Becoming an ultrasound technician in Florida can be an extremely promising career path. New and exciting job opportunities continue to open up in the field every day. Plus, you can start working as an ultrasound technician quickly. With a degree from Florida National University, you can receive the education you need to excel on the job in as little as 26 months.
The Promising Job Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians
With a growing aging population, ultrasound technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists are needed more than ever today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers, and their colleagues in the field can expect to see jobs opportunities growing faster than the national average with predicted growth rates to be around 10% over the next 10 years.
Sonography has a fundamental role in the healthcare industry today and cannot be replaced by any other imaging techniques or technologies. Noninvasive and cost-effective, ultrasound exams continue to be relied on by physicians in many diverse fields of medicine worldwide.
Impact the Lives of Others
Ultrasound technicians play a vital role in helping evaluate and diagnose a wide array of medical conditions among individuals of all ages from premature infants to elderly adults. Sonography professionals work directly with both patients and physicians, making the career path a fulfilling one. The work makes a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and can help support individuals on their path to treatment and recovery.
Specialize in Your Area of Interest
The healthcare industry is incredibly diverse, and ultrasound technicians have the ability to specialize in an area that most interests them. Ultrasound technicians can pursue a career working in various subfields including:
- Cardiac practices
- OB/GYN offices
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular medicine or angiology
- Abdominal specialization
- Breast care
- Interventional practices
Becoming an Ultrasound Technician in Florida
Once you decide to pursue a career in sonography, you will need to earn an associate’s degree from a reputable, accredited. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology degree at Florida National University can provide you with the knowledge, expertise, and training you need to excel on the job performing critical ultrasound procedures.
First, you must complete some core requirements to be considered as an applicant in our selective program,. All aspiring sonography students must:
- Complete Florida National University Admission Application and return to Admissions Representative.
- All applicants must request official academic transcripts from high school and/or university and forward transcript(s) to the Campus Registrar.
- Direct admission offered only to academically qualified incoming freshmen. This means High School Diploma, SAT scores of 850 and above, ACT scores of 16 and above or TABE scores above 10th level in all components. Students must pass the TEAS exam to qualify. Complete the pre-required courses the first 4 semesters. Candidates to DMST programs Must:
- TEAS test for assessment of components.
- Complete a program application that includes an essay, two reference letters (One academic and one professional), and have a satisfactory interview with the DMS Program Director and staff.
- Additionally, applicants must present immunization records, a clear Level II FDLE/FBI and AHCA background check and a negative drug test.
- Students must meet a letter grade of “C” (2.0) on a 4.0 scale on each of General Education courses in order to proceed to the DMS core courses.
- All students must attend a programmatic orientation with the DMST Program Director and the Clinical Coordinator.
Once you have been accepted to our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program, to become a graduation candidate you need to:
- Present immunization records, a clear Level II FDLE/FBI and AHCA background check, and a negative drug test result.
- Complete all core courses
- Complete 800 hours of clinical practice.
Upon graduation, you can start working in Florida as an ultrasound technician. However, most employers require a professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). It is important to take the ARDMS certification exam to become officially registered to practice in Florida.
How Long Does Becoming an Ultrasound Tech in Florida take?
Attending full time at Florida National University, you can become an ultrasound tech in as little as 26 months. Pre-requisites include intro to sonography, medical terminology, and cross-sectional anatomy. The program focuses on core classes like sonography labs, echocardiography, vascular technology, obstetrics, and gynecology.
The curriculum that is followed in this program complies with the National Educational Curriculum for Sonography (NEC) outline and accreditation agencies to provide the competency-based, outcome-oriented, didactic, laboratory, and clinical experience as it relates to the general concentration which includes Abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN).
How to Excel on the Job as an Ultrasound Technician in Florida
Become a successful ultrasound technician means that the learning process does not stop once you leave the classroom. Advances in technology and best practices continue to evolve. In order to deliver the best quality of care to patients, you need to stay current in the industry. Great ultrasound technicians are motivated, hard workers with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A warm bed side manner use using active listening with patients and colleagues goes a long way.
Ultrasound technicians are incredibly professional and maintain the highest levels of integrity by maintaining strict levels of confidentiality that come with working in the field of medicine. They can juggle multiple priorities at the same time and remain flexible while working in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
Take the Next Step: Apply to FNU’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology Program
With so many noteworthy reasons to consider pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician in Florida, why not take the next step today and apply for Florida National University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology associate’s program. For more information about our highly-regarded sonography program, contact an FNU representative today.
