How to become an ultrasound technician?

How does one become an ultrasound technician?

• I'm pregnant & everytime I go to get an ultrasound done I wish I knew how to operate the machine and find it very interesting. Is it a career or just a job? What schooling ...show more

• Answer:

  It's essentially a career but you some sonographers (techs) also have other jobs like teaching ultrasound or selling machines, etc. The programs vary; generally a 2 year program at a community college or vocational/technical school or a 4 year Radiology degree from a college/university. The prerequisites vary depending on the program as well but generally you need to have taken English, Math, Physics and A&P (sometimes on a college level) just to get in. Salary varies depening on you experience, the facility you work in (private/Catholic hospital vs public/community hospital, private office or radiology site), as well as where you work - a big city, suburbs or more rural area. I live in NY as well (Long Island) and even here it varies - I've heard everything from $13/hour to $40+ an hour, Some people work by case (which earns more) vs an hourly/salary type or per diem.