Florida Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training Programs (Sonography Schools)

Also referred to as sonographers, ultrasound technicians perform diagnostic tests on patients, employing technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of internal organs and other tissues. Doctors and other health care professionals use these images to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

Florida Ultrasound Technician Schools

Pursuing sonography training at one of the following Florida schools is the first step in starting a career as an ultrasound technician. The next is obtaining certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

• Hillsborough Community College: HCC, located in Tampa, offers an associate degree program in general sonography. Each of the graduates of the class of 2014 earned ARDMS certification, and enjoyed a 94 percent employment rate.
  
  
• St. Vincent's Medical Center: Based in Jacksonville, this school offers certificate programs in both general sonography and vascular sonography. The class of 2014 had a 100 percent job placement rate. In addition, 100 percent earned ARDMS certification.
  
  
• Adventist University of Health Sciences: ADU in Orlando offers both associate and bachelor's degree programs in general sonography, cardiac sonography, and vascular sonography. Every graduate of the class of 2014 earned ARDMS certification.
  
  
• Miami Dade College: At this school, students may pursue an associate degree in general sonography or cardiac sonography. Grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options are available for these programs.
  
  
• Broward College: Located in Coconut Creek, this school offers two associate degree programs: general sonography and cardiac sonography. Graduates from the class of 2014 enjoyed 100 percent job placement. In addition, each one earned certification from ARDMS.

The ultrasound technology programs at each of these schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

What to Expect from Florida Sonography Programs

Graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs leave school prepared to take, and pass, ARDMS certification examinations. Students study in both classroom and clinical settings, using state-of-the-art equipment.

While curriculum will vary by program, common course topics include:

• Abdominal Sonography
• Acoustic Physics and Instrumentation, Superficial Structures
• Clinical Education
• Echocardiography
• Film Critique
• Neurosonography
• OB/GYN Sonography
• Principles and Protocols of Sonographic Imaging
• Sonography of the Circulatory System

In addition, students in degree programs typically take general education courses, such as:

• English
• Mathematics
• History

Florida Ultrasound Technician Licensing and Certification

The state of Florida requires radiologic personnel to submit an application as a Certified Radiological Technologist, along with the required application fee.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and earn certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). There are education requirements, as well as ethic requirements. Applicants must report:

• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Any criminal procedures ending in either a plea or verdict of guilty, no contest, deferred adjudication, diversion, or suspended sentence
• Regulatory disciplinary actions on any prior certification or license
• Traffic citations involving drugs or alcohol

You do not need to report juvenile convictions or minor traffic citations. The application fees must be submitted to the Department of Health at the time of your application.

Resources for Ultrasound Technicians in Florida

• Visit the Florida Health website for more details regarding licensing.
• Visit the ARRT website for full details on certification.
• Visit the ARDMS website for information on their certification exams.