Key Points

• Medical sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images of internal body structures for diagnostic purposes.
• Becoming a sonographer in Utah typically requires completing an accredited program and obtaining certification from ARDMS or ARRT.
• A sonography program in Utah typically ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on whether you pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree.
• As of May 2024, there were approximately 980 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers employed in Utah.

What is a Medical Sonographer?

A medical sonographer, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a healthcare professional trained to use ultrasound equipment to capture images of internal body structures. These images assist physicians in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.

What does a Medical Sonographer do?

A sonographer's role is a blend of technical expertise, analytical skill, and patient interaction. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and positioning patients for ultrasound examinations.

• Operating ultrasound equipment and adjusting settings to capture the highest quality diagnostic images.

• Analyzing images in real-time to check for clarity and identify potential areas of concern for the radiologist.

• Providing a summary of technical findings to physicians for their official diagnosis.

• Maintaining detailed patient records and ensuring equipment is properly calibrated and maintained.

Requirements to Become a Medical Sonographer in Utah

While the state of Utah does not issue a specific state license for sonographers, the industry standards are extremely high, and employers have clear, non-negotiable requirements for all candidates.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED, along with specific prerequisite courses (like anatomy and physics), to enter a sonography program.

• Accredited Program: You must graduate from a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This is the gold standard and is required for certification.

• Professional Certification: Virtually all employers in Utah require sonographers to hold a professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or a similar national body.

How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Utah?

Below is your step-by-step roadmap to joining this high-demand field in the Beehive State.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can apply to a sonography program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete prerequisite college-level courses, which typically include anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, physics, and college math. Strong grades in these courses are essential for a competitive application.

2. Enroll in a CAAHEP-Accredited Program

Your most critical step is to gain acceptance into a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program. An associate's degree is the most common path and takes about two years. These competitive programs combine intensive classroom and lab instruction with hundreds of hours of required clinical training in local hospitals and imaging centers.

3. Earn Your Professional Certification

After graduation, earning your professional certification is the final step to becoming a qualified, hirable sonographer. This credential is the universal standard that proves your expertise to employers across Utah and the nation.

How to Get a Medical Sonographer Certification in Utah?

To earn the prestigious Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential from ARDMS, you must:

• Graduate from your CAAHEP-accredited program.

• Pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, which covers the physics of ultrasound.

• Pass a specialty exam in an area like Abdomen (AB), Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), or Adult Echocardiography (AE).

4. Apply for Medical Sonographer Jobs

With your RDMS credential, you are now ready to enter the professional workforce. A great resource to explore the skills and knowledge employers seek is MyNextMove.org.

How to Get a Medical Sonographer Job in Utah?

Create a professional resume that prominently features your RDMS certification and lists your clinical rotation sites and experiences. Search for openings on the career pages of major Utah healthcare systems like Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Health, and Steward Health Care. Network with your clinical instructors and contacts, as the sonography community in Utah is well-connected.