Certificate Program
70 weeks/1880 Clock Hours with 900hours of Clinical Externship
Objectives and goals
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a test that uses high frequency sound waves to
produce images of organs, tissue or blood flow inside the body.
The main objective of this program is placed on the
student performing ultrasound examinations of abdomen,
obstetrics and gynecology, small parts and vascular
systems using medical ultrasound equipment, as well as
how to obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient
history and supporting clinical data to facilitate
optimum diagnostic results. The students will
learn and develop scanning techniques, imaging
protocols, and maintenance of sensitive equipment
through hand-on experience in our fully operational sonographic
laboratory. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
also teaches
students medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, math skills, ultrasound physics,
pathophysiology and
sonographic appearance of normal and abnormal organs. In addition, students learn patient care skills, patient
confidentially, exercising judgment and discretion
through our integrated clinical externship program.
The core curriculum is structured to include an on-campus lecture and on-campus (work-simulated) imaging laboratory component and off-campus integrated clinical component. The off-campus Clinical Externship module of the curriculum is structured to include supervised hands-on training (requiring competencies and evaluations) at Clinical Externship Sites
Upon successful completion of the program diligent graduate will be awarded the Certificate of Completion (Diploma) and should be proficient in performing general ultrasound examinations and can seek an entry-level employment in facilities such as hospitals, outpatients diagnostic centers and private doctor's practices.
Employment
Many Ultrasound Sonographers are employed in hospitals,
imaging centers, ambulatory centers, specialty
medical offices and doctors offices. Their broad
educational background plus specialized focus, allows Sonographers to function in number of diverse areas of their field.
The bureau of Labor Statistics states that the
employment of Sonographers is expected to increase about
20% through 2015, which is faster than average for any
other occupation
Working conditions
Ultrasound Sonographers work in clean, cool,
controlled and quiet environments. They usually work in
darken rooms, but they also may perform procedures at
patient bedsides. Sonographers may well be required
to stand for long periods of time, and they may have to
lift or turn disable patients. Some Sonographers are
contracted employees and travel to healthcare facilities
in an area or work with mobile imaging providers and
travel to provide service in the area that do not have
access to such service.
Most ultrasound technicians work a regular 40-hour week: although they may be
"Part-time", work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis
or per Diem depending on the facility.