Sonographers can specialize in several fields, including vascular technology, neurosonolology and opthalmology.
Diagnostic medical sonography is a field with multiple points of entry. Sonographers provide one-on-one care to patients via a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to see internal organs, blood flow and tissues. Individuals wishing to enter this medical field may do so through an accredited two year, four year or vocational certificate program. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP, is responsible for accrediting the academic programs and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or JRCDMS, has established national education curricula.
Common Curriculum
The specific classes required for students will vary by academic institution; however they should fulfill the requirements set forth by JRCDMS. The required general education classes include fundamental mathematics and statistics, physics, communication, psychology and information technology. Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology are all required as is medical ethics and instruction on patient care. Sonography specific courses include basic principles of sonography, instrumentation and work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Abdomen and Cardiac
Aside from general sonography education, medical sonographers are required to receive extra education on certain areas of the body. JRCDMS established specific education requirements regarding the abdominal area, which include detailed information about each abdominal organ, male and female reproductive organs and information specific to children and infants. Sonographers are taught to determine normal versus pathological conditions and to prioritize their assessments. Cardiac sonography and education revolves around the heart and diseases associated with it. Cardiac sonography is known as an echocardiogram and is often practiced as a specialized field of medicine and sonography.
OBGYN and Vascular
Obstetrics and gynecology is a field that is most commonly associated with diagnostic medical sonography and one that also requires specialized education. Education revolves around being able to identify fetal and extra-fetal anatomy throughout gestation as well as recognizing normal and abnormal fetal and uterine characteristics. Gynecological education is similar, focusing on the normal and pathological findings specific to the female reproductive system. Vascular training is another area of sonography that revolves around fluid dynamics as they are associated with hemodynamics and vascular complications. Often vascular sonography is used in conjunction with other imaging modalities.
Educational Pathways
Individuals may obtain their education as a diagnostic medical sonographer through an accredited or nonaccredited academic institution. Associates degrees are available in the field along with bachelor programs at four-year colleges. All of the educational pathways available require clinical education and hands-on training in the field. Some hospitals and vocational schools also offer programs in diagnostic medical sonography. Choosing the right pathway for your individual lifestyle is key as well as attending an accredited institution. The benefit of attending a CAAHEP-accredited program is the ability to sit for certification examinations in order to become a registered sonographer, although this is not mandatory for employment purposes.
Tags: associated with, diagnostic medical, medical sonography, revolves around, academic institution, Cardiac sonography
