Becoming an ultrasound technician in Florida can be an extremely promising career path. New and exciting job opportunities continue to open up in the field every day. Plus, you can start working as an ultrasound technician much more quickly than you might have realized. With a degree from Florida National University, you can receive the education you need to excel on the job in as little as 26 months.
The Promising Job Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians
With both a growing and aging population, ultrasound technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists are needed more than ever in our society today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ultrasound technicians and their colleagues in the field can expect to see jobs opportunities growing much faster than the national average with predicted growth rates anticipated to be around 17% over the next 10 years.
Sonography has a fundamental role in the healthcare industry today and cannot be replaced by any other imaging techniques or technologies. Noninvasive and cost-effective, ultrasound exams continue to be relied on by physicians in many diverse fields of medicine worldwide.
Make an Impact in the Lives of Others
Ultrasound technicians today play a vital role in helping evaluate and diagnose a wide array of medical conditions among individuals of all ages from pre-born infants to elderly adults. Professionals work directly with both patients and physicians, making the career path a fulfilling one. The work you do makes a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and can help support individuals on their path to recovery.
Specialize in an Area of Medicine that Most Interests You
The healthcare industry is incredibly diverse, and ultrasound technicians have the ability to specialize in an area that most interests them. Among other subfields, ultrasound technicians can pursue a career working in:
- Cardiac practices
- OB/GYN offices
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular medicine or angiology
- Abdominal specialization
- Breast care
- Interventional practices
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Florida
Once you decide to pursue a career in sonography, you will soon discover that there are a variety of routes you can take to become a certified ultrasound technician. For most people, earning an associate’s degree from a reputable, accredited university is your best bet. Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology degree at Florida National University can provide you with all the knowledge, expertise, and training you need to excel on the job to perform critical ultrasound procedures.
To join our selective program, you need to complete some core requirements to be considered as an applicant. All aspiring ultrasound technicians must:
- Fill out our Florida National University Admission Application and return it to an admissions representative.
- Provide official academic transcripts from your high school or previous university and forward your recent transcript(s) to the campus registrar.
- Possess an SAT score of at least 850 or above, ACT scores of at least 16, or TABE scores above the 10th level in all components, along with a high school diploma and TEAS exam score of at least 60.
Once you have been accepted to our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program, to become a graduation candidate you need to:
- Complete your pre-required courses in your first 4 semesters of study and meet the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all your general education courses.
- Pass the TEAS exam with at least 60 or better.
- Finish the program application that includes one essay, a professional reference letter, an academic reference letter, and have received a satisfactory interview review from the DMS Program Director and staff.
- Complete 800 hours of clinical practice.
- Present immunization records, a clear Level II FDLE/FBI and AHCA background check, and a negative drug test result.
Upon graduation, you can start working in Florida as an ultrasound technician. However, most employers require a professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), so it is well worth your time taking the ARDMS certification exam to become officially registered to practice in Florida.
How to Excel on the Job as an Ultrasound Technician in Florida
To become a successful ultrasound technician, you must know that the learning process does not stop once you leave the classroom. Advances in technology and best practices continue to evolve, so in order to deliver the best quality of care for your patients, you need to stay on top of changes in the industry. Great ultrasound technicians are motivated, hard workers who understand the importance of clear communication and the need for developing one’s interpersonal relationship skills. Having a friendly, cheerful disposition can go a long way, along with active listening to the thoughts of others.
Ultrasound technicians excel in problem-solving and making decisions from an informative, analytical perspective. They are incredibly professional and maintain the highest levels of integrity in their practice by maintaining the strict levels of confidentiality that come with working in the field of medicine. They are able to juggle multiple priorities at the same time and show flexibility while working in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
Take the Next Step: Apply to FNU’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology Program
With so many noteworthy reasons to consider pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician in Florida, why not take the next step today and apply for Florida National University’s associate’s program. For more information about our highly-regarded ultrasound technician program, contact us an FNU representative today.
