Diagnostic Medical Sonography schools are open to anyone who qualifies, and that includes people who have already have a degree or professional registration in a healthcare discipline. Sometimes it makes sense to go back to school to earn an additional degree or certificate in order to increase employment or career options.
Multi-Degree or Multi-Modality Makes Twice the Opportunity
People with multiple healthcare degrees or credentials will often be considered for jobs over those who have a single credential. It only makes sense because healthcare facility employers must balance the need for high quality professional staff with cost control.
An employee who has multiple credentials has developed a broader perspective on patient care. Having more than one Allied Health degree makes the person qualified to hold more than one type of position. For example, someone with a nursing degree and a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography could work as a nurse or a sonographer or blend the two sets of job functions into one position. Another option is to combine modalities which also expands employment options. Yet another option is for the ARDMS registered sonographer to add a sonography specialty. In every case, it is important to attend one of the accredited diagnostic medical sonography schools
Education Never Ends
Someone who already has a degree should never stop pursuing additional education. In fact, as the health care industry transforms into a more efficient and expansive system due to technology and passage of the Affordable Care Act, healthcare professionals are discovering they need to make themselves as attractive as possible to employers. Utilization of ultrasound is growing rapidly because it is non-invasive and is useful in an ever-expanding number of medical cases, especially in the cardiovascular area. Possessing knowledge of sonographic imaging will position people to play a greater role in the healthcare system.
Sometimes the best step someone can take to advance their career is to return to school. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography schools do not limit enrollment to people without a degree. In fact, there are several educational paths healthcare professionals can choose from. One path accommodates people who have a degree in an Allied Health discipline, and one path is designed for those who hold any Bachelor’s degree. There are also educational paths that give credit for work experience in a medical setting.
As ultrasound imaging technology gets more mobile and more technologically advanced, sonographers with credentials in multiple modalities or Allied Health disciplines will find themselves in great demand.
Following are some of the reasons for returning to school:
- A Radiation Therapist, MRI Technologist, Cardiovascular Technologist or an X-Ray Technician returns to school and gets a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- A Registered Nurse (compare RN with Sonographer) decides to earn a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and selects one of the 80 plus ultrasound technician certificate programs available in 2017
- A sonographer who already has an Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography decides to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sonography because it will open up new job opportunities
- A Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) decides to take additional courses in adult echocardiography and then sits for the ARDMS exams to earn certification as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
- A sonographer who has been working for ten years decides to return to school and earn the newest ARDMS credential to become a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RMSK)
- A practicing sonographer decides to specialize in pediatric sonography as a high level specialist and takes additional coursework before sitting for the ARDMS Pediatric Echocardiography specialty exam to earn the PE credential.
There are online programs, also called distance learning programs, available at some sonography colleges for those who cannot find local programs. Registered sonographers can earn a bachelor’s degree in sonography at Adventist University. Jackson University (Michigan), Washburn University (Kansas) and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee offer online sonography programs.
The jobs for sonographers pay very well. Payscale.com, a company maintaining an extensive up-to-date salary profile database through regular market research, reports a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is currently earning $28.81 per hour on average in 2017, but most sonographers move into other positions after 20 years. Completing additional education programs during those 20 years can lead to a higher salary and prepares the experienced sonographer to move into jobs like administration, research and teaching, if that is the goal.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools to Meet All needs
There are Diagnostic Medical Sonography schools almost in every state. A healthcare professional who wants to add a sonography degree or credential will find many options. The Ultrasound Technician Center has made it easy to browse the schools and programs by state by listing every CAAHEP accredited sonography program available in 2017. Ultrasound technology offers an exciting career, and it also offers a variety of opportunities for those who go back to sonography school.