In case you belong to aspiring ultrasound technicians, we are sure that you will benefit from our article so just keep on reading and find out all you need to know about this rewarding career.
The first thing to mention is that in order to be successful in the field, you will need more than just technical knowledge.
In medical facilities throughout Nevada, sonographers have various career opportunities that can be achieved by earning a degree or certificate in ultrasound technology.
Certificate programs generally take a year to finish but entering into a degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health is always a better choice.
That way you will not only ensure that you are fully prepared for certification in a specialized field of sonography, but you will be ready for all the difficulties and troubles that this job may bring.
A sonography degree prepares you for a variety of job functions such as identifying abnormalities, so you need to be skilled enough to notice and determine what you have found in a person’s body.
So, if you are still interested in becoming a sonographer, here we have gathered info about education, salary, and job growth which you may find useful.
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Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Nevada
The school listed below has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines.
- College of Southern Nevada – 6375 West Charleston Blvd. Sort Code W3K Las Vegas, NV 89146
This means that this school has proved that it reached the standard and that it offers the best possible education in the state.
In case a student manages to successfully complete this recognized Nevada DMS program, he/she can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
There are students who prefer to take classes online, so they can choose ultrasound and radiology classes online as well.
During your studies, there are a few areas that you will cover in medical sonography such as human anatomy, physiology, patient care, ultrasound physics, pathophysiology, and patient care.
Additionally, you will have clinical training as well as it is necessary to gain experience in a real-life setting and be working with computers and equipment that you will work with later on after graduation.
Depending on the program you enroll in, you may have to complete certain coursework including ultrasound principles, anatomy, and medical terminology.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Nevada
When it comes to certification, Nevada does not require that diagnostic medical sonographers possess it.
However, you can choose to be licensed or certified, due to the fact that many employers do require professional certification, typically by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
They require it as it is a kind of proof that the person is highly devoted to this profession and want to constantly advance in this field, as he/she will need to renew the license every second year by gaining continuing education credits.
The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam which is possible in three locations in Nevada.
You can find them on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
Prior to applying for the exam, you need to qualify.
To be allowed to sit for the exam, you need to be a graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or possess 12 months of full-time clinical experience.
Once you are ready to apply for an ARDMS examination, you should log in to MY ARDMS and choose Apply Online.
Then, you need to complete the online application form and submit payment.
The required supporting documentation must be submitted within 21 days of applying online by uploading it into your MY ARDMS account.
Documentation required with the application is:
- Copy of an official transcript from a two-year allied health education program with a state-specific number of credits.
- Copy of education program certificate, certification, or license.
- Letter from a supervising physician, ARDMS-Registered sonographer/technologist, or the educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/ vascular experience.
- Signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s)
- Copy of non-expired government-issued photo identification (ID) with signature
There are some other certificates that sonographers may get in Nevada, besides passing a test that is issued by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
A sonography license is issued by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and you will also need to take and pass its test to get it.
No matter which certificate you get, taking 24 more continuing education credits every two years is essential to renewing your certificate.
That way you will remain up to date with ultrasound technology techniques.
Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Nevada
Getting a degree is the first step, but then you would like to find a decent job and earn a living.
The average annual salary for ultrasound technicians is $94992 in Nevada, and what is even better, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in the field to be around 43% by 2024.
There are 620 ultrasound technicians currently working in Nevada, and the new job openings are expected so, finding a job as a certified diagnostic medical sonographer would not be such a trouble.
You can take advantage of the Nevada Hospital Association offers various resources to help you find employment at hospitals and other medical facilities across the state.
According to a recent report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the opening up of a variety of jobs in various facilities throughout Nevada including hospitals, government agencies, doctors’ offices, and medical labs would make this profession more attractive than it currently is.
Salaries in Nevada vary between specialties and work settings, which can be seen in the table below.
Our suggestion is to increase your employment marketability as a diagnostic medical sonographer by earning your degree in ultrasound technology at one of Nevada’s accredited colleges.
The higher degree you get, the better job you can look for and the higher salaries you can expect.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Ultrasound Technicians in Nevada
City Name Salary Las Vegas $96,058 Reno $93,046 Henderson $95,687 North Las Vegas $96,058 Sparks $93,046 Carson City $93,417 Elko $78,867 Boulder City $94,767 Mesquite $94,668 Fallon $91,841 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.