People of all ages are pursuing degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students over 25 years old may already have a degree in an Allied Health program and want to supplement their professional credentials. Sometimes people decide to pursue a career later in life for personal reasons. As the population ages, the percentage of mature students attending higher education facilities is growing. Considering the significant projected industry growth, older students are encouraged to enter CAAHEP accredited sonography programs.
Time is Right to Become Sonography Students
Not all sonography students start their higher education programs right after high school. There may be a lack of finances, family obligations, a desire to take a break from school or other personal reasons that prevent starting college right away. At some point, many people decide the time is right to pursue the career of their dreams.
CAAHEP accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs do not discriminate based on age, gender, ethnicity, income status or any other characteristic. Any person of any age can choose to become an ultrasound technician. The main requirement is that a mature person must be able to meet the physical requirements demanded of a sonographer.
Entering an ultrasound technology program is a matter of the timing being right. The sonography program must have seats available, and the student must be able to dedicate the time required to earn the sonography certificate or degree. The market for sonographers should also be robust. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians is expected to grow by 26.4 and 22.2 percent for the period 2014 to 2024.
Never Too Old
If able to complete program and job requirements, the bottom line is that a sonography student is never too old to enter a sonography program. Though sonography is a physically demanding job, many older people take better care of themselves than younger ones because they appreciate the impact on the aging process. They understand the importance of regular exercise and good nutrition so live a healthy lifestyle.
If health is not an issue, there is no limitation on becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. In addition, an aging population increases the need for empathetic healthcare workers who have experienced life’s ups and downs. Older workers are more likely to have experienced a health-related condition and to have undergone an experience in a hospital or clinic. This gives them insight into patient-related situations.
Bringing Something Special
Mature students tend to have:
- Life experience – Mature students may have greater experience in a variety of settings and conditions.
- Emotional maturity – Mature students often have experience dealing with stress and balancing multiple demands of work and family.
- Better understanding of people – Mature students have encountered more people, raised children, cared for elderly parents, comforted friends and so on. They have developed people skills that translate well in the sonography program.
- Greater appreciation for opportunities – Some mature people have held positions they did not enjoy and jobs that did not offer opportunities for advancement. They start a sonography program because they appreciate the interesting work it offers and the ability to specialize and become more marketable.
There are many advantages to living in an age where diversity of age is appreciated. Mature students who want to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer can choose the CAAHEP accredited program that fits their needs, get ARDMS registered and begin an exciting career. They will find that most campuses now offer specialized services to assist mature students. They include technology skills upgrade classes and networking opportunities with people at the same stage of life. The bottom line is that there is no time like the present to pursue a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.