Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Hawaii
Options for training to become a cardiac ultrasound technician in Hawaii are limited to study of general radiologic technology; however, the state government in Hawaii labels certain areas of the Pacific island chain a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests recent gains of 14.3 percent in available positions for diagnostic medical sonographers. The state also offers some of the highest average salaries for the profession.
Nationwide, even more increases in available positions for sonographers and radiologists are expected over the next decade, so the profession is on a long-term period of rapid growth (BLS, 2014). Training in cardiac sonography in Hawaii may lead to positive opportunities for employment. Students who have an interest in health care and technology will thrive during study of radiologic technology and should have strong problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work efficiently.
Contact the echo tech programs in Hawaii that are listed below to begin.
Echo technicians must also learn good interpersonal skills because of the responsibility for working with patients on a one-on-one basis. During a procedure, you will need to explain what’s happening to the patient so as to create a calm environment in which to perform tests. As an echo tech, you can often enjoy a varied job environment because each patient will be different and could require a different interpersonal approach.
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in Hawaii
Training in radiologic technology in Hawaii should take you around two years and can result in an Associate’s degree. You will take classes on a variety of topics, as well as take a faculty-supervised clinical experience. Before entering the echocardiogram tech program, you may benefit from taking extra science courses in areas like biology and anatomy while still in high school.
Some of the courses you may expect to take during college include Anatomy & Physiology, Radiologic pharmacology, and Hospital Radiographic Technique. You will also take part in significant clinical observation that can involve up to 2,000 hours of work in a local hospital or medical center. Upon graduation from the program, you should be eligible to take the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. (ARRT).
Students interested in scholarships for studying in health care programs may want to investigate the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program, which provides grants designed to increase health care availability in underserved areas like some of the rural communities of Hawaii. Native Hawaiians will want to get in touch with the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii is another valuable resource for scholarships and continuing education.
Echo Tech Careers in Hawaii
After receiving your echo tech or sonography degree, you may want to consider membership in professional associations, as well as licensure with the State of Hawaii Department of Health. For sonographers and ultrasound techs, information on licensing is available through the department’s Indoor and Radiological Health Branch. It’s also important to look at the benefits of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), as well as the ARRT.
Other associations where echo techs may find valuable information include the Hawaii Public Health Association (HPHA) and the Hawaii Medical Association (HMA). Membership in medical and health associations is essential for building working relationships with future employers and other professionals in the industry which may lead to future offers of employment.
Cardiac ultrasound technicians often work in hospitals and may also find employment in clinics and medical centers with radiologic machinery. Sometimes an echo tech may work in a doctor’s office or within the educational system at a college or university. Some of the jobs you may be eligible to apply for include ultrasound technologist, medical instrument technician, cardiovascular sonographer, and sonographer technician.
Contact the schools you see below to learn more about your options for earning your echo tech certification by contacting schools listed below that offer the programs you are interested in.