The role of Ultrasound Technician is an exciting one. Diagnostic medical sonographers otherwise known as ultrasound technicians, are essential to the healthcare sector. In Iowa, ultrasound technicians have professional opportunities in the clinical, hospital, physician office, and public health segments of the healthcare industry. Sales of medical diagnostic equipment requiring detailed knowledge about application in the practice setting is a growing market employing ultrasound technicians.
To become an ultrasound technician in Iowa, certification from a school recommended by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is required. Students in pursuit of a certification, Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree in the healthcare diagnostics have a number of opportunities such as internships and preparation for licensure during the tenure of their study.
The increased demand for licensed healthcare professionals in Iowa forecast to continue through 2020. Since the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, both rural and under-served urban patient populations are have greatly increased in response to healthcare service provision access for the first time.
Ultrasound technicians are professionals prepared to meet the expanding shortage of healthcare workers. Training can be sought from accredited colleges, universities and vocational schools offering certification or degree programs in the field.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification
Rules and requirements laid forth by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) set the standard for qualification for ultrasound technicians training to become licensed practitioners. Students enrolled in an accredited medical diagnostic certification or degree program must evidence adequate preparation for the Abdomen, Obstetrics-Gynecology and Ultrasound Physics (ARDMS) exam.
Most medical diagnostic training programs require a 1 to 2 year time to completion. Once an ultrasound technician has completed the necessary training to become a qualified professional, updated certification and professional education may be required. Iowa and states in the Midwest have a higher than average standard for specialization. Students seeking a certification or degree in medical diagnostics will find the training setting a competitive environment.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians in Louisiana
Salaries for medical diagnostic professionals in Iowa are proximate to the national average for the sector. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that frequency of promotion is lower however, with wages at about at $57,500 reflecting a slower than median average progression over time than national expectations of at $65,900. Average salary in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Northeast region: $62,180.
Index ranking of Iowa’s projection for new job starts in the field by economists, are estimated to be at about 42%, reflecting the national average. In the past year, over 500 ultrasound professional were employed in Iowa, with a predicted 760 openings by year 2020.
CAAHEP Accredited Ultrasound Technician Certification Programs
The Iowa State has three CAAHEP accredited certificate and undergraduate degree programs available to interested students: Allen College, Mercy College of Health Sciences, and University of Iowa Healthcare. Allen College, Waterloo offers a Bachelor Degree and Certificate through its general sonography program. Mercy College of Health Sciences offers a concentration in cardiac sonography or general sonography at the Associate degree level.
The University of Iowa Health Care academic medical center offers a comprehensive training program for all stages in a specialist’s career. Students can study toward a Bachelor Degree or Certificate in cardiac sonography, general sonography, or vascular sonography. The school also provides the option of specializing in Radiation Science. The latter is a Bachelor of Science degree offered through the Carver College of Medicine.
School Name: Allen College
Address: 1990 Heath Street, Waterloo, IA – 50703
Website: www.allencollege.edu
Program: Accredited Certificate Program in General Sonography, Accredited Baccalaureate Degree Program in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited
School Name: Mercy College of Health Sciences
Address: 928 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA – 50309
Website: www.mchs.edu
Program: Accredited Associate Degree Program in Cardiac Sonography, Accredited Associate Degree Program in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited
School Name: University of Iowa Health Care
Address: C723 GH 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA – 52242
Website: www.healthcare.uiowa.edu
Program: Accredited Certificate Program in General Sonography, Accredited Baccalaureate Degree Program in General Sonography, Accredited Certificate Program in Cardiac Sonography, Accredited Baccalaureate Degree Program in Cardiac Sonography, Accredited Certificate Program in Vascular Sonography, Accredited Baccalaureate Degree Program in Vascular Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited