Maybe you want to start a new career, so consider becoming an ultrasound tech in Nevada.
The field has plenty of job opportunities, however, you first have to meet certain criteria.
Take a look below to find out info about how to work as an ultrasound tech in this state.
Training Requirements
The first step is enrolling in a program where you will be taught basic and advanced ultrasound skills.
The ultrasound programs are available through community colleges and trade schools in this state.
You should get into a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health.
You can either take classes online or in-person, depending on how much time you have at your disposal.
You can also choose whether you want to study part-time or full time.
To get a diploma in the field, you only need to study for a year.
However, you can also choose to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
Getting these degrees lasts for about 2 to 4 years, but also offer higher employment chances.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
American Institute of Medical Sonography | 5450 W Sahara Ave, #320, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 |
College of Southern Nevada | 6375 West Charleston Blvd. Sort Code W3K Las Vegas, NV 89146 |
Great Basin College | 1500 College Parkway, Elko, Nevada 89801 |
Everest College | 170 N Stephanie St, Henderson, NV 89074, |
Before you complete the program, you will have to take classes on:
- ultrasound principles
- anatomy
- medical terminology.
You will be attending classes of theory but also a clinical practice that prepares you for a work environment.
If you opt for getting a cardiac and vascular ultrasound specialization, you should know these programs are also offered in Nevada.
Some of the classes encountered in all the ultrasound programs are:
- human anatomy
- physiology
- patient care,
- ultrasound physics
- pathophysiology
Getting certified
In this state, you do not need to have a certification in order to work as an ultrasound technician.
But, getting a certification can help you get a job faster as most employing companies require it.
Some of the specializations available in the field include:
- Musculoskeletal sonography
- Abdominal sonography
- Breast sonography
- Neuro-sonography
- Fetal echocardiography
The completion of the training program is followed by an exam managed by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The exam covers both theory and practice, and Nevada has 3 centers where you can take it.
If you finished an accredited program, you can simply take the exam without further requirements.
However, if you attended courses in a non-accredited school, you have to meet certain criteria.
For instance, you will need:
- A year of work experience
- A mandatory internship
- Take 24 hours of education each 2 years
The license you get through a non-accredited program requires a 2-year renewal.
You will also have to prove you kept up to date with the changes in the rules and regulations of the state.
Job Prospects in Nevada
The salary is influenced by a series of factors, and especially by the type of license you have and your experience in the field.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Las Vegas | $79,154 |
Henderson | $78,849 |
Reno | $76,672 |
North Las Vegas | $79,154 |
Sparks | $76,672 |
Carson City | $76,978 |
Pahrump | $78,009 |
Sun Valley | $76,672 |
Fernley | $75,557 |
Elko | $64,988 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 360 | $89,790 | $43.17 | $117,740 | $72,800 |
Reno, NV | 90 | $94,260 | $45.32 | $106,770 | $82,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Ultrasound technician jobs are meant to see an increase of 17% by 2026.
This means the field is constantly growing and you can easily get hired in any medical facility across Nevada.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician