How to become a sonographer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You will need a degree in a relevant subject like:
- radiography
- midwifery
- nursing
- science
- health science
You must also complete a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate diploma in medical or clinical ultrasound, recognised by the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE).
The course is a mix of study and practice, so you will need to have an agreed placement in an approved setting.
Some universities offer a master's course in medical ultrasound as part of a medicine degree.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You could do a sonographer degree apprenticeship.
There may be apprenticeship opportunities with the NHS, or with independent and private providers of healthcare services.
The apprenticeship takes a minimum of 36 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Work
If you're a health professional like a nurse, midwife, radiographer, doctor or a healthcare scientist, you may be able to take in-service training for medical ultrasound. This will add sonography to your skills.
Courses vary in length and are run by experienced healthcare professionals.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the voluntary register of sonographers run by the Register of Clinical Technologists.
If you're already qualified in another healthcare profession you may find it useful to continue your registration with your previous professional body, as employers often require this for entry to jobs.
Further information
You'll find more details about a career in sonography from the British Medical Ultrasound Society.