You'll need a high school diploma or GED in order to enroll in the educational programs that prepare you to become an ultrasound technician. As part of your prep for a career as an ultrasound technician, study math, English, computer science, health, and both the physical and life sciences as part of your high school curriculum. Find a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and get your Associate's Degree or complete a postgraduate certificate program.  If you're shifting careers in the health care industry, or you're a high-school graduate, you can take a one-year program. These fast-track programs generally reward you with a vocational certificate. Two-year programs are the most popular, and when you complete the two years (one to one and a half years if you have taken many of the prerequisite courses), you will earn an associate's degree. You can also take a four year program, and graduate with a bachelors degree. Stay away from eight week or six month programs. Not only do they not prepare you adequately for a career as an ultrasound technician, but it will hardly matter as you will not be competitive in the job market. Note that some colleges may require you to complete a Certified Nursing Associate (CNA) course before being accepted into a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) program. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree and want to become an ultrasound technician, the diploma program may be the best option.  Each program has different requirements, and the previously earned degrees may or may not have to be in a related field like Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine or an Allied Health discipline Diploma programs offer you the opportunity to expand your career options by adding Diagnostic Medical Sonography to your expertise The previous degree earned and the program requirements will determine how long it takes to complete the program, but it usually take 12-18 months You may need to complete prerequisite courses depending on your previously earned degree Always choose a CAAHEP accredited diploma program   Earning a Master’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography can open up many new career options. If you are interested in moving into administration, teaching, research, publishing or a position in private industry, this is the degree to pursue.  You must have a Bachelor’s degree to apply to a Master’s degree program The program is designed to be completed in 12-15 months You may have to take additional courses that are not part of the Master’s degree program’s core curriculum, which adds to the time it takes to complete the program Always attend a CAAHEP accredited program Clinical training may have to be completed. While you're enrolled in a program, you'll have opportunities to take internships that provide hands-on clinical experience. You'll learn ultrasound skills in a health care setting and have the opportunity to put what you've learned into practice.  You can receive additional training at professional conferences and continuing education opportunities. Work on gathering enough hours to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Get a high school diploma. Complete an accredited Ultrasound Technician program. Get clinical training.


This classic recipe is for a hearty version of minestrone soup. It will take you a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes to make. The prep time is 45 minutes and the cook time is 30 minutes. This recipe will make 4-6 servings. Brown two strips of bacon in a 6-quart saucepan over medium heat. Once they’re browned, remove the bacon strips from the saucepot using a slotted spoon. Place them on paper towels so the grease can drain.  Set the bacon strips aside to drain for now. Feel free to substitute with turkey bacon if you prefer. Leave the bacon drippings in the saucepot. Dice the carrots, onion and celery and put them into the saucepot. Cook them with the bacon drippings over medium heat until they are browned. It will take approximately 15 minutes.  Be sure to stir the vegetables around occasionally. After 15 minutes, add the chopped garlic to the saucepot. Continue cooking with the garlic added for an additional 30 seconds. Pour the chicken broth and water into the saucepot. Add the diced potatoes. Measure out the pepper, thyme and salt and add them to the soup. Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil.  When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low so that it can simmer. Cover the soup and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cover from the saucepot and add both kinds of beans and the dry pasta to the soup. Allow the soup to continue simmering for another 7 minutes. You do not need to replace the cover for this part. Slice the spinach and Swiss chard into thin strips and grate the lemon peel. Add all three to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the spinach and Swiss chard have wilted and become tender. Tear the bacon strips into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces and stir those in.  Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool slightly before serving it. Serve the minestrone with grated Parmesan cheese and pieces of crusty bread (optional). Since there is no standard recipe for minestrone, feel free to change it up to include your preferred vegetables, seasonal vegetables, and fresh herbs. For example, a summer minestrone could include fresh basil, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini and eggplant. An autumn version could include butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.  When altering the recipe with different vegetables, the approach is essentially the same. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil or bacon drippings at the very beginning, along with the onions. Brussels sprouts, cabbage and sweet potatoes are usually added when the broth is poured in. Season with fresh herbs while you're creating the soup and use them as garnish before serving.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Gather the ingredients. Cook the bacon in a 6-quart saucepot. Add carrots, onion and celery to the saucepot. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, water and seasoning. Add the kidney beans, green beans and pasta to the saucepot. Stir in the Swiss chard, spinach, lemon peel and cooked bacon. Try your own variations.


Some cruise lines offer both movie as well as broadway show theatres, with offerings that you are sure to enjoy. Look into these in advance, so you know what the theater will be playing. There is a chance you may not be admitted without an adult, so be prepared.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Check out the theatre, if your cruise ship has one.


Although single-malts are arguably more prestigious than blends — their price tag certainly advertises it — there are some very tasty blends out there, sometimes even nicer than single-malts. Overall, you'll probably squeeze more quality out of single-malts, but they're more expensive than blends and not always better. When drinking Scotch, it pays to be judicious and agnostic. Don't be a complete and utter snob. Some whiskies are given caramel color injections before bottling, ostensibly to maintain visual consistency from one bottling to the next. Steer clear of these whiskies. If the whisky tastes good, what does it matter how it looks? Here's the bottom line with Scotch and with other spirits to which colorant are added: If the distiller or bottler is willing to lie about the color of the spirit, what else are they willing to lie about? While whisky can technically be produced the world 'round — Canada, Australia, and even Japan all make fine whisky — start off with whiskies from the wind-tipped rim of Scotia. You almost can't go wrong. Here's a quick look at the different regions of Scotland, some of their characteristics, and some of their most heralded whiskies:
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Don't blindly prefer single-malts over blends. Look for all-natural whiskys without added colorants. Note where the Scotch comes from.