Are you considering a new career as an ultrasound technician? It’s a great choice. Demand for medical sonographers is going to grow by 14% over the next eight years, and they earn about $70,000 a year.

Those are fantastic prospects, but changing careers can be daunting. You have to study to become an ultrasound technician and find schools for ultrasound tech.

Then, you have to find a job after your program and pass an exam.

Well, we can take some of the weight off of your shoulders. Keep reading to find out how to find out what to look for in ultrasound technician schools.

1. Program Reputation

As you start to research ultrasound technician schools, you’ll want to gauge the program’s reputation in the industry. Check out the accreditations and program certifications.

Find out if you can interview staff members and students to learn more about the program. You can also lookup reviews online to find out more about the programs.  

2. Flexible Schedules

If you’re changing careers, you probably need to work while you’re attending school. It’s difficult to do both, and it’s hard to convince your boss to leave work to attend classes.

Find a program that offers evening and online classes. A program that caters to busy professionals would put you with other students in the same position.

It makes it easier to make connections because you can relate to each other.

3. Exam and Career Prep

You won’t know everything about working as an ultrasound technician as soon as you graduate from school. You should have the knowledge and confidence to work from day 1.

Find out what kind of hands-on work you’ll do. You’ll also need to know how the program prepares you to pass the ARDMS exam.

If you’re a physician looking to supplement your work, you’ll want to find a program that prepares you for the RMSKS registry exam. 

4. Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of the program can be as much as $25,000. Contact the school’s financial aid office and learn if you’re eligible for grants and scholarships.

You can take out student loans, but you want to limit the amount of loans you take out. You don’t want to be saddled with student loan debt for years.

5. Career Placement

The best schools for ultrasound tech put you in a position to get a job right out of school. They have a career placement program and they have connections with area hospitals.

The schools should have data on how quickly students find employment out of school and what the starting salaries are.

Finding the Best Schools for Ultrasound Tech Careers

Becoming an ultrasound tech is a smart career choice. The ultrasound technician schooling program that you choose has a lot to do with your success.

Hopefully, this guide make it easier to find the best schools for ultrasound tech. Look at the program’s reputation, cost, career preparation, and placement.

The right program will help you land a high-paying job right out of school. Be sure to check out the blog for more career tips.