Forecast of an increased demand for diagnostic medical specialists in the state of Kentucky has improved the career outlook for ultrasound technician professionals. A growth segment in the state labor market, certified ultrasound technicians specializing in sonography or other medical diagnostic skill have a excellent chance of employment.
In Kentucky where there is a concerted effort to expand the reach of healthcare service provision to rural communities, the demand for ultrasound technician specialists is even greater. Under-served healthcare patients requiring diagnostic medicine in Kentucky are set to increase in population size by 2020. Largely the result of the United States new federal Affordable Care Act, outreach to traditionally under-served patient communities, and especially those in rural areas, will drive this transformation in the healthcare employment sector.
Projected to outperform other segments of the labor market in the state, Kentucky’s medical diagnostic profession offers ultrasound technician students the opportunity of a lifetime. Certification in ultrasound diagnostics prepares technicians for a future in the healthcare field, and related industries such as medical diagnostic equipment sales.
The shortage of healthcare workers across the country means that competition for new graduates of ultrasound technician certification programs will increase in the forthcoming decade. Accredited colleges, universities and vocational schools offering certification in medical diagnostic practices ensure that students are prepared for an exciting career as an ultrasound technician.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification
Students in pursuit of an ultrasound technician certification or other licensure in medical diagnostics in Kentucky is subject to rules to best practices, and institutional accreditation. Higher education institutions offering certification programs in medical diagnostics are subject to the rules and guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP).
In Kentucky, students seeking an education as an ultrasound technician must complete a qualified certification program. Licensure as a medical diagnostics specialist requires evidence of certificate program completion. Time to completion of an accredited ultrasound technician program is normally 1 to 2 years.
Ultrasound technician students completing a certification program take the Abdomen, Obstetrics-Gynecology and Ultrasound Physics (ARDMS) exam for completion. Ultrasound technicians in Louisiana can find employment in clinics, hospitals, laboratories, physician offices and public health facilities. Medical sonography equipment sales presents another viable career path for graduates of an ultrasound technician certification program.
Trainees participating in one of the accredited ultrasound technician programs in the state are given the opportunity to intern with medical specialists in the field as part of their education. Internship during certification increases competitive advantage of an ultrasound technician candidate once on the job market. Due to the fact that Kentucky ranks lower than the national average in educational attainment, students meeting certification as an ultrasound technician are exceptionally prepared for recruitment.
Ultrasound Technicians Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical diagnostics specialists will see an increase in employment opportunities by 2020. While Kentucky has a lower than average estimation of growth for roles in this sector at 39% in comparison with the 46% increase projected nationwide, the demand for professionals in the medical field in the state exceeds that of other sectors. In 2012, there were over 650 diagnostic medical sonographers registered in Kentucky. Growth in this segment of the job market will continue, with the highest increases in rural communities. Salaries for ultrasound technicians at present are lower than the national average of $66,360, at $56,420.
CAAHEP Accredited Ultrasound Technician Certification Programs
There are a six CAAHEP accredited ultrasound technician schools in Kentucky. Of those institutions, four of those certification programs are accompanied by Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts degree options, offered through community and technical colleges across the state. Two programs at Morehead State University and St. Catherine College also comprehensive instruction toward a Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts degrees, respectively. Quite a few of the programs also offer specialization in sonography or cardiac sonography. Upon completion of training, students are required to pass the ARDMS credentialing exam to attain full licensure for practice in the state. For information about CAAHEP accredited certification or degree programs contact the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education for a current list.