What degree do you need to be a sonogram technician?

To be eligible to take national registry licensing tests, ultrasonic technicians must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

The topics included in an associate's degree or certificate program for ultrasound technicians are:

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Ultrasound imaging

• Physics

• Math

• Computer science

You will be able to work with equipment and obtain images for physicians under professional supervision during clinical practicum experiences. Furthermore, you will learn medical terminology, and communication strategies, as well as how to interact properly with patients.

If you wish to progress further professionally in the field of ultrasounds, taking a four-year program, instead, will allow you to specialize in one or all of these specialties:

• OB/GYN sonography

• Cardiovascular sonography

• Abdominal sonography

• Breast sonography

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers voluntary certification (www.ardms.org). The ARDMS has various eligibility requirements for taking the national registry examination depending on your program of study. In a few states, this job needs a license.

Types of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers include:

• Adult echocardiography

• Fetal echocardiography

• Pediatric echocardiography

• Vascular technology

To become an RDMS/RDCS/RVT respectively, you must first pass the SPI exam as well as a specialty exam about your chosen field.