Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Our diagnostic medical sonography program prepares you for a fulfilling career as an ultrasound technician. Learn more about how Blue Cliff College can prepare you for this new healthcare job.
What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a skilled professional who specializes in using ultrasound equipment to record visual images of the neck, abdomen, and pelvis.
What Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Do?
A diagnostic medical sonographer uses specialized imaging equipment and sound waves to form images of different parts of the body, also known as ultrasounds. They both acquire and analyze these images in order to assist in diagnosing medical conditions.
The duties of a diagnostic medical sonographer can include:
- Preparing patients for the procedure and educating them throughout the ultrasound exam
- Operating imaging equipment and ensuring that they are of high quality
- Identifying abnormal imaging results and communicating them to the physician
- Reviewing patient medical history, recording the imaging results in their records, and coordinating care with other departments
How Long is the Education for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
The education length for becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer can vary. The path usually involves finishing high school and then either earning an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree that includes science and anatomy coursework.
Generally, this is followed by earning a certification in diagnostic medical sonography specifically. These programs offer medical sonography training and clinical experience. They can be found in colleges, universities, or teaching hospitals.
Overall, it will take 19 months of higher education to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.
What Will I Learn?
Over the course of your medical diagnostic sonography program, you will learn how to:
- Recognize abnormal sonographic findings
- Recognize significant clinical information that impacts the sonographic examination
- Perform comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound examinations
- Possess the general medical knowledge to perform effectively in a healthcare setting
- Communicate effectively with patients and members of the healthcare team
- Apply concepts of ultrasound physics when imaging.
- Optimize and acquire quality sonographic images
- Demonstrate sound clinical judgment within the healthcare environment
- Meet the ethical and professional expectations of the clinical environment
Where Do Medical Sonographers Work?
The majority of medical sonographers work in hospitals, but careers can also be found in doctor’s offices and medical and diagnostic labs.
In hospitals, many diagnostic medical sonographers work in general imaging, radiology, obstetrics, or cardiology.
What is the Job Outlook For a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Over the decade, the need for diagnostic medical sonographers is likely to rise. It’s projected that there will be a 14% increase in job growth from 2020-2030.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Training Near Me
If you’re interested in a career in diagnostic medical sonography, enroll in our program at Blue Cliff College. Our program is affordable and will quickly prepare you for an exciting career that is growing exponentially.
Application Requirements
To apply to the digital diagnostic sonography program at Blue Cliff College, you will need to:
- Provide proof of high school completion or the equivalent
- Complete a personal interview with an admissions representative or the campus director
- Provide proof that you are in good health and physically capable of performing the duties and techniques required in the field
- Have the financial resources necessary to complete this program
- Complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level exam with at least the minimum acceptable score
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Licensing and Accreditation Information
While a majority of medical sonographers can work with their education alone, some states require licensing in order to practice.
These states include:
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
All medical sonographers will need to pass the ARDMS exam to earn their credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer® (RDMS®), a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer® (RDCS®), or a Registered Vascular Technologist® (RVT®).
