Sonography Programs in Orange, California

Becoming a Sonographer in Orange, California

So, you’re considering a career as a Sonographer in Orange, California? It’s a dynamic field that offers a blend of patient care and technological expertise, and it can be incredibly rewarding. A Sonographer, also known as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasound Technician, uses imaging equipment to assess and diagnose medical conditions. There are various educational paths to becoming a Sonographer, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.

About Orange

Located in the heart of Orange County, Orange is known for its rich history and charming Old Towne district. With its unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, Orange offers a great environment for budding medical professionals. For more about this city, you can visit the official Orange city website.

Sonography Programs in Orange, California

If you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a Sonographer, Orange, California has several educational options:

1. Cypress College
   Located approximately 15 miles from Orange, Cypress College offers a comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Sonography program accredited by the CAAHEP. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the ARDMS certification exams. Visit their Sonography Program page.

2. Orange Coast College
   Situated in Costa Mesa, about 20 miles from Orange, Orange Coast College provides a well-rounded Sonography program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training. Visit their Sonography Program page.

3. Health Career College
   Though not directly in Orange, Healthcare Career College in Paramount offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Visit their Sonography Program page.

Sonographer Employment Opportunities in Orange

Orange is home to several healthcare facilities that employ Sonographers:

1. St. Joseph Hospital of Orange
   Located in the heart of Orange, this facility is a leading healthcare provider in the region. They offer various employment opportunities for certified Sonographers. Visit St. Joseph Hospital’s careers page.

2. Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
   Known for its specialized pediatric care, CHOC is located nearby in the city of Orange and often seeks qualified sonographers to join their team. Visit CHOC’s careers page.

3. UCI Medical Center
   As one of the major hospitals in Orange County, UCI Medical Center in nearby Orange employs a large number of Sonographers. Visit UCI Medical Center’s careers page.

Prerequisites for Sonography Programs

Before applying to a Sonography program, prospective students typically need to meet certain prerequisites:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
• Minimum age requirement, usually 18 years
• Passing a background check and meeting medical status criteria

Sonographer Certification Requirements

To practice as a Sonographer, obtaining certification from national organizations is highly recommended:

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): Certification is available for graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs. Learn more on the ARDMS website.
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): Offers credentialing exams for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Visit the ARRT website.

Requirements, Certifications, and Licensing for Sonography in Orange, California

State Level:

• Certification and Licensing: California doesn’t require certification and licensing for Sonographers, but employers often prefer to hire certified technicians.
• Professional Certification: Achieving certification from ARDMS is common, and programs accredited by CAAHEP are eligible for this certification exam.

Education:

• Degree Options:
  • One-year Certificate Program
  • Two-year Associate’s Degree
  • Four-year Bachelor’s Degree
• Accreditation: Programs should be accredited by CAAHEP.

Certification Exams:

• ARDMS Exam: For graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
• ARRT Exam: ARRT offers credentialing exams for Sonographers.

Additional Information:

• Employment Preferences: Certification is not mandatory in California, but employers usually prefer certified Sonographers.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Sonographer in Orange, California, is an exciting prospect. With a variety of educational paths and numerous employment opportunities, now is a great time to pursue this rewarding profession. Reach out to one of the local schools to get started on your journey today!

For further information about job prospects, check out the Diagnostic Medical Sonographers job outlook on bls.gov.