There is a standing argument that it doesn’t matter if you study a shorter or longer sonography program because all students pass the same certification exam anyway. However, a lot of factors go into training to become a sonographer. It is not merely about passing an exam and getting certified, how you get there plays a big part in how your career as a sonographer is going to go. There is a variety of sonography programs offered in the US that fits a variety of aspiring sonographers’ needs.
The truth about program length
Programs are divided into three based on program length: (1) certificate, (2) associate degree, and (3) bachelor degree. These programs take 12 months, 2 years, and 4 years respectively to complete. The varying lengths are made available to students who fit specific sets of requirements, not merely for the speed at which they want to take sonography training.
Bachelor degree programs, consisting of 4 years of general education subjects, major courses, and clinical experience, are usually taken by secondary education graduates. These are for students who have not previously taken any college level subjects or courses. Because associate degree courses cut the average tertiary education time in half, the main requirement is for students to have completed all general education subjects before applying to the sonography program. This kind of training is usually taken by students who started out without a declared major.
Sonography certificate programs are typically offered by colleges, universities, and healthcare institutions. Because training is very short, this kind of program is only offered to professionals who have jobs in health care who want to study sonography, or graduates of other allied health courses.
Bachelor degree programs, consisting of 4 years of general education subjects, major courses, and clinical experience, are usually taken by secondary education graduates. These are for students who have not previously taken any college level subjects or courses. Because associate degree courses cut the average tertiary education time in half, the main requirement is for students to have completed all general education subjects before applying to the sonography program. This kind of training is usually taken by students who started out without a declared major.
Sonography certificate programs are typically offered by colleges, universities, and healthcare institutions. Because training is very short, this kind of program is only offered to professionals who have jobs in health care who want to study sonography, or graduates of other allied health courses.
Certification: leveling the playing field
Generally speaking, all sonography programs should be able to prepare their graduates to sit for the sonographer certification exam, regardless of length. However, it is important to remember that there are several ARDMS certification exams taken by sonographers: (1) SPI or Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, which covers basic sonography skills and techniques, and (2) specialty examinations. Depending on what you learned from your program, you can only take specific exams. The concept of the ARMDS exam “leveling” the playing field is a misguided attempt to simplify the certification process for sonographers.
The average salary for a sonographer in 2013 was $67,170 annually, for the 58,250 employed by May. Sonographers with certain specializations, such as cardiovascular sonography, can earn much higher than the average. Certain specializations will also earn less than the average. When it comes to wages, a lot of things come into play, such as location, institution, and specialty.
The average salary for a sonographer in 2013 was $67,170 annually, for the 58,250 employed by May. Sonographers with certain specializations, such as cardiovascular sonography, can earn much higher than the average. Certain specializations will also earn less than the average. When it comes to wages, a lot of things come into play, such as location, institution, and specialty.
Training wise: is longer better?
Program length should not matter when it comes to training, because graduates of shorter programs have typically been exposed to the clinical practice of sonography and only require a shorter time to study the skills and techniques, while graduates of longer programs have had no previous experience with the diagnostic procedure and therefore need more time to train. Many of the skills that ultrasound technicians have are actually learned on the job, but good undergraduate training will still give you a leg up over the competition, whatever the length.
While the education system has been largely made for consumption of the masses, it is a commodity that is still quite personal and subjective. Lessons can go on and on about a topic but how receptive a student is to the information depends on him or her. If you are decided on studying sonography, remember to think of your needs and you will be able to choose what program fits you best.
While the education system has been largely made for consumption of the masses, it is a commodity that is still quite personal and subjective. Lessons can go on and on about a topic but how receptive a student is to the information depends on him or her. If you are decided on studying sonography, remember to think of your needs and you will be able to choose what program fits you best.