In ultrasound technology you will be responsible for diagnosing patients with the use of ultrasound equipment, such as sonograms that use high frequency sound waves to create images of the human body's insides. You are then supposed to be able to read the results of the images that are produced. Many ultrasound technicians work in the pregnancy department, using their equipment to conjure up pictures of the fetus. The equipment can also be used for the eyes and vascular system.
When it comes to training, you will need to obtain a two year or four year degree from an accredited college or university. There are 147 programs in the U.S. that are accredited through the Commission for Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs. If you don't have any experience in the health care field and are looking for a quick way to get in, an associate's degree is your best bet. You may be able to find a shorter program that takes about a year to complete.
You are not required to obtain a license to work as an ultrasound tech, but you will need certification, which is provided by the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers. You will have to have a minimum of an associate's degree and pass the exam in order to get certified.
