The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers will increase by 18 percent from 2008 through 2018. Students interested in careers in the field have a variety of educational options to choose from, including community colleges. Throughout the United States a number of these public, two-year schools offer ultrasound technology programs that carry the approval of the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, enabling graduates to qualify for national certification examinations in the field.
Community College of Allegheny County
The Community College of Allegheny County consists of 10 branches and centers throughout the Pittsburgh area. With more than 62,000 credit and non-credit students as of April 2010, the college is the large educational provider in western Pennsylvania, according to the college's website. The college offers a two-year associate of science degree program in diagnostic medical sonography at its Boyce Campus, which is located in the suburban area off Monroeville, approximately 14 miles east of Pittsburgh. Before enrolling in the program, students must complete courses in biology and medical terminology. The program allows students to specialize in vascular, cardiac or abdominal, gynecological and vaginal ultrasound. Each specialty requires four clinical rotations as a part of the curriculum. In addition to federal and state financial aid programs, the college offers a limited number of work-study placements and institutional scholarships. A childcare center is located on site to provide low-cost daycare to children ages 3 to 6. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Community College of Allegheny County at Boyce
595 Beatty Road
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-237-3100
ccac.edu
Tacoma Community College
Established in 1962, Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Wash., has an enrollment of nearly 15,000 students, less than 60 percent of which study on a full-time basis, according to the college's website. The college's Associate of Applied Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography program requires seven quarters of full-time study to complete. Prerequisites for admission include English, medical terminology, pre-calculus, anatomy, physics and communications. The program includes practice with small parts, vascular, abdominal and gynecological and obstetrical sonography techniques. Five clinical rotations are required for graduation, and students have an option to complete an additional clinical placement to gain extra experience if they choose. Approximately 41 percent of all full-time students receive some type of financial aid. On-site daycare is available as well as job placement assistance.
Tacoma Community College
6501 S. 19th St.
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-566-5000
tacomacc.edu
Valencia Community College
Located in Orlando, Fla., Valencia Community College has a for-credit enrollment of more than 52,000 students. The college offers an Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. To qualify for admission, students must have previous class experience in anatomy and physiology. The program lasts two full years and features coursework in medical terminology, acoustical physics, abdominal ultrasound, obstetrical and gynecological sonography, neurosonography and psychology. Clinical experience includes four part-time rotations and one full-time placement. Students in the program have the option to continue their studies at the University of Central Florida after graduation to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Eligible students can take advantage of federal and state grants and loans, work-study placements and institutional scholarships. Career counseling and job placement assistance is offered for all students.
Valencia Community College
1800 S. Kirkman Road
MP 4-14
Orlando, FL 32811
407-582-1191
valenciacc.edu
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