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Sonographer apprenticeships

Medical radiographers > Sonographer

Healthcare

Sonographer apprenticeships - where to start

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). You will need to be able to meet all of the practical requirements of the course as well as the theory, so you must have an agreed placement in an approved setting. 

    Some universities can offer a master's course in medical ultrasound as part of a medicine degree. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

    Apprenticeship
    You may be able to do a sonographer degree apprenticeship. There may be opportunities with the NHS, and independent and private providers of healthcare services. The apprenticeship typically takes 36 months to complete. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent. 

    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 to add sonography to your skills. Courses vary in length and are generally run by experienced healthcare professionals. 

    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.

    Sonographer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • knowledge of medicine and healthcare 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • concentration skills 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks

    Sonographer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • set up and regularly check ultrasound equipment 
    • deal sensitively with patients, before, during and after their scan 
    • use ultrasound equipment to carry out examinations 
    • produce images and interpret observations 
    • write reports 
    • keep accurate and up-to-date patient care records 
    • train healthcare staff to use specialist equipment
    • make referrals to other healthcare professionals
    Working environment
    You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Sonographer apprenticeships

    There are opportunities to move into specialist sonography areas like obstetrics and gynaecology, vascular or cancer services. You could work with specific patient groups such as children, young people or pregnant women. With experience, there are opportunities to go into teaching sonography or to do clinical research.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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