Sonographers work with ultrasound machines to perform diagnostic tests. The machines provide an image of the patient using sound waves. There are various types of sonography including general sonography, and sonographers who specialize in areas such as gynecology, mammography and vascular technology. Sonographers generally work in hospitals, doctors offices and clinics. Most employers prefer to hire sonographers who are registered. For individuals interested in becoming a sonographer in Las Vegas, Nevada follow the steps below.
Instructions
1. Attend a sonography program which is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(CAAHEP). Graduates must attend an accredited program in order to be eligible to take the registry exam. Visit the CAAHEP website for a list of schools located throughout the United States. For applicants who want to attend school in Nevada, The College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas is the only accredited program in the state.
2. Take classes such as medical terminology, anatomy, basic sonography and physics for sonographers. Most sonographer programs are two to four years in length. Keep in mind general education classes will also need to be taken in order to earn the degree.
3. Complete a clinical internship. Students will be assigned to small Las Vegas hospitals such as Mountainview Hospital and larger medical centers such as Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center. Students will rotate through various areas and specialties in sonography such as pediatrics, vascular, abdominal and gynecology.
4. Pass the registry exam and become certified. The exam is offered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). As with many other states, a license to do sonography is not required in the state of Nevada. However, most Las Vegas area hospitals prefer to hire a sonographer who has earned the certification.
5. Apply for a job at hospitals such as the University Medical Center in Las Vegas. The medical center is the largest trauma center in Las Vegas and employs several sonographers. In addition to Vegas area hospitals, companies such as Vision Medical Imaging hire sonographers to work as mobile sonographers, performing tests in Las Vegas nursing home and jails.
6. Consider specializing in areas of sonography such as neurosonology or obstetrics. Sonographers who have additional training and specialize may be more marketable and have an easier time obtaining employment in the Las Vegas area. The ARDMS offers additional registry exams in specialty areas. Visit their website for requirements needed to take the specialty exams.
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