Have you ever gotten an ultrasound and thought, “Wow, I’d love to do this job”? Whether it’s monitoring fetal development, evaluating organ health, or screening for breast cancer, ultrasound technicians play an incredibly important and valued role in healthcare. They are caring professionals who get to work directly with patients, in good times and vulnerable ones, and play a key role in medical diagnoses.

Ultrasound technician jobs are highly lucrative and, therefore, in high demand. These professionals can look forward to a flexible schedule, competitive salaries, persistent job stability, and meaningful work that does not require years in medical school. And that is, perhaps, the best part of becoming an ultrasound tech — you can earn close to six figures after just two years in a Radiography program. (Talk about a strong ROI!)

So, how do you become an ultrasound tech and reach your full potential? What steps do you need to take to break into the radiography field? Let’s take a look!

Requirements to become an ultrasound technician

The steps to become an ultrasound tech can vary by employer and by state. In general, though, there are certain requirements you will need to fulfill. These include completing an accredited radiography program, gaining hands-on experience, and, for many jobs, pursuing professional certification.

Training requirements for ultrasound techs

Ultrasound technicians, much like any type of sonographer, require some level of postsecondary education before getting started. This may be a certificate or an associate degree, but the specific educational expectation will differ by state.

In this training program, aspiring techs will take classes in the core sciences, radiologic and sonography techniques, patient care and safety, as well as clinical experiences to prepare for their future careers. Clinical experiences are hands-on learning opportunities, typically done in real healthcare settings, to practice skills under the direction of a certified professional.

Explore the Radiologic Technology program at Goodwin!

Certification requirements for ultrasound techs

Ultrasound technicians do not need to be licensed typically, and this is because they do not deal with radiation directly. However, many employers will look for ultrasound techs who have pursued certification. Professional certification is offered through an examination, administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

How to become an ultrasound tech

We’ve covered the basics, but what do you really need to become an ultrasound technician today? Tackle these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career in sonography.

1. Pursue an associate degree in a related field.

Becoming an ultrasound tech starts with education. You may choose to pursue an associate degree in Sonography, which teaches students about ultrasound imaging specifically, or a broader Radiography program (offered at the associate degree level). If you pursue a Radiography program, you will just need to complete your training in sonography to qualify for ultrasound tech jobs.

2. Gain hands-on training.

If you have a degree already, you can work your way towards an ultrasound tech position simply by training on the job. For example, working at a hospital provides the unique opportunity to cross-train in different fields, including sonography.

If you’re going to school for Radiography or Sonography, ask about the clinical rotations available to you. The right clinical rotation will teach you how to operate ultrasound machines, position patients comfortably for imaging, and take accurate images that can be used for diagnoses.

3. Pursue certification.

While ultrasound technicians are not universally required to become certified, many employers expect candidates to take this step. Professional certification underlines a person’s commitment to (and expertise within) their field. Most employers expect ultrasound technicians to earn their certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

All in all, becoming an ultrasound technician takes two years or less, depending on the school and degree program.

Start your journey in medical imaging at Goodwin!

If you’re weighing your career options in radiologic technology and deciding if an ultrasound technician career is right for you, ask yourself: Is this the career I want to focus on and, if so, am I ready to commit to the process?

The good news is that the “getting there” can be flexible. At Goodwin University, the associate degree in Radiography can be completed in as few as 20 to 24 months part-time. This leaves room for balancing schoolwork, social life, job factors, and other personal considerations.

Start your medical imaging journey with us today! Contact us online to learn more about the growing Radiography program.