Ultrasounds are often given to pregnant women to monitor the health of a fetus.
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, operate the equipment that uses sound waves to image the body's subcutaneous tissue (organs, veins). Physicians use the images to make medical diagnoses. According to a 2006 CNN report, medical sonography is one of the highest paid jobs requiring an associate's degree. In May 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that annual salaries ranged from $45,000 to $95,000. For the best employment opportunities, the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers advises students to choose ultrasound programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP.
Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
Pregnant women often receive sonograms.
Charles Drew University students have the option of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in medical imaging technology/diagnostic medical sonography or a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. The bachelor's degree program takes 4 years to complete while the certificate program can be completed in 2 years. Admission to both programs requires a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and a science class with a lab, taken within the past 10 years. Ultrasound students may choose to specialize in one of six areas, including breast and abdominal sonography.
Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
College of Science and Health
1731 E 120th St
Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 563-5891
cdrewu.edu/cosh/programs/undergraduate/diagnostic-medical-sonography
Cypress College
Cypress College administers a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. The college also offers an Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography for students who fulfill the necessary general education requirements. Applicants must pass a full criminal background check.
Cypress College
9200 Valley View Street
Cypress, CA -- 90630
(714) 484-7283
cypresscollege.edu/academics/academicPrograms/HealthScience/DiagnosticMedicalSonography/
Foothill College
Foothill College offers an 18-month certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography.. Students may elect to complete additional coursework leading to an associate degree in science in diagnostic medical sonography.. At Foothill, students experience extensive hands-on clinical work, usually in conjunction with experienced sonographers.
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA -- 94022
(650) 949-7304
foothill.edu/bio/programs/ultra/
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
Kaiser Permanente, the HMO insurance giant, sponsors an 18-month certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. Kaiser's training program focuses on obstetrics and abdominal sonography. Applicants seeking admission must have a minimum of 60 college credits, with three units of coursework in the sciences, and a 2.75 GPA.
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
938 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA -- 94553
(510) 231-5055
kpsahs.org/
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University offers two training programs, general sonography and a cardiac specialty track. The general program takes 24 months to complete. The cardiac specialty course is offered only to experienced sonographers and requires a 12-month commitment.
Loma Linda University
School of Allied Health Professions
11234 Anderson St.
Nichol Hall A829
Loma Linda, CA -- 92354
(909) 558-4416
llu.edu/allied-health/sahp/sonography/index.page
Merced College
The CAAHEP accredited the Merced College ultrasound program in 2006. Upon successful completion of the 5-semester program, Merced students earn a certificate of achievement in diagnostic medical sonography. The Merced program has two different tracks. Students applying to track one must have already earned an allied health degree in a discipline such as nursing, physical therapy or respiratory therapy. Merced offers associate degrees in those disciplines. Track two is open only to electrocardiogram (EKG) technicians and focuses solely on cardiac sonography.
Merced College
3600 M. Street
Merced, CA -- 95348
(559) 459-2309
mccd.edu/alliedhealth/SONO/sonohp.htm
Orange Coast College
Orange Coast offers an Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. The two-year program requires extensive anatomy and physiology classes as well as a philosophy course in ethics.
Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA -- 92626
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA - 92626
University of California San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center
UCSD's sonography certificate program is open only to students already possessing a bachelor's degree or to working health professionals. The program requires a 12-month, 40-hour per week commitment, and offers primarily clinical training.
University of California San Diego Medical Center
200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA -- 92103
(619) 543-6617
radtech.ucsd.edu/Rad2/Ultra.htm
Tags: medical sonography, diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic medical, certificate program, Loma Linda, certificate program diagnostic, Charles Drew
