Ultrasound technicians play an essential role in diagnosing and treating an assortment of ailments. Also known as sonographers, these health care professionals operate machines that use high-frequency sounds to produce images of what exists below the skin.
If you're considering attending a sonography school in Connecticut, there are a number of options available. Though the state is small, Connecticut's Department of Public Health has ambitious goals for increasing access to high-quality health care for its residents. This could mean an increased demand for ultrasound technicians over the coming years.
In order to become an ultrasound technician in Connecticut, you must successfully complete a program that has been recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAHEEP). Here are four Connecticut schools that offer training in the field:
After graduation, most students pursue certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), a process we cover in detail below.
A formal education in sonography typically entails learning about the human body and how ultrasound machinery works, and most programs include hands-on experience working with actual patients. Sonography schools in Connecticut use the most current technology available to ensure their students won't face a learning curve once they land work in the field.
While curriculum may vary by program, some examples of courses students can expect to take include:
In the end, the classes you take depend on the school you choose and whether you decide to earn a certificate or degree. Additionally, different specialties in the field, such as echocardiography or vascular sonography, will entail different sets of courses.
Connecticut does not require licensure to work as an ultrasound technician. However, many professionals choose to become certified by the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). This is a great resume-builder that can also increase your earning potential in this role.
If you decide to pursue an ARDMS certification, you'll need to pass the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation examination (SPI). This includes taking a corresponding examination in one of the following specialty areas:
Depending on the specialty area you chose to focus on, upon passing your exam, you'll have earned one of these credentials:
To apply for a credential, you'll need your Clinical Verification (CV). Then you'll take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and another exam for whichever specialty you have chosen. Your application must include a CME certificate of completion or your sonography program transcripts. You'll need to pay a $100 processing fee as well.
ARDMS also has a five-year rule. It requires that you pass your SPI exam and corresponding specialty exam within five years of each other, regardless of the sequence you choose.
The ARDMS website offers a wealth of helpful resources for both prospective sonography students and professional ultrasound technicians, including:
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Sonographers relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Metro Area | Jobs | Annual Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk | 230 | $81,950 |
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | 380 | $80,610 |
New Haven | N/A | $75,590 |
Danbury | 80 | $85,370 |
Waterbury | 70 | $81,510 |
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