Nebraska Ultrasound Tech Programs

How to Become a Sonographer in Nebraska and Sonography Programs in Nebraska

If you want to learn about how to become a sonographer in Nebraska and sonography programs in Nebraska, you should begin by understanding what sonographers do. Diagnostic medical sonographers use sonography equipment to take images of the inside of the body. This allows doctors to see the internal organs without an invasive procedure. A gel is applied to the surface of the body to better facilitate the use of sound waves for imaging. The sonographer will then examine the images he or she is getting very carefully and capture the diagnostic images that are necessary for the physician's particular purposes.

Most diagnostic medical sonographers pursue an associate of applied science degree in ultrasound technology. Those who have a degree in another area, such as nursing, may also be eligible to complete a short certificate program in sonography. The BryanLGH College of Health Sciences School of Health Professions offers a diagnostic medical sonography program that includes 66 credit hours of general education and 55 credit hours in the sonography major. Nebraska Methodist College offers an AS degree in multispecialty sonography or cardiovascular sonography. At the University of Nebraska, students can enroll in the diagnostic medical sonography program after completing an associate degree in a related area.

After completing an approved course in diagnostic medical sonography, students can sit for the certification examination to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. This is provided by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Though this certification is not required for a sonographer to practice in this field, it is greatly preferred by employers. To further increase your employment opportunities, you may also seek certification in areas of specialty. This is a highly competitive field and it's important to pursue as much education and certification as possible to secure a good job. It is always advantageous for medical professionals to pursue continuing education.

The job outlook for diagnostic medical sonography is excellent. This technology is used to diagnose many different problems. Sonography is also used to monitor a woman's pregnancy at various stages. Patients who want to avoid radiation or invasive procedures can often opt for a sonogram as a safe and painless option. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow by about 44 percent over the 2010 to 2020 decade. In Nebraska, the mean annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $59,950, or about $28.82 an hour. Those with earnings in the top ten percent make more than $75,570 while those in the bottom ten percent earn less than $25,380.