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.

Connecticut Ultrasound Technician Schools

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:

  • Quinnipiac University: Located in Hamden, Quinnipiac University offers a BA in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This is the only school in the Connecticut region that has a sonography bachelor's degree program.

  • Yale-New Haven Hospital School of Diagnostic Ultrasound: Students can choose between earning a certificate in Echocardiography, General Sonography, Pediatric Echocardiography, or Vascular Sonography from this school.

  • American Institute of Healthcare and Technology: This Stratford school has a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The curriculum includes classroom hours, labs, and clinical externships.

  • Gateway Community College: An associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography can be earned from this New Haven school upon completion of 2,400 hours of coursework.

After graduation, most students pursue certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), a process we cover in detail below.

What to Expect from Connecticut Sonography Programs

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:

  • Introduction to Sonography
  • Instrumentation
  • Health Ethics
  • Ultrasound Physics

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 Ultrasound Technician Licensing and Certification

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:

  • Abdomen
  • Breast
  • Adult Echocardiography
  • Fetal Echocardiography
  • Musculoskeletal Sonography (MSKS)
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Pediatric Sonography
  • Vascular Technology

Depending on the specialty area you chose to focus on, upon passing your exam, you'll have earned one of these credentials:

  • RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)
  • RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer)
  • RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist)
  • RMSKS (Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer)

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.

Resources for Ultrasound Technicians in Connecticut

The ARDMS website offers a wealth of helpful resources for both prospective sonography students and professional ultrasound technicians, including:

Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Sonographers

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-Norwalk230$81,950
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford380$80,610
New HavenN/A$75,590
Danbury80$85,370
Waterbury70$81,510

Sources:

  1. Homepage, ARDMS, http://www.ardms.org/Pages/default.aspx, accessed October 5, 2016.
  2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm, accessed October 5, 2016.
  3. How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Connecticut, http://www.eultrasoundtechnician.com/how-to-become-an-ultrasound-technician-in-connecticut/, accessed October 5, 2016.
  4. Occupation Program List, Connecticut Department of Labor, http://www1.ctdol.state.ct.us/etc/program_list.asp?strProgType=ONET&intonet=29203200, accessed October 5, 2016.
  5. Yale-New Haven Hospital School of Diagnostic Ultrasound, http://radiology.yale.edu/education/technology/ynhh.aspx, accessed October 5, 2016.
  6. Diagnostic Medical Sonography Training, American Institute of Healthcare & Technology,http://www.aihtedu.com/diagnostic-medical-sonography.html, accessed October 5, 2016.
  7. Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Gateway Community College http://www.gatewayct.edu/programs-courses/divisions-departments/allied-health/radiologic-technology-programs/diagnostic-medical-sonography, accessed October 5, 2016.
  8. Ultrasound Courses and Programs, Ultrasound Schools Info, http://www.ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com/courses/, accessed October 5, 2016.

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