Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use specialized technology to view the interiors of the human body without invasive surgery. Ultrasound machines bounce high-pitched soundwaves off the body's soft tissues and measure the resulting echo to create an image. Technicians can use these images to track a pregnancy, look for abnormalities, or diagnose a medical condition.
Minnesota is a popular location for outdoor enthusiasts while also boasting a lively culture. As home to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the state is considered a leader in health care. Minnesota has more than 55 acute-care facilities throughout the state.
Students in Minnesota have several options to choose from when it comes to pursuing an education in sonography, especially in the highly populated Twin Cities area. Here are four schools with programs in the field:
Students who study in Minnesota will find a rich community and large health care industry. Hospitals, clinics, medical centers, and medical service companies are all job options in the state. The diagnostic ultrasound field is a technical, ever-changing career that requires both caregiving skills and the ability to operate and maintain specialized healthcare equipment. Students and graduated sonographers in Minnesota have many options to choose from for both training and job location.
Most sonography programs in Minnesota allow students to focus on a certain area of sonography by taking specialized classes. Common specializations include vascular, cardiovascular, OB/GYN, breast, or abdominal sonography.
While curriculum will vary by school and specialty, most sonography programs include training in the following areas:
Many programs also require a clinical component in which students learn on the job under the supervision of a professional sonographer. This typically takes place at a local hospital, physician's office, or other health care facility.
There are no specific licensing requirements for ultrasound technicians in Minnesota. However, employers often prioritize candidates who are certified by a nationally recognized organization, and have graduated from programs accredited by the CAAHEP. Upon graduation, students can gain a certification with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or via Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) through examinations. Students who wish to specialize in a certain area of sonography may apply for an additional certificate in their focus. Most ultrasound technicians obtain at least one post-graduation certification, but multiple certifications can help further your career.
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 |
---|---|---|
St. Cloud | 40 | $78,990 |
Rochester | 90 | $86,090 |
Mankato-North Mankato | N/A | $80,680 |
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