Louisiana Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training Programs (Sonography Schools)

Whether conducting tests or creating images, ultrasound technicians (also known as medical sonographers) use specialist imaging equipment that help in the assessment and diagnosis of patients' medical conditions. Sometimes, sonographers are also needed to assist surgeons or physicians in surgery. In Louisiana, ultrasound technicians may find job opportunities in larger metro areas, as the ever-improving technology of imaging photography replaces more expensive and invasive procedures.

Louisiana Ultrasound Technician Schools

Earning a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in diagnostic medical sonogrpahy is the typical requirement for those looking to pursue a career in the field. There are a number of schools that offer ultrasound technician programs in Louisiana. including these four institutions:

• Baton Rouge Community College: Established in 1994, BRCC offers fall enrollment to over 8,000 students. One of their courses is the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which is based on the guidelines of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This is a 62-credit program.
  
  
• Our Lady of Holy Cross College: OLHCC offers a range of courses, including undergraduate, graduate, certification, and online programs. A 16-month certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is available, which results in a Bachelor of Science degree.
  
  
• Delgado Community College: Located in New Orleans, Delgado Community College offers a number of programs at the associate level. One of these is a 16-month accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, which involves a practical and formal education in medical sonography. They also offer a post-associate certificate program in this subject area.
  
  
• Louisiana State University Eunice: LSUE has over 1,300 full-time students and a number of different degree programs. Their Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Abdomen & OB / GYN) Certificate of Applied Science course allows students to go on and pursue the specialist disciplines taught in this program.

What to Expect from Louisiana Sonography Programs

While enrolled in an ultrasound technician program at a school in Louisiana, you can expect to learn all of the basics involved in being a sonographer. Your course may involve studying in the classroom as well as clinical practice and experience working alongside a specialist technician.

Curriculum will vary according to your chosen specialty, but most sonography programs include coursework on the following topics:

• Medical terminology
• The principles of physics
• College algebra
• Human anatomy
• Human physiology
• The principles of sonography
• Sonographic pathology
• Sonographic anatomy
• Specialist fields, e.g. breast sonography or abdominal sonography
• Clinical procedures

Louisiana Ultrasound Technician Licensing and Certification

There aren't any specific licenses needed in order to work as an ultrasound technician in Louisiana. However, obtaining a professional certification in sonography can help you when embarking on this career, as many employers only hire candidates with these credentials. Medicare and a lot of insurance providers also require that sonographers be certified in order to carry out tests on clients. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) both offer certification in the field.

You are able to specialize in a chosen area when you undertake these certifications, such as breast or abdomen sonography, for example. Or, you may wish to keep your expertise general. Some students do decide to pursue multiple certifications in different specialist areas. Obtaining a Basic Life Support certification that shows you're able to perform CPR is also recommended, as many employers look for this in a candidate.

Resources for Ultrasound Technicians in Louisiana

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
• Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
• Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners