What are the steps in becoming an Ultrasound Technician? PLEASE HELP!!! :)?

It's actually called a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. You're right, there aren't any accredited programs in Utah. I'm not sure how most people in that state get into the field since there are no accr'd programs. If I were you, I would look into job shadowing a Sonographer at a local hospital for a day, and ask them about how they got started (what school they went to). The usual way you would get into the field is to get into an accredited program, graduate, take your boards to become registered, and then find a job.

If you're within an hour (or so) drive of a bordering state, I would try finding an accr'd program you could commute to. It may really be worth it. I drive 60 miles one way to get to my school because there were no programs near me.

The down side to graduating from a non-accr'd program is that you will have to work for 1 year in the field before you can take your boards, which usually makes it harder to find a job.

Once you DO find a school, someone in the DMS dept will let you know what the requirements are for applying to the program. Good luck :)

http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/

This is taught at technical schools, and possibly some community colleges. They require things like anatomy, biology, etc as basic requirements, so you will have to go a a college and get those first, it is usually a semester or two. But this will differ from school to school, so the first step is to find the school, and contact the admissions office. They will be able to guide you from there.

Step 1Visit the website of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, also known as CAAHEP (see Resources). Look at the list of accredited ultrasound-technician training programs in your state. Most programs can be found in community colleges and technical schools, although some ultrasound-technician training programs are housed in traditional four-year colleges and universities. Ultrasound-technician programs usually culminate in an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.

Step 2Search for programs that fit your needs and your schedule. Some programs offer evening and weekend courses for students that work during the weekdays. Some programs allow you to take some of your courses online or through distance education. Avoid programs that offer the majority of their coursework online. You will need many hours of practical, hands-on training in order to be successful as an ultrasound technician.

Step 3Look for programs that emphasize on-the-job training. Most programs will require students to complete internships in medical facilities that will allow students to practice using ultrasound machines. Avoid programs that don't emphasize training in patient-care settings. Expect to spend one to four years earning your diploma, certificate, or degree in sonography or ultrasound technology. Shorter programs usually culminate in a certificate or an associate's degree and prepare students for entry-level positions. Students who earn a four-year degree in ultrasound technology will also be prepared for entry-level jobs as an ultrasound technician, but will have a higher earning potential and a greater selection of jobs to choose from.

Step 4Expect your courses in ultrasound technology to cost anywhere from $75 to $500 per credit. Ultrasound-technician programs at community colleges are generally less expensive than programs at four-year colleges. Programs at community colleges charge less for tuition and don't require as many credits to earn a degree.

Step 5Visit the school's campus and speak with a representative from the ultrasound-technician training program. Ask the representative any questions you have about the school and request a tour of the training facilities. Look for sonography equipment that is modern and in good repair. Speak with current students about their experiences in the program.

Avoid ultrasound-technician training programs that offer academic credit in exchange for life experience.