Students in the clinical portion of their training sometimes receive small monthly stipends. The regular workweek is 40 hours. Although Ultrasound Technologists currently are not required to meet any licensing requirements, many employers require credentials offers by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. MRI Technologists are not required to have a license at this time. Training programs are conducted by community colleges, universities, and hospitals throughout California.
Most programs take two to three years to complete.
Classroom instruction is supplemented by clinical experience in one or more hospitals. In college programs, graduates complete degree as well as certification requirements. Prospective students are expected to have a strong background in science and mathematics. They are expected to have a high degree of technical and interpersonal skills, including the ability to perform administrative tasks. Beginning technologists are expected to have mastered basic and advanced imaging techniques and must understand the scientific principles underlying their particular area of imaging technology.