Sonography is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure commonly performed in the hospital or diagnostic laboratories. Pregnant mothers are the most common patients who undergo this procedure to visualize their reproductive system and the growing fetus. However, sonography can also be used for different purposes as well. To become a sonographer, a person must take training in a sonography school and sit for the ARDMS certification exam.
Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS)
Diagnostic medical sonography is the complete medical name of the sonography procedure. The sonogram machine is typically made up of two parts: the screen and the transducer. The sound waves are sent out from the transducer and back to the sonogram machine. The delays in the return of the sound waves as they bounce off from internal organs are analyzed by the machine and displayed on the screen as images.
Sonography education and training
There are three kinds of sonography programs offered by schools in the country: certificate courses, associate degree programs, and bachelor degree programs. The difference between these programs is how long it takes to complete them. Certificate courses can be found in most community colleges and technical/vocational schools. They are completed in 12 months. Associate and bachelor degree programs are typically offered by most colleges and universities, taking 2 and 4 years long to finish.
While these programs vary in length, they all have two parts: (1) lecture and didactic training followed by (2) hands-on clinical experience. The first part is completed through lessons and laboratory activities while the second part is completed in the school’s associated health care facilities. All sonography students are required to complete lecture and clinical hours before sitting for the ARDMS exam. Lisa Parmley has written several articles regarding sonography education and training.
While these programs vary in length, they all have two parts: (1) lecture and didactic training followed by (2) hands-on clinical experience. The first part is completed through lessons and laboratory activities while the second part is completed in the school’s associated health care facilities. All sonography students are required to complete lecture and clinical hours before sitting for the ARDMS exam. Lisa Parmley has written several articles regarding sonography education and training.
Accreditation by the CAAHEP
There are currently over 200 schools in the country that offer CAAHEP-accredited sonography programs. A list of sonography schools by city can be viewed through the link. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits schools that offer students health education programs. Like the ARDMS, CAAHEP aims to standardize sonography education to prepare students for the certification exam. While graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited school is not a requirement to sit for the ARDMS exam, students who graduate from accredited programs find the ARDMS certification exam easier, both in content and completing the requirements needed.
Here is a list of 5 accredited schools that offer an associate degree DMS program:
1. Southside Regional Medical Center
Petersburg, Virginia
Associate degree in General Sonography
Telephone number: 804-765-5912
Contact person: Ziffie Thomas
2. Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, Washington
CAAHEP-accredited
Associate degree in General Sonography
Telephone number: 253-460-4476
Contact Person: Shea Bower
3. Miami Dade College
Miami, Florida
Associate degree in General Sonography
Associate degree in Cardiac Sonography
Telephone number: 305-237-4245
Contact Person: Dahlia Sanchez-Suarez
4. Harper College
CAAHEP-accredited
Associate degree in General Sonography
Associate degree in Cardiac Sonography
Telephone number: 824-925-5991
Contact Person: Kelly Hamontree
5. St. Catharine College
St. Catharine, Kentucky
Associate degree in General Sonography
Associate degree in Cardiac Sonography
Associate degree in Vascular Sonography
Telephone number: 859-336-5082 extension 1332
Contact Person: Saretta Craft
As the country’s population continues to grow and age, there is an ever present need for health care workers, especially in the diagnostic area. Sonographers are very much in demand this 2014, leading to a boom in sonography schools and employment opportunities all over the United States.
Here is a list of 5 accredited schools that offer an associate degree DMS program:
1. Southside Regional Medical Center
Petersburg, Virginia
Associate degree in General Sonography
Telephone number: 804-765-5912
Contact person: Ziffie Thomas
2. Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, Washington
CAAHEP-accredited
Associate degree in General Sonography
Telephone number: 253-460-4476
Contact Person: Shea Bower
3. Miami Dade College
Miami, Florida
Associate degree in General Sonography
Associate degree in Cardiac Sonography
Telephone number: 305-237-4245
Contact Person: Dahlia Sanchez-Suarez
4. Harper College
CAAHEP-accredited
Associate degree in General Sonography
Associate degree in Cardiac Sonography
Telephone number: 824-925-5991
Contact Person: Kelly Hamontree
5. St. Catharine College
St. Catharine, Kentucky
Associate degree in General Sonography
Associate degree in Cardiac Sonography
Associate degree in Vascular Sonography
Telephone number: 859-336-5082 extension 1332
Contact Person: Saretta Craft
As the country’s population continues to grow and age, there is an ever present need for health care workers, especially in the diagnostic area. Sonographers are very much in demand this 2014, leading to a boom in sonography schools and employment opportunities all over the United States.