registered nurse to ultrasound tech

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Hi,I would like to know how long does it take to go back to school to become an ultrasound tech if you aready have your rn degree? Jus to help I have my Associates degree in Nursing.:)

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

i would assume your rn degree would be irrelevent... you are a RN, and wanting to be a technician.....

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It takes approximately 18 month to become an ultrasound technician. This is full time commitment, I do not think it is possible to work while you are studying, because the US program is very intensive.

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At community colleges in my area it's a 5 semester program. Since you already have a AA that probably takes care of most of the gen ed requirements however the ultrasound part of the curriculum takes 4 semesters and they have to be done in sequence.

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If you don't mind sharing, what is the reasoning in you going from Registered Nurse to Ultrasound Technician?

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I am also interested in becoming an ultrasound technician or x-ray technician. I am an LPN and would like to stay in the medical field, but do not wish to persue my RN. I have a significant interest in the human body and how it works.

Nursing is STRESSFUL! I LOVED nursing school and all the pre-requisites I took (when I thought I wanted to be an RN), but the real world of nursing is brutal. I love caring for pts but hate all the the other BS that goes along with it.

I have not met an X-ray Tech or Ultrasound tech that is not satisfied with their job (but honestly have not met many). I cannot say the same for nursing.

(Sorry for the grammer errors but I have finished 3 16's and am very tired).

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At my school, the sonography program has a 2-3 year wait. Then it's 2 years after you get in.

You'll have to check with whatever school you're interested in.

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@skittlebear Yes same here with me I loved both I wanted to be a Nurse but then I also want to be an ultrasound tech I love nursing too but I want to try something different while still in the medical field

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.

I am considering a similar path..I am an BSN RN and I am interested in diagnostic medical sonography. A lot of people are questioning my decision, they think it's a "downgrade" but hmm.. 1:1 pt care, more pay (in my area at least), more job opportunities (in my area), your job is clear and defined and you don't get treated like a personal servant..sign me up!

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I would most certainly not see going nursing to DMS a "downgrade." Those people must know nothing about being a DMS. Not that I am one, but I was in school to be one and did a lot of research. They do have a higher base pay.

However, there are less job opportunities for sonographers vs nurses in my area.

If it's something you've researched and think you would like, why not go for it?

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Specializes in Med/surg/ortho.

You shouldnt assume, its far from irrelevant. Almost the exact same course work aside from the clinicals

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