Changing ultrasound concentration question...

kim2222 · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: St. Paul, MN

Hi! I'm new to the boards here and was floating around looking for an answer to this question but didn't see one. I'm in the process for applying for a January start ultrasound program that specializes in vascular ultrasound. I have a previous BS degree. I chose this program because 1) It has both a fall and winter semester start and 2) because it actually requires a Bachellor's degree to be admitted. Sad thing is I don't know a ton about ultrasound except that I think I will enjoy it and also that my real interest lies in OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinology.

So my question:

What is the process for switching specialities or concentration after you have graduated from a program? How long could class take to be able to sit for the registry for OB/GYN?

I'm really not into waiting a full year to get going back to school, so I'm pretty set on going the vascular route.

And just in general, can you tell me anything about vascular ultrasound? Is it higher earning?

Okay, that turned into a bunch of questions. Hope someone can help! TIA!

Kim

hjhogle · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject:

Firm believer in going to the source. Try here:

http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?ContentID=30&menubar=3

hjh, RT

kim2222 · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: St. Paul, MN

Thanks for the direction! I really appreciate that.

So what I am really wondering then is is there usually opportunity to move into other concentrations and with that experience you can sit for registry or is there an option to take an abreviated class that prepares you for the registry?

SonoHawkeye · Joined: 20 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

Congrats on starting school!
Did you have to observe in an ultrasound department at all as part of your application process to get into school? If not then I HIGHLY recommend finding somewhere where you can spend a day or two observing sonographers in action to see if it is something tha tyou think you will really enjoy and like. There is A LOT more to ultrasound than most people think. I have been on the education side of things and I have seen so many students work hard to get into the program only to discover that they didn't know enough about the field and found out that they really hated it once they got into it and started clinicals, etc.

As for switching concentrations...it just really depends on your education experience as well as if you can find a job that is willing to "train" you over to another area. I have never worked in a department that would be willing to train one specialized sonographer to another area. There is just too much to learn about each area. This is one problem with the education programs out there that have different concentrations. I think it is a much better experience and education if students can learn all areas of ultrasound. It just makes for a more well rounded sonographer who will have better opportunities at finding different jobs.

If you truely are only interested in OB/GYn ultrasound then I would either find a program in which you can learn all areas or make sure that you have someone that will help train you in OB/GYN once you are done with your vascular training before you start the program. You may end up not being able to find an office/department willing to train you in the area that you are really interested in after you have invested a lot of time and money into vascular training.

Again...please spend some time in a vascular lab before you really geting into it!

Good luck!

kim2222 · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: St. Paul, MN

Thank you for responding. I haven't been back to read in a while.

The school I have applied to is really pushing their vascular program, but obviously we all know what they have invested in it. I'm just primarly concerned about just what you mentioned, being trained in vascular and not being able to find a job that just wants a vascular tech. Most jobs I am finding want a tech trained in more than one area, the main area being abdominal or OB/GYN.

No, I have not spent time shadowing a sonographer. I wish I had more time to do that. Yes, it is a great idea and a great way to learn about the field, I understand that.

I am pretty darn certain that this is a career that I will enjoy. I have been thinking about it for years but the general route. Ugh. I just don't know if I'm being too eager to enter the vascular program because it starts so much sooner than the general program (and therefore I would get done sooner). I'd hate to get into it and not enjoy vascular and then be stuck because no one will train me for abdominal/OB.

So it sounds like the only way to cross over is to find a job in a hospital/clinic that will train you. Doesn't that seem counter productive? Why would a clinic or hospital want to hire a tech that they have to retrain to a different dicipline? So then why do they even offer degrees in specific areas? I just thought there would be some sort of "extra" program out there that would allow you to just take some classes in OB in order to take the registry. I guess not. Crying or Very sad