Ultrasonography or sonography is a diagnostic medical process that creates visual images inside the body using high frequency sound waves. An ultrasound is the name for the resulting image from the sonograph procedure; unlike X-Ray technicians, ultrasound technicians do not use radiation to capture images. Ultrasound technicians collect data, while ultrasound technologists generally have more extensive training and certification. They may also work with physicians to help analyze sonograph data, which can later be used to diagnose and treat patients.
Typical costs:
A certificate in sonography costs $5,000-$25,000 total and can be completed in one to two years. A one-year certificate in sonography from Mercy Medical Center[1] in Canton, OH, costs $13,000. The Mayo Clinic[2] in Rochester, MN, offers a 21-month certificate in sonography for $24,000.
Associate's degree programs for ultrasound techs cost about $6,000-$40,000 total and may last two to four years. For example, Bunker Hill Community College in Boston offers a two-year associate's degree in sonography which costs $6,800 total for tuition and fees for residents and $16,600 for non-residents. An 18-month associate's degree program from San Joaquin Valley College[3] in Bakersfield, CA, costs $38,000 including books and fees.
A bachelor's degree in sonography costs about $30,000-$48,000. Rush University[4] in Chicago offers a bachelor's in vascular ultrasound for $44,640 tuition and fees over seven academic quarters. New York Methodist Hospital offers a bachelor's degree in coordination with two colleges. The program costs $16,000 per year the first two years and $8,000 per year for the second two years through partnership with the Clarion University of Pennsylvania[5] online program, for a total of about $48,000.
The registration test for sonographers costs $200 and is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography[6] . The renewal fee[7] is $60 per year. Once an applicant has passed the test and paid registration fees, he or she may practice as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).
Oregon, New Mexico, West Virginia and New Jersey are the only states with licensing requirements[8] for sonographers. For instance, Oregon[9] recently instituted a fee of $125 per year for a sonography license, which is required to practice in the state, and license renewal[10] costs $120 for two years. In states without licensing requirements, sonographers may practice using their registration as credentials.
Sonography education should train students to capture images from all parts of the body, including the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart, and blood vessels. The students should be familiar with the technology's ability to help detect and treat conditions such as heart disease, heart attack and vascular disease that can lead to stroke.
Additional costs:
Room, board, books and uniforms can cost an extra $10,000-$20,000 per year. The Mayo Clinic's additional fees[11] include $700 for books and $540 for lab fees, while room and board[12] at the Mayo Clinic campus can reach $20,000 per year.
Discounts:
Sonography scholarships from about $1,000-$2,500 may be available from groups like the SDMS Foundation[13] and the American Society of Echocardiography.
Shopping for ultrasound technician school:
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs offers a searchable database[14] for accredited programs in diagnostic medical sonography. Accredited is granted by the Joint Review Committed on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography[15] .
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers information on careers and specializations in sonography[16] .
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives additional information[17] on careers in diagnostic medical sonography.
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