Ultrasound Technician Schools in Hawaii (Become a Sonographer)

If you are wondering what diagnostic medical sonographers’ duties are, we want to emphasize the fact that they are of primary importance when disease determination is in question.

Actually, they use sound waves to capture images of the internal organs in the human body, thus helping physicians to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, as well as monitor the growth of fetuses.

Furthermore, sonographers do much more than just imaging internal organs, as they work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients, and evaluate the images they capture.

If you are thinking about this career as the right one for you, you should bear in mind that in order to be successful in the field, you will need more than just technical knowledge.

Diagnostic medical sonographers work on their feet for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.

Skills and qualities that each sonographer must possess are:

• Compassion and Interpersonal Skills
• Technical Skills and Eye-Hand Coordination
• Keen Learner
• Detail-Oriented
• Physical Strength
• Mental Strength

Also, having a desire for continuous education makes you a better sonographer, and this will should not be only due to your desire to advance in your career, but also to be effective throughout the span of your profession.

In Hawaii, job availability for sonographers is expected to increase by 18.2% by 2026, which will lead to a number of new job openings.

This means that sonography is becoming a popular career choice, not only because of the relatively short training period, but also due to a high salary, and high job outlook.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Hawaii

CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs are the best option for future sonography students.

The primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and by gaining this accreditation, it means that a school has met the DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines, passed a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit and it is proven that it can provide a high-quality education to their students as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.

The following school offers sonography programs that have been accredited by CAAHEP as of August 2020 -Kapiʻolani Community College.

We would like to mention two reasons for gaining an education in an accredited institution.

First, the successful completion of a recognized Hawaii DMS program earns you the eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam.

If you manage to pass both of their exams, you will be allowed to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.

Plus, those who are currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program are eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship to use for tuition.

Before you are eligible for the program, you will need to pass courses in physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology.

If you want to know how long it takes to finish your education, we have to mention that it highly depends on your learning pace and level of education you want to achieve.

Most degree programs can be completed within two years, after which you will earn an Associate’s Degree.

There are also 4-year Bachelor’s degree programs offered at many schools for those who wish to advance in their career and improve salaries.

Generally speaking, medical imaging programs are much shorter than other medical training programs, so you may be able to start working more quickly.

During the program, you will receive both educational and clinical training to prepare you for work in the fast-paced environment of healthcare diagnostic radiology.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Hawaii

Even though Hawaii doesn’t currently require licensure or certification for practicing diagnostic medical sonographers it is our advice to get it, as many employers require certification, and candidates with certification are always given preference when hiring.

Plus, certification is a smart thing to consider if you want to have an advantage over other potential job candidates and higher wages.

The most highly regarded certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and the only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam.

There is currently only one location in Hawaii to take the exam, which is 1441 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814.

Finding an accredited education can be difficult in Hawaii, but if you manage to graduate from a CAAHEP accredited school, you will be able to qualify for the exam.

Also, 12 months of full-time clinical experience means that you have met the certification requirements for examination.

Upon passing the test to become certified as an ultrasound technician, you will need to submit your licensing application to Hawaii’s state department.

However this is not the end of your education as in order to maintain licensure Ultrasound Techs, you will need to fulfill the continuing education requirements, which entails the completion of 24 hours of continuing education courses every two years.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Hawaii

Sonographers in Hawaii earn a mean annual salary of $97235 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Just as there are not enough accredited educational institutions for sonographers in Hawaii, there is also a shortage of educated, trained healthcare workers.

Gaining this kind of education and certification will lead to a stable career and if we combine this lack of skilled staff with the aging population of the state, the increased demand for medical care would be even greater.

There will be numerous opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers and other health care workers as it is expected an 18.2% increase in job opportunities by 2026, according to CareerOneStop.

Employment opportunities can be found in community health centers and your salary will also be affected by the specific qualifications you have:

• Ultrasound Technician – 18% expected job growth by 2024, $90,250 per year
• Echo Tech – 6% expected job growth by 2024, $61,160 per year
• Vascular Sonographer – 6% expected job growth, $61,160 per year
• MRI Technologist  – 11% expected job growth by 2024, $86,260 per year
• 2018 Cardiac Sonographer  – 6% expected job growth, $61,160 per year
• Radiology Tech – 9% expected job growth, $72,720 per year

Regional Salary in Hawaii