Keyword: critical care ultrasound training
What is an Ultrasound Technician?
Ultrasound technicians are also known as diagnostic medical sonographers or simply sonographers. This is a highly skilled field of work. The technicians are responsible for operating the equipment that uses sound waves to create images. This modern equipment is used to visualize the body’s internal structures. It is nearly always used in obstetrics and is very useful in diagnosing many other medical conditions.
Ultrasound Technicians work under the direction and supervision of medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other diagnostic medical sonographers. The technician is not responsible for the actual diagnosing of any health conditions but is trained to properly work the equipment — in order to produce the best imaging results. The critical care ultrasound training that is provided allows the sonographers, in turn, to express their knowledge through charting and information systems.
Where are technicians allowed to work?
The most common place that ultrasound is used in hospitals but doctors’ offices and laboratories mostly have access to sonographers. There are many different fields and areas. A few common areas are fetal sonography which displays and monitors a baby is growing in the womb, cardiac sonography which monitors and takes pictures of the heart, and musculoskeletal sonography which is used to produce images of tendons, ligaments, and much more.
How does one become an Ultrasound Technician?
You need to complete critical care ultrasound training with an accredited school. Most schools require an entrance exam. You should complete your financial aid and scholarship funding to find out if there are available grants. Once you have been accepted you may choose a start date and a schedule for your preferred class times. If you have any out of pocket expenses this would be the perfect time to go ahead and set up payment plans with the financial aid office. Depending on your school and your previous education there may be forms and paperwork that should be filed with your new institution.
Which are the best schools?
Tulsa Community College has been named as having one of the top programs in the last year. The school does require a placement test to enter. However, the class sizes are fairly small with a ratio of 17:1 The smaller class makes it easier for the student to get the help they need. The campus offers an Associate’s degree in applied science in diagnostic medical sonography which is part of their Workforce Development program. Scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programs give needy students the necessary financial support.
Midland College offers another top-rated program in Texas. They have a four-year program that has great turnover rates. Students have an easy time committing to the program thanks to the great amount of support offered by the staff. There are a number of certificates and degrees available such as the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program offering an Associate’s degree, as well as an Advanced Technical Certificate. The program has strict entry requirements that have to be met as enrolment is limited. The program is highly sought after and the school frequently has to increase the entry requirements. The number of applications the school receives for this program is outstanding and that is one reason for the extra screening processes. The program consists of just 69 credit hours that can be completed within four semesters; there are also positions for part-time enrolment.
