Sonography Certificate Programs in 2016
One of the most popular choices for tertiary education in 2016 are certificate programs, specifically sonography certificate programs. Certificate programs are targeted towards a specific group of students – those who already hold a college or university degree or have units in healthcare-related courses. Sonography programs are plentiful in the United States but not all are accredited or offer quality education. But what does it mean when a program is accredited? How do you apply to sonography certificate programs in 2016?
What does it take to become a sonographer?
The path to become a sonographer always starts with good research into diagnostic medical sonography. Diagnostic medical sonography is a procedure where sound waves are used to create images of structures inside the body. A sonographer is a technician who handles the machine used in sonography, called a sonogram machine. They tasked with position patients for the procedure, troubleshooting any problems that occur, and even reading the results of the sonogram.
Accredited ultrasound certificate programs
You don’t need to study in an accredited program to become a sonographer but it sure does help. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs only accredits medical programs that have passed their rigorous examination process and therefore offer the best possible education to students. There are three ways you can become a sonographer: a certificate program, an associate degree program, or a bachelor degree program.
- Sonography certificate programs last 12 to 18 months, offered to medical degree holders or people with units in medical courses or subjects.
- Associate sonography degrees last two years and are offered to college students who have units in prerequisite subjects, like math, science, and communication subjects.
- Bachelor sonography degrees last four years and are offered to graduates of high school. Students are not required to take pre-requisites because they are included in the program’s four-year syllabus.
Sonography certificate programs online
The advent of technology has made studying “online” or through the internet available to sonography students. There are two accredited ultrasound certificate programs in the United States, offered by two colleges: (1) Washburn University and (2) Jackson College.
- Washburn University in Topeka offers three online certificate programs for (1) general, (2) cardiac, and (3) vascular sonography.
- Jackson College in Mississippi offers certificate programs from (1) general, (2) cardiac, and (3) vascular sonography, as well as an (4) associate degree program in vascular sonography.
Sonographers in the US today
Ultrasound technician jobs have boomed in popularity in the recent years because of the amazing opportunities and numerous sonography certificate programs. Annual salary has reached an average of 70,000 dollars, well above the nationwide average salary and better than other similar technician jobs. There are many places where you can use your sonography education – in the clinical set up (e.g. hospitals), academe (as a sonography educator), and even research.