CAAHEP-approved sonographer schools prepare students for careers in a growing field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field of diagnostic medical sonography will grow by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018 because of the continued development of new medical tests that use ultrasound. The field involves the use of sound waves to create images of the internal organs in a patient's body to diagnose medical conditions. Numerous schools in the United States offer ultrasound programs that carry the approval of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Professionals (CAAHEP) and qualify graduates for certification in the field.
Delaware Technical and Community College
Established in 1966, the Delaware Technical and Community College is a public, two-year institution with more than 20,000 credit-seeking students at its four campuses. The college offers a diagnostic medical sonography associate degree program at its campuses in Georgetown and Wilmington. Before enrolling in the program, students must successfully complete a chemistry class and have a high school diploma or a passing score on the General Education Development (GED) exam. The two-year curriculum allows students to specialize in general, cardiac or vascular ultrasound techniques. All three specialties require three clinical rotations in area medical facilities as well as coursework in English, psychology, anatomy, physics, medical terminology and communications. The college participates in federal and state grants, loans and veterans benefits programs to help students afford the cost of tuition.
Delaware Technical and Community College
333 Shipley Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
302-571-5343
dtcc.edu
Gateway Community College
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Gateway Community College is a public, two-year institution. Among the more than 100 programs available to students, is an Associate of Applied Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. To qualify for admission, students must complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, communication, algebra, physics and medical terminology and have a two-year degree in an allied health field like nursing or radiography. The program covers cardiac, breast, neurological, abdominal, obstetric and gynecological ultrasound and requires a minimum of five clinical rotations. In addition to federal and state financial aid, Gateway offers a limited number of work study opportunities and institutional scholarships. The school offers service learning opportunities which allow students to gain course credit for volunteering in the community as well as study abroad programs in Mexico and the Czech Republic. A child care center is located on-site for students with children, and personal counseling and job placement assistance are available for all students.
Gateway Community College
108 N. 40th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-286-8486
gatewaycc.edu
Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics
The Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics is a private school in Spanish Fort, Alabama, a community 10 miles east of Mobile. The school specializes in sonography education with a variety of programs to meet the needs of students. The longest introductory program offered at the institute is a one-year certificate program, which includes several clinical rotations in breast, abdominal, obstetric and gynecological sonography. Shorter, three-month and three-week introductory programs are also offered and are designed for individuals who will only be called upon to use ultrasound infrequently rather than as a part of their daily job tasks. To enroll in any of the school's introductory programs, students must have a minimum of a two-year degree in an allied health field like nursing, respiratory therapy or radiologic technology. For experienced sonographers, the school also offers one-week refresher courses in general ultrasound and one-week classes in vascular sonography. In terms of financial aid, the school participates only in Alabama state programs for vocational rehabilitation, which are open only to individuals who need retraining to acquire a job after becoming unemployed.
Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics
31214 Coleman Lane
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
251-621-8668
iudmed.com
Tags: Community College, clinical rotations, Delaware Technical, Delaware Technical Community, diagnostic medical