Steps to Becoming a Registered Sonographer
Often times we get the question, “I am thinking about getting into the ultrasound field. What steps do I need to take to do that?” Surprising ly, there is not much information out there for prospective students to take the proper steps to fulfill their dreams and become a valued resource in such a growing market. Once becoming a registered sonographer, there are a multitude of specialties that can be focused on from Abdominal, Ob/Gyn, Vascular, Cardiac, Musculoskeletal, and much more. There are many different situations based on individual circumstances where a prospective student would begin their quest, here is a list of some of the most common.
High School Graduate
- Research your schools (make sure the program you are looking at is CAAHEP accredited or CMA-approved, you can find this out by visiting www.caahep.org and http://www.cma.ca for a list of accredited schools nationwide)
- With a high school degree, you can expect to be in school for 2-4 years depending on the program.
- You will complete your clinical experience while in school.
- Upon graduation you will have to sit for your board exams in your specialty field.
Two Years Allied Health Education Completed
- Allied health includes (Radiological Tech, Respiratory Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Registered Nurse, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, etc.
- Required Clinical Ultrasound / Vascular experience: 12 months full-time Clinical U/S experience: requires letter from supervisor.
- Documentation of 12 CME hours specific to specialty
- Clinical verification form completed and signed by registered sonographer who has supervised clinical work. (sample clinical verification form found at: http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?contentID=90 )
- Once all of the above are completed, then individual is eligible to sit for board exam.
Bachelors Degree Completed
- Prospective students with a bachelor’s degree in any field are able to begin training right away.
- It is recommended to begin intro studies for a period of time and then 12 months minimum clinical full-time experience is required.
- Clinical verification form completed and signed by registered sonographer who has supervised clinical work. (sample clinical verification form found at: http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?contentID=90)
- Once all of the above are completed, then individual is eligible to sit for board exam.
- Visit www.gcus.com for products and courses to prepare for your boards.
***Once a participant has Passed their board exams they will be required to obtain 30 CME credits every 3 years.
*** For a full line of products and programs to fulfill your CME needs please take a look at Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (www.gcus.com) the innovators in medical education for 25 years.
For more information visit www.ardms.org.
