Online Medical Classes

Ultrasound Technician / Radiologist Technician?

I started to pursue the health field in High School where I took Vocational Classes for Medical, Dental and Nursing. At the end of the first quarter, we were to select the one we wanted to stay in. I started in Medical and transferred to Health. Graduated and became a CNA. I had since then moved out of that career path and took a office job that paid more money at the time and have been in administrative work ever since. My real passion is to work in the health field again. My interests are Ultrasound tech or Radiology Tech. I didnt pay close attention to the classes required in school needed for if I were to go to college (which I didnt). I only took academic biology in school and dont remember what my grade was. I am looking for a local college to find out the details on taking courses required prior to the actual UT or RT classes. I have no idea where to start or what all I would need to do prior. I read online info from a local community college that said I would have to take a biology and chem or allied health, etc. Any info would be VERY helpful on which path I need to go and who is or has worked in this field. THANKS I knew at one time all the medical terminology and still have my health and medical books from school. However, I know I have a lot more to learn. I am a mom of 2 and work full time. I plan on obtaining my degree for this over the course of a couple years to make it work. I only took Academic Biology in High School, I did not take Chemistry. How do I take those courses at a college prior?

Public Comments

1. The correct titles are Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Radiologic Technologist. You need to go through an accredited sonography or radiography program, which are usually 40 hours per week for 2 years. Find programs you are interested at the links below, then find out what their prerequisites are. Some sonography programs require you be an RT first, some don't. DMS: http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/ Radiography: https://www.arrt.org/index.html?content=nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes
2. I'm a sonography student, so I can give you some info on the ultrasound side of things. You will want to find an accredited DMS (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) program first, and then the school can let you know what the pre-requisites are. The required classes will probably include Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, Physics, Intro to Health Care, etc. You could work on the pre-req's part time and at your own pace. However, once you get accepted into the DMS program you can no longer work on your own schedule - there's a set curriculum and it's full time. The majority of these programs are either 18 months - 2 years in length. My program is 18 months long and my school is on the quarter system, so we are always under major time constraints. There is no down time or free time; school will become your life for those 18 mos/2 yrs. You may be able to work somewhere a couple of afternoons a week, but even that is pushing it. It can be done- there are girls in my class with kids, a couple of girls still have jobs, but it is definitely a struggle. Here's a good site for more info on Sonography: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm Accredited programs: http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/ Good luck! :)