultrasound types, such as OB-GYN, and includes Physics and Instrumentation. The program includes normal and fetal abnormalities, maternal diseases and anomalies, as well as general sonography for the abdomen, breasts and thyroid. Students will be prepared to sit for the RVT and RDMS board exams after successfully completing the program.

The Cardiac Sonography program is twelve months, and prepares students for this specialty. Students will be taught normal anatomy, disease processes, and extensively study heart hemodynamics. The program also includes Adult and Pediatric echocardiography as well as Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation. After completing the program, students will be prepared to sit for the board exam and RDCS.

Cypress College 9200 Valley View Street, Cypress California 90630 Telephone (714)484-7000

This college is part of the North Orange County Community College District, and offers small classroom sizes for individual attention. A bond measures has transformed the campus in the last four years, modernizing many facilities. The college also offers a Career Planning Center for students. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at this college is eighteen months long, and offers instruction in general sonography, including pelvis, obstetrics, superficial structures and abdomen. Students should expect clinical training Monday – Thursday, with didactic courses scheduled on Fridays. Vascular training or echo cardiology is not part of this program. Students will be qualified to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exam after successfully completing the program.

Prerequisites to the program include Radiologic Physics, Patient Care, Survey of Disease, Ethics, and Anatomy & Physiology. These courses can also be taken during the program, and must be completed with a “C” grade or better.

Working in a pleasant healthcare environment as part of a team, Ultrasound Techs are paid a lucrative salary for their education and skills. In the State of Arizona, Ultrasound Technicians, also referred to as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, are paid an average salary of $67,0000. Salary for this profession fluctuates depending on where you work and live, as larger city or metropolitan areas typically pay higher than rural areas.

There are several ways to obtain your Ultrasound Technician education such as certification programs and degrees. Certification programs for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer typically last between 1-2 years. The degreed programs in this field include an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which takes two years to complete. A Bachelor’s Degree , a four year degree, that is accredited is currently not available in the State of Arizona.

It is very important to select a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP. This accreditation is a validation that the program you have chosen follows set guidelines for teaching, ensuring you will receive the very best education and providing you the tools to successfully achieve your certification.

Accreditation also ensures you will be eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam. If successfully passed, you will become registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. If the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program you select is not accredited, you will be required to work fulltime for one year (fulfilling hours requirements set forth) before becoming eligible to sit for the ARDMS exams. Many employers do not wish to hire an unregistered Sonographer. If you are unable to gain employment to fulfill the one year work requirement, this creates the difficult situation now facing many students. To circumvent any disruptions in your education and ensure the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program you choose is credible, it is a smart choice to select one that is an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program.

In the State of Arizona there is one accredited sonography program that is available:

Gateway Community College, 108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 Telephone (602)286-8000

Open since 1968, this college enrolls over 16,000 students yearly and offers over 100 degree, certification and training programs. The first technical college in the State of Arizona, this college offers an Associate Degree of Applied Sciences (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The program is offered both day and evening, convenient for those who work. The fulltime program is twenty-four months long. Along with classroom instruction, the clinical portion is in cooperation with area hospitals and clinics, a requirement by the ARDMS before sitting for the National Registry exam. The degree program is designed for those who already work as a healthcare professional; however, students with no healthcare experience can apply as well.

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Commissions of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also known as JRCDMS. Upon successfully completing the program, students are eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam in Abdomen and Gynecology / Obstetrics and sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for general sonography.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program offered by the college provides students a CCL (certificate of completion) and allows them to seek American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certification.

In the State of Alaska, Ultrasound Techs enjoy an average salary of $75,000. This makes Alaska one of the top five highest paying states for this career. One of the highest paying areas in this state is Anchorage.

You can obtain your education through certification or by obtaining your degree, either an Associates (two year) or a Bachelor’s (four year). The Diagnostic Sonography or Ultrasound Technician programs can be from 24 to 48 months long.  If you are already in the healthcare field, a one year (12 month) program is offered.

There are several upcoming opportunities to obtain your Ultrasound Technician education in Alaska such as:

University of Alaska at Fairbanks, 505 South Chandalar Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775 Telephone  (907) 474- 7211

Offering seven campuses throughout the State of Alaska, this University has over 11,000 students. Established in 1922 and offering over 170 degrees and 33 certifications, the University  has a newly developed  Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; however, construction is in progress to provide classroom space for teaching. The scheduled completion is dated for August 2012, in time for Fall semester.

University of Alaska at Anchorage 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage Alaska 99508 Telephone: (907) 786-6924

A large public, four year college was established in 1954 and boasts over 17,000 students and 122 majors, from certificates to postmaster certification. At this University, a newly developed program will soon offer students a Diagnostic Medical Sonography education. Students will be prepared for employment as a general sonographer, obtaining fetal, vascular, abdominal and gynecological images for review by the Physician or Radiologist.

For those interested in becoming an Ultrasound Tech, the growth in this field is just one of the many benefits. In the State of Alabama, Ultrasound Techs earn a salary of $56,000.00. This career provides job security even as unemployment rates skyrocket. Ultrasound Techs work in an exciting, and varied, work environment and have employee benefits such as healthcare, dental and vision care, vacation and tuition reimbursement.

In Alabama, there are several schools and programs available to obtain your education such as:

1. University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, 801 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 Telephone (205)348-6010 Radiology (205) 934-5135

Central Ohio Technical College 1179 University Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055-1767. Tel (740)-366-1351. This school is a two year public college boasting a 24:1 teacher to student ratio, and is fully accredited.

Cincinnati State Technical Community College 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223-2690. Tel (513)-569-1500. Fully accredited, this school offers a two year degree and is available for transfer students, as well as continuing education.

Cuyahoga Community College 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2878. Tel (800)-954-8742. Offering a two year degree, this public college provides high quality educational opportunities and has a 19:1 student ratio.

Kettering College of Medical Arts 3737 Southern Blvd, Kettering Ohio 45429-1299. Tel (937)-395-8601. A private school of Adventist faith, this college offers both two and four year degrees as well as Master’s degree in health sciences, and a student ratio of 10 to 1. Fully accredited.

Owens Community College 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Tel (567)-661-7000. Fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges, this college offers an Associate’s degree in a smaller campus setting.

University of Rio Grande 218 North College Avenue, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674. Tel (740)-245-7206. Set in a rural setting, this private college offers degrees up to a Masters, campus was established over 130 years ago.  The school proudly has students from over 20 countries attending the 160 acre campus.