How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in New York – NY

With the increased public knowledge about the effects of radiation, ultrasound imaging (sonography) is being used more instead of diagnostic imaging methods (like x-rays).  Also there is newer and more advance ultrasound technology being created, especially in obstetrics.  With growing technology comes more career opportunities.  Hospitals are one of the biggest employers of ultrasound technologists (diagnostic medical sonographers), but now opportunities are available in doctor’s offices and laboratories.  This allows for a greater need for those trained in the profession to perform these procedures and the state of New York has hundreds of hospitals and medical facilities, which offer great opportunity in the state.  In 2006, CNN listed the top ten jobs according to salary made with only an associates degree held, and ultrasound technology was ranked number 8.  So not only can you make good money, but you don’t have to spend everything to get an education since most of these associate programs are available at community colleges.

At this time, only two states require licensure for ultrasound technologists, New York not being one those.  So to become an ultrasound technician in New York a licensure is not necessary. However, most employers require or prefer that an employee is a registered ultrasound technologist.  Having one of these credentials shows employers that you have the necessary knowledge to fulfill the requirements of the job.  The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is responsible for administering exams and credentials for the field.  The ARDMS offers 3 different credentials for ultrasound technologists: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, and Registered Vascular Technologist.  In order to take this exam there are several perquisites that must be fulfilled according to education, clinical experience, and requires documentation.  To see what prerequisites you fulfill see the chart by the ARDMS at http://www.ardms.org/downloads/Prerequisite_Chart.pdf.   For example if you have an associates degree from an allied health program, you must have 12 months of clinical experience in the field and submit transcripts, copy of degree or certificate received,  a letter from supervisor whom the clinical hours were completed with a clinical verification form.  Next an online application must be completed.  If application is approved, you will be notified and will have 90 days to take the exam needed for which ever credential that you are trying to receive.  The exams needed to pass are listed according to credential:

How to become an ultrasound technician in New York with a certification:
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS): must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and one specialty exam (abdomen, breast, fetal echocardiography, neurosonology, obstetrics and gynecology)

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS): must pass SPI exam and one specialty exam (either adult echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography)

Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT): must pass the SPI exam and the vascular technology exam

Scores are given immediately after finishing exam.  If all exams are passed and the credential is granted, you will receive a certificate by mail in about 6 weeks.