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If you want to start a career as an ultrasound tech in Kentucky, you have many schools to choose from.
There is an estimated 43% growth in ultrasound tech jobs in the next 4 years, as the field becomes more popular.
While certification is not required by state laws as of yet, it may be needed sometime in the future.
Employers are likely to prefer candidates with a diploma in the field, over those without a diploma.
The certifications are managed by the ARDMS, which has 2 locations in this state.
In order to get certified, you need to complete a program approved by the CAAHEP.
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Training Requirements for Certification
To get certified, you can attend a 1-year program.
If you want to get higher education which also brings more job opportunities, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees are also available.
These typically last between 2 and 4 years.
You also need from 30 to 120 credits along with 500 to 1800 hours of practice.
You can take extra specializations in order to get more experience and have a higher paycheck.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $72,014 |
| Lexington | $71,915 |
| Bowling Green | $68,838 |
| Owensboro | $71,722 |
| Covington | $74,679 |
| Richmond | $71,188 |
| Georgetown | $71,874 |
| Florence | $74,649 |
| Hopkinsville | $68,730 |
| Nicholasville | $71,793 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 50 | $76,470 | $36.76 | $94,010 | $58,220 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 180 | $74,380 | $35.76 | $93,980 | $43,330 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 300 | $78,390 | $37.69 | $97,940 | $44,640 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Ultrasound Training Courses
This is one of the most common investigations requested by doctors.
The mandatory coursework for ultrasound techs includes:
- Vascular Technology
- Advanced Sonography
- Doppler Physics
- Pathophysiology in Sonography
Sonography Training Courses
These include classes on:
- Sonographic Pathophysiology
- Advanced Diagnostic Studies
- Ultrasound Review
- Specialty Sonography
MRI Tech Training Courses
These classes teach you how to take 3D scans of the human body and include classes on:
- Principles of Radiographic Imaging
- Advanced Medical Imaging
- Radiation Biology and Protection
- MRI Pathology
Vascular Sonography Courses
These classes teach you how to take pics of blood vessels and include:
- Noninvasive Vascular Testing
- Vascular Laboratory Physics
- Cross-Sectional Abdominal Sonography
- Diagnosis of Vascular Disease
Radiology Tech Classes
You will learn how to take X-rays of the body for diagnostics.
The program includes classes on:
- Introduction to Radiography
- Applied Radiography Skills
- Radiographic Processing
- Principles of Medical Imaging Physics
Echo Tech Training Classes
This specialization deals with heart disease and how to prevent it.
The classes are as follows:
- Ethics in Sonography
- Cardiovascular Hemodynamics
- Essentials of Cardiovascular Care
- Cardiovascular Agents
How to Choose a School
You should opt for a program that is accredited, and that suits your needs time-wise.
Before getting into the program, you may have to take additional classes on medical terminology and physiology.
The exam you will take after completing the course is managed by The American Registry for Diagnostic-Medical Sonographers.
Some of the topics covered in the exam are:
- Safety techniques
- Communication skills
- Record keeping
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ATA Career Education | 10200 Linn Station Rd # 335, Louisville, KY 40223 |
| Bowling Green Technical College | 1845 Loop Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| Daymar College | 608 Frederica St, Owensboro, KY 42301, |
| Daymar College | 2421 Industrial Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101, |
| Hazard Community and Technical College | One Community College Drive, Hazard, Kentucky 41701 |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | 109 E Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
| Morehead State University | 316 West 2nd Street CHER 210H Morehead, KY 40351 |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College | 4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303 |
| Saint Catharine College | 2735 Bardstown Road, Saint Catharine, Kentucky 40061 |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | 1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42002 |
In order to take the exam, you need to bring proper documents and prove you finished your internship and 60 semester hours.
Keep in mind that some schools provide scholarship options for students who need them, which can help you in starting your career.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State