An ultrasound is a test that involves high-frequency sound waves to capture images of internal organs, fetus, and small parts. They are considered much safer than an X-Ray because they don’t require radiation. For an ultrasound, the sound waves or echoes make up the image instead. Trained and certified technicians are required to operate such equipment.
The Role of a Trained Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound technicians are vital in determining the next step to a patient’s treatment. The images they capture provide physicians with vital information that helps them assess and diagnose a patient. In addition to capturing the image of patients’ internal organs, fetus, and/or small parts, sonographers are also responsible for preparing and maintaining the diagnostic equipment and analyze diagnostic information in order to provide a legible and accurate summary to the doctor. While sonographers will be able to make out the image so he or she can capture an accurate image, he or she is not authorized to interpret the image to the patient. This is the radiologist, cardiologist, or other specialist’s job.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Florida
To become an ultrasound technician in the state of Florida, you will first need to get an education that will prepare you to take the necessary certification exams. There are many colleges where you can study to learn about becoming an ultrasound technician, but it’s imperative that you choose a university that offers you a quality education that will propel you to taking your career as an ultrasound technician to the next level, and that means preparing for the national certified exam.
How to Become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
In order to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), you need to first be able to meet the main examination prerequisite and that’s getting the education!
According to the RDMS SPI Requirement and General Prerequisites Handbook, a single two-year allied health education program needs to be achieved. You’ll also need to complete at least 12 months of clinical experience. Once you’ve earned that then you’ll need to present academic degree, a signed letter from a clinical supervising physician stating that you completed the required amount of hours. You’ll also need a government ID. There is a long list of perquisites that apply to certain situations. We encourage you to read the handbook or contact an FNU advisor to get a more thorough understanding. First, we’d like for you to focus on getting the right kind of education first!
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology Program at FNU
At Florida National University (FNU), we have strict entrance requirements in order to get admitted into our Associate of Science Diagnostic Sonographer Technology program.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer students are admitted into this program under a selective admissions process. Students who are interested in enrolling into this degree program must be available to commit as a full-time student. This program is only offered to those who are academically qualified.
Students must meet the following academic requirements:
- Have a high school diploma
- Have a GPA of 2.5 +
- Score 850 + on the SAT exam
- Score 16 + on the ACT exam
- Score above the 10th level in TABE exam
- Score 60+ on the TEAS exam
*The above-mentioned list must be completed within the first four semesters.
- Aspiring applicants will need to supply one professional and academic letter of recommendation.
- Go through an interview with the FNU Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program Director and staff.
- Present immunization records and undergo a background and drug test.
Academic Prerequisites
Before starting core courses, it is imperative that students complete the general course requirements. Failing to do so might make it academically challenging to complete this degree program. All of the courses within this program are designed to prepare you for a higher level of content that will develop you into a professional who is well prepared to take the national exam.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology at FNU
Our regionally accredited 2-year degree program is designed to teach students how to perform ultrasound procedures. Graduates of this degree program will have learned how to successfully operate and calibrate ultrasound equipment and detect the correct internal organs in order to capture an accurate image for the physician to examine. They will have also learned how to conduct obstetrical ultrasound procedures and on fetuses.
What Else Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree as a Sonographer?
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, an associate’s degree as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer can land you a job in the following professions: Registered Nurse, Radiologic and MRI Technologists, Radiation Therapist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, and Medical Laboratory Technologist. The median pay can range from $58,960 to $80,160.
The profession of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is expected to increase by 23% by the year 2026 due to the large baby boom aging population. The employment rate in the state of Florida for this profession is recorded at a range of 1,640 – 5,640. Graduates of this degree can expect to work in hospitals, private practices, and imaging facilities.
Get Financial Aid Assistance
If you’re interested in applying to this degree program, you might also want to visit our financial aid office to discover what types of financial assistance you might qualify for. Florida National University awards qualified students with scholarships and help those apply for federal aid if needed.
Contact any of our campus locations today to get the enrollment process started.
