Is the Ultrasound Program Difficult?

Hi all, hope you give me some feed back, I am on the brink enrolling in the AS Ultrasound/sonography tech program at my local community college. I am 35, and mother, and I currently work in large hospital partime, my job now is extreme as far as fact paced and I am an adrenaline junkie, could someone tell me how HARD is this program, and MATH is NOT my best subject, Please Help with any and all feedback!!! Thanks Michella

Michella,

As you can see, we are practically neighbors (I'm in Seffner) Anyhow, I too am looking into enrolling in the AS ultrasonography tech program at HCC (I'm assuming that is the school you are referring to). I can't tell you much about the program, I'm just starting to investigate it myself. I have to do a couple prerequisites, but should be ready to go after that. I freak out about the whole timeline of everything. I am 34 and my husband is active duty Air Force. I am currently a medical transcriptionist, but really need something different. Just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone out there.

In response to your questions on how hard the ultrasound program is... I did not study at the same school you are looking into. However, ultrasound programs are pretty intense. You are in school and also have to do a clinical at the same time. After your schooling, in order to be board certified ultrasound tech you have to pass ultrasound physics and a specialty (abdomen , ob/gyn, etc.) Because of this, you will have to take an ultrasound physics class to learn all about sound waves and how the machine works. Most of the time, you will have some type of math class that is specific to ultrasound in order to complement the physics class. Again, I'm not sure about the program you are specifically looking into, but my program, you HAD to pass these physics classes with a B or better your first semester in the program otherwise you failed out and had to re-apply, so its pretty important.
Ultrasound programs usually consume a lot of your time, alot of material to know. But it is worth it in the end. Hope this helps a bit. Good luck in your endeavors!

Michelle,

I live in the same city. I am curious what program you went through, and if you can give me more information? I would be deliriously happy and grateful for whatever info you pass along. I have been thinking about the Unv Hosp in Denver.

I'm currently in a sonography program. Have worked as a medical radiographer (x-ray technologist) for years. In addition to my X-ray program I have a Great GPA, have taken difficult classes before (2 years of college chem, micro, 2 semesters of A&P a semester of Sectional Anatomy and with that background I'll say Yes, it's a tough program. The volume is the problem. Medical concepts are not difficult however the volume is difficult to deal with. DON'T TRY TO WORK WHILE GOING THROUGH. Unless you have an exceptional memory. (EXCEPTIONAL !!!) And I believe it's best to make sure the program is accredited. Otherwise you may have some problems. I am in favor of the private schools and their methods of instruction because I believe they work harder to get their students through the program however because they are so concerned with profit they will tell you anything even if it's not true and often will omit those things that might encourage you to go elsewhere. Make sure the school guarantees you a clinical place to practice ie, a hospital, imaging clinic, etc... (in writing)If you are going to spend the kind of money they charge make sure to (go to the local hospitals and imaging clinics,x-ray dept) ask to talk to the manager. Ask their opinion and whether or not they accept that schools students for clinical practice and if they hire their grads. Do your advanced homework before you pay the money. I didn't have to do that because I enrolled in a local Community College program that is well established and being in the medical imaging field for 18 years I know this school well. However after reading about the problems others have had it only makes sense. Good luck to all.

I am very much interested in becoming an Ultrasound technician. I am worried about how hard schooling is - but most important - how difficult is it to find a job afterwards? I already have my BS in applied math and it's EXTREMELY difficult to find a job. Did anyone have difficulty finding a job after finishing an ultrasound program and after passing the exams??