How do you become an ultrasound tech?

Become an ultrasound technician by completing an accredited associate's degree program, working a clinical internship and becoming certified through a national organization. Ultrasound technicians specialize in acquiring accurate ultrasound images to assist physicians with diagnoses of various conditions in patients.

1. Go to school

   Attend a college program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs to complete a two-year degree toward an ultrasound technician certification. Find a viable program through a community college, hospital, university or vocational school. Meet the minimum admission requirements, and complete your degree.

2. Work in a clinical setting

   Learn on-the-job skills at a health-care facility, such as a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. Many training programs require an internship to gain practical experience with ultrasound devices. Hone your technical, communication and critical-thinking skills. Determine what ultrasound images are the greatest benefit to doctors when you scan patients.

3. Become certified

   Certify your status as an ultrasound technician through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. If you want to specialize in a certain field, such as cardiology, neurosonography, or obstetrics and gynecology, additional training and certification may be required.

4. Go to work

   After you receive your certification, apply to local health-care providers. The median salary is more than $66,000, as of data available in December 2014. The number of ultrasound technician jobs is expected to increase by 46 percent by 2022.