Find Sonographer Training Programs in Washington
Ranked high for its ability to provide healthcare services to its residents, Washington offers career stability if you are considering a career as a certified ultrasound tech. In the diagnostic medical field, you may perform a variety of duties, including preparing patients for procedures, maintaining diagnostic imaging equipment, and analyzing images. In order to succeed in this sector, you should enroll in a program that is registered through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health. CAAHEP-accredited programs are set up to train you in specific subjects, preparing you for your certification exam.
After you have enrolled in an ultrasound technology program, you need to decide if you wish to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, taking approximately two to four years to finish. Most colleges require you to complete both formal instruction and clinicals. Students in clinicals will earn credit by working under an experienced technologist. Sonography programs may cover applied sciences, anatomy, and medical terminology. Some programs and hospitals offer one-year certificate programs if you are already employed in the healthcare field.
Contact the schools below to learn more about becoming an ultrasound tech in Washington.
Because Medicare and most insurance providers pay for diagnostic medical sonography procedures that have been performed by a certified technologist, many medical facilities prefer hiring someone who has obtained a professional certificate in ultrasound technology. To get your certification, you will need to take the corresponding exam through an accredited organization, such as The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. These examinations will not only prove your proficiency in this field but will also increase your chances of ascertaining a higher wage.
The ARDMS and AART offer varying certificates, which allow you to specialize in a designated sector. You may earn your certificate in obstetrics and gynecologic sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, abdominal sonography, neurosonography, or breast sonography. You will need to pass questions on patient care as well as general sonography principles. Upon becoming licensed in the state of Washington, recertification is required every two years, which requires the completion of an additional 24 credits of schooling.
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Idaho / Montana / Oregon
Is Sonography a Good Career in WA?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an expected 17% increase in diagnostic medical sonography jobs through the year 2026 (2018). In the state of Washington, there are approximately 1500 working diagnostic medical sonographers (BLS, 2018). This number could increase significantly by 2026.
Statewide, the job outlook is strong for diagnostic medical sonographers. Between 2016 and 2026, O*Net anticipates a 27% increase in job openings throughout Washington (2018). The average income for a Washington diagnostic medical sonographer is $87,630 per year (O*Net, 2018).
If you wish increase your chances of career stability as an ultrasound technician, request information from a Washington’s accredited programs today.