Rhode Island Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training Programs (Sonography Schools)

Commonly known as ultrasound technicians, sonographers work in conjunction with various other members of a medical personnel team throughout a patient's treatment. Their job is to operate the sonographic scanners that produce images of a patient's internal organs. Sonography is used in many different medical procedures, including obstetrics, echocardiograms, and ophthalmology.

Rhode Island Ultrasound Technician Schools

Rhode Island offers a number of sonography technician training programs through various institutions, including community colleges, universities, and hospitals. Students may spend 2-4 years studying to become ultrasound technicians, with at least a year of clinical practice experience toward the end of their studies. Here are four schools with formal education programs in the field:

• Rhode Island Hospital: Located in Providence, Rhode Island Hospital offers a Bachelor's of Science program in Medical Imaging. Students spend the first 2.5 years studying theoretical and practical knowledge of sonography, then are placed into clinical settings for the final 1.5 years of the program.
  
  
• Community College of Rhode Island: CCRI offers a two-year program in diagnostic medical sonography. Graduates of the program earn an Associate degree in Applied Science. Class sizes are relatively small, and graduation rates and job placement ratios have been increasing over the past five years.
  
  
• St. John's Providence Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Providence Hospital's two-year program is incredibly intensive, and is meant for individuals who already have professional experience in the medical field. The program only accepts those who hold an Associate degree in a field related to medicine, or have worked in various health-related fields such as occupational or physical therapy.
  
  
• Rhode Island College: Rhode Island College offers a Bachelor's of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program spans over nine semesters, and helps prepare students to enter various specialized fields of sonography.

What to Expect from Rhode Island Sonography Programs

Rhode Island's sonography programs range from two to four years in length, and vary greatly in intensity. Each program offers both classroom study and clinical application of knowledge, and the degree to which this knowledge is put into practice varies depending on the program.

Most sonography programs focus on diagnostic medical imaging as a whole. These programs will provide students with the background knowledge needed to become specialists in various areas of sonography, including (but not limited to):

• Echocardiogram
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology

Some programs also offer an internship component, giving students the opportunity to practice their skills at an actual health care facility.

Rhode Island Ultrasound Technician Licensing and Certification

Ultrasound technicians are not required to be licensed in order to work in Rhode Island. However, sonography professionals are advised to earn official certification from a nationally accredited organization.

By passing examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), graduates of ultrasound technician programs can offer proof that they've completed the necessary coursework and clinical duties to be considered for full-time work.

Resources for Ultrasound Technicians in Rhode Island

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)