Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sonography Overview
Are you looking for a career field that is both in-demand and can help make a difference in a someone's life? You could earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 1.5 years through our year-round schedule.
- Employment of sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018 faster than the average for all occupations.1
- Additional job growth is expected as healthcare providers increasingly utilize ultrasound imaging as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to radiological procedures.1
- There are several areas of specialization in the field of sonography which include Abdomen, Breast, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Cardiac, Vascular, and Neurosonography.
- Ultrasound imaging technology is expected to evolve rapidly and spawn many new sonography procedures, enabling sonographers to scan and image areas of the body where ultrasound has not traditionally been used.1
Program Objectives Include:
- Prepare students for the challenging responsibilities of the profession and provide opportunity to acquire a working knowledge of the field.
- Provide a clinical educational experience that enables students to be capable of performing routine sonographic procedures and related functions specific to general sonography.
- Provide an education experience that promotes effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities and professionalism.
- Promote the development of core values and ethical standards necessary for the delivery of quality, patient-centered care.
- Prepare graduates to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) registry examinations in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), Abdomen (AB), Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN).
1Source: US Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.
What You Can Learn in Sonography
Through a blend of practical "hands on" clinical experience in hospital and/or outpatient centers and on-campus classroom and lab sessions, Sonography students can learn:
- Ultrasound principles, operation of equipment and quality control.
- Cross-sectional anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
- Sonographic principles of the abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, breast and other superficial structures, invasive sonographic procedures, neonatal, trauma, and an introduction to vascular sonography.
- Production of diagnostic images and appropriate examination adjustment according to the patient condition and findings.
- Recording, analyzing and processing diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
- Patient care and education including ethical and legal aspects, interpersonal communication, infection control, physical assistance and transfer, and medical emergencies.
Where You Can Go in Sonography
Sonographers are in demand across the United States in a variety of healthcare settings including:
- Hospitals and Medical Imaging Centers
- Outpatient Care Centers and Primary Care Clinics
- Government and Military
- Public Health facilities
- Women's Health Centers
- Mobile Imaging
- Laboratories
- Education and Industry
Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, and technical advisors.2
2 Source: Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2745 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 350, Plano, TX 75093-8730. Internet: www.sdms.org