Steps to Specializing in Cardiac Sonography
Specializing in cardiac sonography is an excellent choice if you want to go into the medical field as an ultrasound technician. As a cardiac sonographer, you will be trained in the anatomy of the heart and know how to operate the equipment that is used to assess the heart and blood vessels in order to diagnose and treat patients.
Could this be the right career for you? If so, these are the steps you’ll need to follow to achieve your professional goals:
Step #1: Assess your knowledge
Before you can get anywhere, you need to figure out whether you have the skills and interests to exceed in this career. You must be able to acquire a sizeable amount of knowledge on physiology and anatomy, and you will need to complete some pretty advanced clinical training. On the job, you will need to have good communication and interpersonal skills, analytical aptitude, and seamless maneuvering when using the equipment. If this sounds like something reasonable to expect of yourself, feel free to continue.
Step #2: Get the education
You will need to complete at least a two-year associate’s degree in order to enter this career field. Community colleges, technical institutes and vocational schools offer cardiovascular technology or diagnostic medical sonography degree programs. After a year of general education, this will include a year of competency-based academic and laboratory experience and specific echocardiography coursework. Once you have finished your schooling, you may also consider completing an internship, if you haven’t done so already.
Step #3: Consider certification
Even if your state doesn’t require it, you should consider getting certified through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Some states require it–in which case, you have no choice if you want to move forward with your career. However, it’s very helpful in any case because it proves to employers that you’re serious about the job and the specialty you have chosen.
Step #4: Start job hunting
Once you have the degree and certification out of the way, then you can put your training to use in the job market. There are cardiac sonography jobs in clinics, commercial corporations, doctors’ offices, hospitals and public health facilities, as well as career opportunities in administration, education, research and training.
Cardiac treatments continue to become more and more complex as time passes and physicians need specialized technicians that can assist with the intricate equipment that is required to complete these treatments. Take this information to heart, and consider whether or not this career field is right for you!
