Accredited ultrasound technician programs offer a standardized curriculum endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Ultrasound equipment uses sound waves to create an image for assessing and diagnosing medical conditions. The use of ultrasound (or sonography) in obstetrics, abdominal, neurosonography and breast exam is common. Sonography is becoming more widely used, reducing the need to expose patients to the radiation in x-rays. People who want to become ultrasound technicians have a choice of accredited schools to attend.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites for admission to programs depends on the length of the program. Applicants to one-year programs require qualifications in a related allied health profession, with direct patient care. Some allied health professions are anesthesiologist assistant, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, registered nurse, or radiologic therapist. Applicant to two-year and four-year programs must be high school graduates and have completed basic science, physics, and algebra course work.
Curriculum
The curriculum of accredited programs includes applied biological sciences, physical sciences, patient care, application of ultrasound, clinical medicine, instrumentation, related diagnostic procedures, and image evaluation. Competency-based clinical education is also a part of accredited programs.
Program Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the governing body that accredits sonography programs. As of January 2011, the CAAHEP has accredited 176 programs in the United States.
Careers
Most employers require ultrasound technicians to become certified. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification to ultrasound technicians, but eligibility to become certified is only available to ultrasound technicians who have attended a CAAHEP accredited school. Once certified through ARRT, ultrasound technicians must participate in continuing education to maintain certification. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) also offers certification to ultrasound technicians. ARDMS does not require the ultrasound school to be accredited, but it does require 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound or vascular experience prior to taking the certification exam.
Tags: ultrasound technicians, accredited programs, Accreditation Allied, Accreditation Allied Health, Allied Health Education
