Career Path
How Long Does It Take To Become A Sonographer?
High-frequency sound waves are used in sonography to create a digital image. Breast tissues, fetuses, internal organs, heart function, and blood arteries can all be imaged with this method.
Understanding what is happening in a patient’s body requires this non-invasive method.
Doctors would have to rely on what they can see without sonography or undertake a lot more exploratory procedures.
Sonograms are carried out by specialists known as sonographers.
To utilize the technology, understand what they are looking at, summarize findings for doctors, and assist patients in understanding their operations, they must have received specialized education and training.
Many sonographers specialize in a certain type of sonography, such as vascular, cardiac, breast, or musculoskeletal, or in obstetrics and gynecology.
To produce the images a doctor needs, each sort of imagining requires in-depth knowledge of anatomy and disease.
Sonographers often hold at least an associate degree in the field and have done clinical rotations to get first-hand experience.
For working in a specific specialty, some professionals have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART), and Cardiovascular Credentialing International are the main certification organizations (CCI).
Sonography is a profession that is expanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), there will be a 12 percent rise in employment in this industry between 2019 and 2029, which translates into 74,300 new jobs.
An aging baby boomer generation that needs more medical care, especially diagnostic imaging, is mostly to blame for this rise.
Besides being a booming industry, this one also pays well, with an average annual salary of $75,780.
These salaries are quite high for a position requiring only an associate’s degree.
Read on to discover the salary and Job Outlook for sonographers and how long it takes to become a sonographer.
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What Schooling Do You Need to Be an sonographer in 2024?
To become a sonographer, you must possess at least an associate’s degree.
Students can prepare for a career in ultrasound and as a diagnostic medical sonographer by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Although you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to work as a sonographer, some employers do.
After finishing a two- or four-year degree, you can become certified. For allied health professionals interested in careers in administration, education, or research, advanced education may be helpful.
Students must complete some sort of clinical hours as part of their curriculum, regardless of the number of years they have spent in school.
These clinical hours are used to put newly learned skills and knowledge to the test in a real healthcare environment, frequently under the guidance of a more seasoned expert.
Aspiring sonographers are urged to apply for accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Studies Programs after completing their education.
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How Long Does It Take To Become a Licensed sonographer in 2024?
It might take one to four years of training to become a certified sonographer, commonly known as an ultrasound technician or a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Depending on the educational path you decide to take, this will change. It will take you between 9 months and 1 year to complete a certificate or diploma program to become a certified sonographer.
However, this is not the most typical route taken by people who want to work in this sector.
Most sonographers in the United States earn an associate’s degree in medical sonography, which typically takes two years to finish.
Sonography associate degrees require both classroom study and supervised clinical experience.
Therefore, they provide the required education and training for future sonographers.
Although they are less popular, they can complete several bachelor’s degree programs in four years.
You will be eligible to apply for certification with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers once your training is complete.
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How Much Does It Cost to Become a Licensed sonographer?
The studies for a sonography certificate range in price from $5,000 to $25,000 and take one to two years to finish.
For instance, the Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio, charges $13,000 for a one-year diploma in sonography.
Salary and Job Outlook for sonographer after Study
Diagnostic medical sonographers in the United States earn an estimated $91,591 in total compensation annually, with an average pay of $87,980.
These figures show the median, or the midpoint of the ranges, from our unique total pay estimate method, which is based on data about wages gathered from our users.
The expected annual increase in wages is $3,611. Cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all forms of additional compensation.
The values in the “most likely range” fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles of all the payment information that is currently available for this role.
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Job Outlook
Sonographers, like those working in the healthcare industry, are in great demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Physicians and other medical professionals are in high demand as Baby Boomers age, live longer, and become more active.
Sonographers need to always find employment unless they choose to change vocations.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of sonography is expanding at a rate of 46%, which is substantially quicker than the rate for many other professions.
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Conclusion
A rewarding job option is becoming a sonographer. To assist individuals, you will work in the healthcare sector. Not everyone is suited for a job like this.
Finding the best sonography curriculum will matter if it’s for you.
Before beginning this career route, consider the above instructions for how long it takes to become a sonographer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A sonographer typically makes around $70K per year in compensation. The salary range for this position is from $41K to $118K annually.
The two biggest elements affecting your potential compensation are geography and experience.
Yes. You must complete a sonography training program and earn a degree that is at least two years long.
Offering and providing greater options for career progression in a bachelor’s degree program.
If you have prior training in another area of healthcare, you can finish a bachelor’s program in one year.
You’ll need to be compassionate and have solid communication abilities. It’s critical to pay attention to the patient’s needs.
Of course, you’ll learn how to operate imaging and ultrasonic equipment during your education.
Additionally, you’ll pick up the medical information required to become a sonographer.
Additionally, having strong critical thinking and attention to detail abilities is beneficial.
Every medical establishment employs sonographers on a regular basis.
Sonographers are frequently hired by medical facilities including hospitals and clinics.
You might also work for a private practice, particularly one associated with women’s health.
Depending on the expertise, a typical full-time sonographer will work a 40-hour week in a variety of settings.
Working in a bigger medical center is typical, and the pace can be quick. Each day, you’ll probably see a number of patients.
However, you could appreciate a more laid-back atmosphere if you work in a smaler practice.
You might not see as many patients per day, but you might also be required to carry out tasks unrelated to your sonography education.
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