Becoming an Ultrasound Technician in Utah - UT

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Utah

1. Obtain a secondary education. Ultrasound technicians in Utah must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent before they can be considered for a diagnostic medical sonography or medical imaging program. Students who plan to go into these programs should gain a strong background in algebra, calculus, physics, human anatomy, biology, English, health, and interpersonal communication.

2. Get certified in CPR. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which holds a licensing agreement with the State of Utah, requires all its sonographers to be licensed in CPR. Applicants can take CPR classes through their local churches, community colleges, American Red Cross, or another ARRT-approved organization.
3. Acquire an Associate's degree. Ultrasound technicians in Utah must have an Associate's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or a related field before they can take the ARRT primary certification exam. Associate's degree programs in Utah combine major classes with general education courses and clinical internships to provide students with a rich academic background and real world experience.
4. Gain two years of clinical experience. The ARRT requires all its applicants to gain two years of clinical training experience before they can take the primary certification exam. Utah's community colleges, technical schools, and universities usually offer clinical externships alongside academic classes, which help students build an understanding of different procedures and how to maintain a professional relationship with patients. Students should maintain a record of their patient contact experience, show competency in 29 different procedures, and have recorded proof of performing additional procedures in a sonography training environment as prescribed by the ARRT.
5. Pass the ARRT primary certification exam. The primary certification exam evaluates a student's understanding of general sonography, and licenses them for general practice. ARRT's status as the choice certifying body of Utah makes this exam one of the final steps toward gaining licensure through the State.
6. Apply for licensure through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Once applicants have passed the primary exam, they must provide the State with a paper application, ARRT test scores, and official transcripts from their academic institution.