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