The journey to become an ultrasound technician starts with completing Caris College’s two-year Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program. This is one of our most popular programs for two reasons. Ultrasound technicians can make very good salaries; the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median salary for this profession in 2020 was $75,920. Plus, it is a fun and rewarding career. Because of those factors, we tend to receive more applications for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program than the number of available slots.
In this post, we’ll explain the best ways to increase your chances of being accepted into our Associate Degree program for diagnostic medical sonography.
1. Transcripts, Graduation and Entrance Exams
Successful applicants to our program need to have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate. Your transcripts will be required with your application. Advisors will look at all of your grades, but math and science courses get some extra attention in the application process. If you still have another year or two of high school to finish as you’re reading this, take those math and science courses! We also have an Entrance Examination, which applicants need to pass both verbal and numerical sections for admittance.
2. Two-Page Essay
Our entrance essay looks at your ability to perform some research and then explain your findings in written form. There are three main subjects you should focus on in your essay:
- Describe what Diagnostic Medical Sonography is like as a professional field. Explain the three different areas of focus in this profession. (This part requires some research on your part, so start Googling!)
- Tell us why you want to become a sonographer.
- Tell us which of the three areas of focus you are most interested in pursuing in your career.
3. Letters of Recommendation
Caris College requires two letters of recommendation for admittance to our Associate Degree program. One should be a professional reference written on a company letterhead. The second can be from any personal reference of yours, including a friend or a coworker from a job.
Note: Your letters of recommendation must be written by people who are not members of your family.
4. The Application Package & Your Interview
The applicable Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director and the faculty will review your entire application package. This will include your transcripts, essay and letters of recommendation. Upon review, applicants will be selected for an interview.
If selected, the Program Director and faculty will conduct an on-campus interview and will ask you questions. Your answers will be scored, and combined for an overall cumulative score. All interviewed applicants will be reviewed one final time, and accepted applicants will be selected.
What if You’re Not Selected?
Just because you are not selected for the program on your first attempt does not mean you will never get to be an ultrasound technician. Applicants who achieve high scores without “making the cut” are placed on a waitlist for the next enrolling class. You never know: One of the people who was accepted ahead of you might have a change in availability at the last minute, in which case we would notify you and welcome you to the program!
If you are not accepted on your first attempt, take advantage of the time before the next application period to revise your materials. Take more math and science classes, work on getting even better letters of recommendation, and so on.
Start the Admission Process at Caris College
Many people are eager to pursue a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography — and we are eager to hear from you! Contact us at Caris College to learn more about the application process and the potential of a career as an ultrasound technician!