The possibilities for professional growth in the medical field are growing. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be a significant shortage in healthcare specialists. If you are interested in pursuit of a career in the medical diagnostic field, and would like more information about how to become a licensed practitioner, an accredited college, university, or vocational school Sonography program can provide you with the details you need to commence an exciting future as an ultrasound technician.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is in oversight of medical diagnostic certificate and degree programs in the United States. The CAAHEP is the governing body, providing guidelines to the provision of training programs at higher education institutions. Accredited Sonography certificate and degree schools offer taught course programs and preparation for the Abdomen, Obstetrics-Gynecology and Ultrasound Physics (ARDMS) licensing exam.
In Utah, there are currently no accredited programs in general sonography or specialist programs. Students living in the state can pursue study of medical diagnostics online, or in a neighboring state. Most students enrolled in sonography programs are employed in a clinical, hospital, physician practice or public health settings where ultrasound services are available for further training as an intern during the course of acadedmic study.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification
The ARDMS rules to licensure of diagnostic medical sonographers in the state of Utah require the completion of an accredited program in the subject, and clinical internship. Qualification for the role of ultrasound technician in Utah may be met by way of Certificate, Associate Degree, or Bachelor Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Some schools offer similar programming in a Bachelor Degree in Health Sciences – Diagnostic Imaging.
Once a student has met the prerequisites for enrollment in a medical diagnostic training program, they must sit for ARDMS certification exam. Licensure is essential to practice as a professional ultrasound technician in Utah.
Standard time to matriculation of an accredited certificate or Associate of Degree program in General Sonography is 1 to 2 years. Students in Utah may also choose to pursue the specialization as part of their study toward a Bachelor of Science degree.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians in Utah
The current annual employment prospectus for medical diagnostic sonographers working in Utah is 4.4%. Increase of actual employment in the state is estimated to be 10 new positions annually to 2020. Salaries for ultrasound technicians are good. In a state where unemployment is higher than average, ultrasound technicians make an annual median wage of $64,480, or 98% of the national median index $65,860. The highest salaries are found in Jordan, Utah, followed by Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah.
One of the fastest growing employment segments in the state, the healthcare sector is responsible for the largest overall projection of jobs in the near future. This is in part due to the recent ratification of the Affordable Healthcare Act by the U.S. Congress. Medically under-served patients formerly with limited access to diagnostic services will now be able to receive ultrasound and other tertiary healthcare services that they would otherwise not be able to pay for.
CAAHEP Accredited Ultrasound Technician Certification Programs
At present, there are no CAAHEP accredited sonography programs offered for study toward licensure in the state of Utah. Students interested in attaining a certificate or degree in diagnostic medical sonography can attend a program at an online campus, or alternately another state. The surrounding states Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming all offer CAAHEP accredited certificate, associate degree and bachelor degree programs in Sonography.
When selecting a medical diagnostic sonography program to train as an ultrasound technician, review the school for requirements, scholarship and internship opportunities, as well as opportunities for study toward specialization in cardiac, pediatric cardiac or vascular emphases.
There are three CAAHEP accredited schools offering online certificate or degree programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
School: Washburn University
City: Topeka, Kansas
Program: Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Bachelor Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited
School: Jackson College
City: Jackson, Michigan
Program: Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited
School: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
City: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Program: Bachelor degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Emphasis in: Diagnostic Imaging
Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited