What Are the Requirements?
Both surgical technology and diagnostic medical sonography programs have competitive admissions processes. Applicants generally must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, complete prerequisite courses and meet academic standards. Proof of current immunizations and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification may also be required.
Education Requirements
To become an OB/GYN technician, you need to complete a training program leading to a certificate or associate's degree. The curricula for both surgical technology and sonography programs include didactic studies with clinical education in hospitals or other medical facilities.
As a medical sonography student with an emphasis in OB/GYN, you can expect to take courses in instrumentation, applied sonography, obstetrics/gynecology, high-risk obstetrics, ultrasound breast imaging and OB/GYN procedures. As a surgical technology student, your courses might cover topics such as controlling and preventing infection, sterile techniques, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and surgical procedures.
Licensing and Certification
Some states and the District of Columbia regulate the work of surgical technologists. In the states that have regulations, you might need to graduate from an accredited program and earn professional certification. Additionally, a handful of states require that diagnostic medical sonographers be licensed. Certification is usually required to obtain a license, and certification must be kept current through continuing education.
Career Skills
In addition to completing formal training and obtaining work experience, you should possess the following skills to be successful in your career:
- Ability to handle stress
- Manual dexterity
- Ability and desire to care for others
- Good communication skills
- Ability to maintain a professional attitude
What Employers Are Looking For
Employers of OB/GYN technicians typically seek job candidates who have completed training and possess knowledge of the profession. Below are some examples of jobs that were open in March 2012.
- A Denver clinic was seeking a full-time OB/GYN ultrasound technician. The candidate needed to have completed an accredited ultrasonographer program, have ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) and Basic Life Support certification and have at least one year of experience as an OB/GYN ultrasound technician.
- A healthcare service provider in Dallas was seeking an experienced registered ultrasound technician. Candidates needed experience with various ultrasound machines and Microsoft-based computer systems. Educational requirements included a high school diploma or GED, graduation from an accredited ultrasound program and RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) specialty certification in OB/GYN.
- An Omaha medical center was looking for an OB technician to assist with the care of women in the labor and delivery suite. The technician would assist in the preparation, maintenance and care of the labor and delivery room as well as equipment and supplies. The OB technician also would assist in transporting patients to and from the delivery room. This was an on-call position. Applicants needed a high school diploma or GED, Basic Life Support certification and experience as an OB technician or operating room technician.