Abbeville, MS
Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Ultrasound tech schools and programs in Abbeville. Learn to become an ultrasound technician, and then search from 27 accredited schools across the Abbeville. You can scroll down to see the listings or fill the form below and we would get back to you with relevant schools in your area.
Get Your Degree!
Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.
Powered by Campus Explorer
Job Description of an Ultrasound Tech
Ultrasound technicians perform duties that produce results similar to other diagnostic imaging fields, including X-rays and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines. The difference is sonography uses reflected sound waves to create an image of the inside of a patient’s body. Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to view a fetus.
Ultrasound technicians are trained to operate ultrasound equipment and to look for abnormal problem areas in an image. They must ensure that the image is clear enough for the doctor and other medical staff to make an accurate diagnosis. Also, the ultrasound technician may be required to obtain measurements, perform calculations and evaluate the results.
Are There Different Types of Medical Sonographers?
Because sonography is used on so many different areas of the body, most sonographers choose to specialize in one or more areas. These include: obstetric/gynecologic sonographers, who study the female reproductive system; abdominal sonographers, who inspect organs such as the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen and the male reproductive system; neurosonographers, who study the nervous system and the brain; breast sonographers who aid in mammography in order to detect breast cancer, track tumors, monitor blood supply conditions, and assist in biopsy of breast tissue; and vascular and cardiac sonographers, who study the heart and blood vessels.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Abbeville?
Sonographers usually earn at least an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate in Abbeville, MS. They may also earn professional ultrasound certification or state licensure related to a specialty. High school students interested in sonography should take human anatomy, physiology and mathematics courses. The final level of education that sonographers need depends on their career goals.
- Certificate program. Sonography certificate programs in Abbeville provide sonography training to people who already work in related healthcare jobs, such as nursing. Sonography certificates can be earned in as little as one year.
- Associates degree. Associate degrees in sonography in Abbeville are sufficient for entry-level positions. Associate degrees can be earned in two years.
- Bachelors degree. A bachelor’s degree in sonography in Abbeville enables sonographers to become consultants or department heads. Students with a bachelors degree can also apply to a medical school. Students with an associates degree can earn a bachelors degree within two years. Otherwise, students usually complete a bachelors degree program in four years.
- Graduate degree. Graduate degrees in ultrasound technology in Abbeville are appropriate for students that want to teach at the university level. Advanced degrees equip students to perform specialized research and to publish their findings in medical journals. Most master’s degree programs take at least two years to complete.
- On-the-job training. Sometimes, nurses or radiologists learn sonography on-the-job. In these cases, continuing education courses can supplement experiential knowledge. Most states require sonographers to earn medical continuing education (CME) credits throughout their careers in order to retain their ultrasound technician certification.
Ultrasound Technician Career Overview in Abbeville
Education Associate’s degree is most common; certificate and bachelor’s degree programs also available Certification Professional certification may be required or preferred by some employers Projected Job Growth (2013-2023) in Abbeville 42% Median Salary (2012)* (Abbeville) $68,334 Find A School Ultrasound Technician School: Degrees in Abbeville
With several options to choose from, which ultrasound degree in Abbeville is best? Here’s a look at what each level offers.
Associate’s Degree
An associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography can open the door to entry-level positions in the field. Most programs last between 18 and 24 months.
In addition to learning about equipment, ultrasound technician students can expect to receive a heavy dose of patient care education. Since sonographers interact closely with people all day, they need a strong grasp on how to interact with a diverse group of patients.
Mastering legal, ethical and regulatory topics will also be necessary.
Bachelor’s Degree
Most ultrasound technicians hold an associate’s degree, but if you’re looking to advance your education earning a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography can offer great rewards.
The additional schooling will allow you to strengthen your problem-solving skills and get involved with research and projects. Some ultrasound technicians with BS degrees go on to pursue careers in medicine.
If a bachelor’s degree sounds like a logical step on your way to an ultrasound career, take note of the two options most schools offer.
Degree completion: These programs are specifically designed for sonographers who are part of a professional registry, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or those who have previous college credit. Most programs will also require that you are currently employed in the field.
If you haven’t taken certain general education courses, such as college algebra, social sciences and English composition, you’ll be required to complete these courses during ultrasound technician school. The professional courses will typically include:
- Healthcare systems
- Healthcare management
- Fetal echo, neonatal and pediatric sonography
- Musculoskeletal sonography
- Breast sonography
You’ll spend much of your time in laboratory settings and most schools also require an externship at a local medical facility or lab.
If you already have your associate’s degree in sonography, there are bachelor’s degree completion options that allow you to specialize in areas like vascular sonography. Your time will be devoted to learning the intricacies of this specific track.
Four-year degree: Just starting out? For those without a previous degree or college credits, a four-year BS in diagnostic medical sonography is available. Like other BS degrees, you’ll take a combination of general education courses and classes specific to your major. The latter usually occurs in the last two years of the program, however, your initial coursework will prepare you with introduction science courses.
Find A School What is the Job Outlook in Abbeville?
The job outlook is bright. In fact, employment of sonographers in Abbeville is expected to increase by 32 percent between 2015 and 2022, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Much of the growth is due to the fact that ultrasound technology is increasingly being seen as a good alternative to more costly and invasive diagnostic procedures. It is also being used in more and more doctors’ offices, diagnostic labs, and outpatient care settings.
Experienced professionals who maintain certification in multiple sub-specialties will continue to have the best job prospects.
Salary for this occupation depends a lot on geographic location, type of employer, part-time or full-time status, and level of experience. In general, though, the typical sonography salary provides a good living. In fact, ultrasound technicians have one of America’s highest paying jobs without a degree requiring more than about two years of school.
Based on national estimates from Oct 2015, typical annual wages break down this way:
- Median wages were $65,5395.
- The highest-earning 10 percent made $91,478 or more.
Find A School Ultrasound Technician Schools in Nearby Cites :
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Tupelo – Find Best Sonography Programs 38801, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Preston – Find Best Sonography Programs 39354, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Caledonia – Find Best Sonography Programs 39740, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Shannon – Find Best Sonography Programs 38868, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Gulfport – Find Best Sonography Programs 39507, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Aberdeen – Find Best Sonography Programs 39730, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Hernando – Find Best Sonography Programs 38632, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Kreole – Find Best Sonography Programs 39563, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Greenville – Find Best Sonography Programs 38701, MS
- Ultrasound Technician Schools Plantersville – Find Best Sonography Programs 38862, MS