Ultrasound technicians attend school to learn use medical imaging equipment.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic imaging sonographers, use equipment that directs sound waves into a patient's body; these sound waves create images that can be used to diagnose medical conditions. Ultrasound technicians should seek out training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In 2008, there were 150 accredited training programs for ultrasound technicians, according to the BLS.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
The teaching hospital of Harvard University's medical school, Beth Israel Deaconess offers an 18-month, full-time certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. Students attend class five days per week; the curriculum includes courses in anatomy, foundations of medical imaging, and sonographic physics, along with laboratory simulations. In addition, students complete rotations in specialty areas such as obstetric and pediatric sonography. Applicants should have either an associate degree in an allied-health area, such as nursing, respiratory therapy or occupational therapy, or a bachelor's degree in any subject. Prerequisite courses in algebra, physics and anatomy are required of program applicants, who also submit two references and an essay.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-667-7000
bidmc.org
UC San Diego Medical Center
The diagnostic medical sonography program at UC San Diego Medical Center takes one year to complete and is open to students who have an associate degree in an allied health field or a bachelor's degree in any major. Applicants submit transcripts, three references and a personal statement. Qualified applicants are invited to an interview at UC San Diego Medical Center. The program is competitive; six students, along with three alternates, are selected annually. The classroom portion of the program includes courses in anatomy and pathology as they relate to pelvic, abdominal, head, vascular, obstetrical and small parts sonography. Small parts include the breast, prostate and thyroid. Students spend eight hours in class each week and 32 hours gaining clinical experience at locations throughout San Diego.
UC San Diego Medical Center
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92064
619-543-6617
ucsd.edu
Miami Dade College
The two-year program in diagnostic medical sonography at Miami Dade College is open to students 18 and older who have a high school diploma or GED. The program consists of general education courses in anatomy, algebra, physics and biology, which must be completed before taking the major courses in imaging principles, film critique and acoustical physics. Students are also exposed to specialty sonography areas such as abdominal, obstetrics and pediatrics. In addition to classes, students are assigned to a Miami-area clinical site to gain direct patient experience.
Miami Dade College
Medical Center Campus
950 NW 20th Street
Miami, FL 33127
305-237-4275
mdc.edu
Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College offers an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. The curriculum includes courses in medical terminology and obstetric and abdominal sonography, along with sonographic instrumentation and physics. Student also attend a clinical site for three to five days per week while enrolled in the 15-month, full-time program. Prospective applicants must complete prerequisite courses, such as biology, anatomy and physics in order to be considered for the program. LCC admits 24 to 48 students to the program annually.
Lansing Community College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Health and Human Services Building
515 North Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-1957
lcc.edu
Tags: Medical Center, Diego Medical, Diego Medical Center, along with, associate degree, Beth Israel
