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Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician

Program Description

Just the Facts

Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Includes instruction in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree

High School Courses

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See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


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Additional Information

A sonogram, also called an ultrasound, is a special picture. It is taken by bouncing sound waves off organs and other parts inside the body. Instead of using a camera, diagnostic medical sonographers use advanced medical equipment.

Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) programs teach students how to use these machines to perform examinations.

"There is a tremendous growth in the ultrasound education industry, not only because it is a well-paid occupation, but because [ultrasounds are] also safe and pain-free," says Dr. Narayana Prasad. He is the DMS program director at the Institute of Allied Medical Professions.

A sonogram is most commonly used to check the health of an unborn baby during a pregnancy. Sonograms don't involve radiation and its harmful side effects, so they're safe for an unborn child.

Sonograms can also help to diagnose many medical conditions. There are different specializations for sonographers, including abdominal (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas) and neurosonography (the brain).

"Because graduates are in great demand, there are also many who wish to enter such a program and the application process is very competitive," says Derrel Barkman. Barkman is associate chair of the DMS program at a technology institute. His program has about 10 applicants for every opening.

There are different options for sonography programs. Two-year training programs are the most common, although one-year and four-year programs do exist.

Students can expect classes in anatomy, physics, instrumentation, medical ethics, patient care and physiology.

"A student should look for an accredited program. This accreditation from a nationally recognized organization shows that a program has a very high quality educational standard," says Carol Gillis. She is a university professor.

Some programs accept applicants from high school, but others are post-diploma programs. These programs might require completion of a two-year allied health program or a bachelor of science in an appropriate health related field.

Prasad advises students to look for two-year programs with at least 1,000 clinical hours. He prefers programs that integrate the course work and the hands-on work in clinics since you learn theory and practice at the same time.

In high school, pay attention to English, math, chemistry, biology, algebra and physics. You may be required to get a certain grade to meet application requirements.

Read the application guidelines carefully for the schools you want to apply to. In addition to the cost of textbooks, students may face extra expenses for uniforms, a complete physical, immunization, first aid and CPR training, a criminal background check and drug screening.

You must also budget for registry examination fees by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs, see: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

History of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
An introduction to the technology

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Offers general info

American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers
Check out the Careers in Sonography section under Student Resources