You can study medical sonography at a school in D.C., Virginia or Maryland.
Medical sonography, also referred to as ultrasound technology or diagnostic medical sonography, is an allied health field that uses high frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the human body for the diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions, diseases and injuries. According to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), there are six schools in the District of Columbia (D.C.), Virginia and Maryland that offer training in medical sonography. Before seeking employment, graduates of these programs must sit the certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The George Washington University
The George Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in sonography that consists of theoretical and practical training in all aspects of sonographic procedures and analysis as well as advanced coursework in health care policy, leadership, ethics and management. Applicants must complete two years of coursework in anatomy and physiology, physics, medical terminology, math, psychology, humanities or social science and English before transferring to the two-year degree completion program. For their clinical training, students must choose one or two of the three specialty areas of general, cardiac or vascular sonography.
The George Washington University
900 23rd St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-994-3650
gwumnc.edu
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree program at its Virginia Beach campus location. Students must complete one semester of general education coursework in anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), medical terminology, math, physics and introductory health care before proceeding to major courses. This five-semester program trains students in ultrasound procedures for the abdominal area, small body parts, female reproductive system and vascular system through both didactic classroom instruction and clinical education.
Tidewater Community College
1700 College Crescent
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
757-822-7271
tcc.edu
Southside Regional Medical Center
The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Southside Regional Medical Center offers a four-semester training program. Applicants must hold a two-year credential in allied health or completion of a one-year training program with 20 months of work experience. Candidates also need coursework in biology, math, physics, communication, medical ethics, pathophysiology, patient care and medical terminology with a GPA of at least 2.5 or higher. Course topics include physics, cross-sectional anatomy, abdominal and small parts imaging, vascular ultrasound and clinical training.
Southside Regional Medical Center
801 South Adams St.
Petersburg, VA 23803
804-862-5171
srmconline.com
Johns Hopkins Hospital
The School of Medical Imaging at the Johns Hopkins Hospital offers a full-time, 14-month training program in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). Students receive hands-on training in all aspects of ultrasound examinations and procedures in the concentration areas of abdominal and small parts imaging, gynecology, high-risk obstetrics, pediatrics and neurosonology. The school also offers specialties in peripheral, cerebral and abdominal Doppler technology, endocavity imaging, intraoperative ultrasound and intraventional ultrasound.
Johns Hopkins Hospital
School of Medical Imaging
720 Rutland Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21205
410-528-8208
jhmi.edu
Montgomery College
Montgomery College offers both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in DMS with three available tracks: general, cardiac and vascular. Students must complete general education and preparatory coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease concepts, English and behavioral science before being formally admitted into the DMS major. In addition to theoretical instruction in acoustical physics, instrumentation and sectional anatomy, students complete several hands-on practicum courses.
Montgomery College
7977 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
240-567-5000
montgomerycollege.edu
UMBC Training Centers
The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Training Centers offers an accelerated certificate program in DMS. Applicants must complete college-level courses in English, math, anatomy and physiology, physics, biology, medical terminology, ethics, psychology and computer applications with a grade of "C" or better. This full-time, 13-month program consists of both didactic and hands-on instruction in three available concentrations: cardiac, general or vascular. Course topics include ultrasound physics, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care skills, scanning fundamentals and clinical applications.
UMBC Training Centers
1450 South Rolling Road
Halethorpe, MD 21227
443-543-5400
umbc.edu
Tags: medical terminology, anatomy physiology, must complete, Applicants must, Community College, coursework anatomy
