Pursuing an education as an ultrasound technician will initially include several sonography classes. As students progress through the program, they will focus their studies in specific areas of interest. Until that time, vascular, obstetric, small parts and abdominal sonography courses are required. In addition to learning how to operate the machinery, these classes include proper technique and interpreting the results.
Entering most ultrasound technician educational programs will usually require completing courses in the sciences and mathematics. These may include physics, biology, chemistry and anatomy in addition to math courses. Some programs will require completion of these types of courses at a college level prior to admission. However, some educational options will accept transcripts from high school classes in these areas. Either way, these are requisite studies that will need to be completed before or during the pursuit of an ultrasound technician education.
Understanding medically-related terminology and completing general courses in patient care are usually requirements to enter a degreed ultrasound technician educational program, either associate's or bachelor's. Writing courses are also a necessity for many programs. An important aspect of a ultrasound technician's role is interpreting and subsequently recording the results of patient sonograms. Being able to do so in an efficient, coherent manner adhering to hospital or clinic formatting guidelines is crucial. Medical ethics and psychology courses are generally considered prerequisites to graduate from a ultrasound school as well.
Exploring an education in many areas of the medical field will entail hands-on, job specific internships and ultrasound technicians are no exception. While each school is different, some schools provide as much as six months of practical, clinical training for their students. In addition to gaining experience with the sonography equipment, these are ideal opportunities to practice patient care in a real-world setting.