Students learn use Doppler instruments and ultrasound scanners for diagnostic medical imaging.
Sonographers work under the direction of radiologists to obtain images of normal and abnormal anatomical structures. Sonography programs at Massachusetts colleges prepare students for a career in diagnostic medical imaging in hospitals, doctors' offices, medical clinics and health agencies. Upon completion of a sonography program, students must pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography's registration examination to obtain a license to practice.
Bunker Hill Community College
The Associate in Science degree in General Sonography at Boston's Bunker Hill Community College is two years in length and provides fundamental coursework and clinical experience to produce employment-ready graduates. Students learn techniques involved in performing ultrasounds and identify the difference between normal and abnormal clinical findings in imaging procedures. Courses in the program include ultrasound instrumentation, protocols and pathology, principles of gynecology and associated procedures in diagnostic medical sciences. Clinical placements begin in the third semester to encourage technique and patient relations skill building. Graduates of the program may apply to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography's registration examination.
Bunker Hill Community College
250 New Rutherford Ave
Boston, MA 02129-2925
617-228-200
bhcc.mass.edu
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, also in Boston, offers a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program is offered as an entry level program where no previous post-secondary studies are necessary for eligibility. Students spend the first two years of the program in general education courses, including anatomy and physiology, introduction to psychology, algebra and trigonometry and general physics. The final two years focus on program-specific courses such as medical terminology for radiation sciences, clinical sonography, patient care in imaging and cross-sectional anatomy. Students receive training in all four of the dominating subspecialties of sonography, which include vascular, abdominal obstetric and gynecological and cardiac sonography.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
179 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115-5896
617-732-2800
mcphs.edu
Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College in Bedford offers an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program includes general education courses, electives and core concentration courses. Students complete courses in English, mathematics and physics while choosing social science and humanities electives. Core courses include the sonographer role and patient care, associated imaging, neurosonography, sonographic physics and instrumentation and cross-sectional anatomy. Graduates must pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography's registration examination for licensure in the state of Massachusetts. Admission to the program is competitive and only one out of every three candidates is offered a seat in the program. Students should possess a minimum grade point average of 2.0, demonstrate volunteer work and have an awareness of the sonographer's role in the diagnostic imaging field.
Middlesex Community College
591 Springs Road
Bedford, MA 01730
800-818-3434
middlesex.mass.edu
Tags: Community College, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Sonography, American Registry, American Registry Diagnostic, Bunker Hill