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Ultrasound Program Application
Please use this
application only if you are an RT or will be an RT by the Fall Semester.
Acrobat Reader Needed - To download click on the button.
Welcome to the Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Specialization Homepage
What is Sonography (Ultrasound)?
Ultrasonography, also called sonography, is a diagnostic
medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce
dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.
This type of procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound
scan. Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body, such as
the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart, and blood
vessels. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.
How do I become a Sonographer?
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Specialization option
is offered during the 4th year in the Radiologic Sciences B.S. degree (see
course sequence). Upon completion of the program
the student will be prepared to challenge the national registry exams in
the specialty areas of Abdominal and Obstetric/Gynecology.
Abdomen Specialization: evaluation of all soft tissues,
blood vessels, and organs of the abdominal cavities(for example, liver,
spleen, urinary tract, pancreas).
Obstetrics/Gynecology Specialization: evaluation of the
female reproductive system.
What does a diagnostic medical sonographer
do?
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional
who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the
human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.
Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that
may include performing invasive procedures. They must be able to interact
compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically
ill.
The professional responsibilities include, but are not
limited to:
- obtaining and recording an accurate patient history
- performing diagnostic procedures and obtaining diagnostic
images
- analyzing technical information
- using independent judgment in recognizing the need to
extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings
- providing an oral or written summary of the technical
findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
- providing quality patient care
- collaborating with physicians and other members of the
health care team.
What are the technical aspects expected
of sonographers?
Sonographers should be able to:
- Lift more than 50 pounds routinely
- Push and pull routinely
- Bend and stoop routinely
- Have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders
- Distinguish audible sounds
- Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
- Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
- Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick
or injured
- Assist patients on and off examining tables
- Communicate effectively with patients and other health
care professionals
- Organize and accurately perform the individual steps
in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence
What are the career opportunities?
Sonographers can choose to work in clinics, hospitals,
private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories,
and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization.
Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research
and commerical companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives,
technical advisors, etc.
In addition to excellent career opportunities, salaries
for sonographers are competitive with or higher than other professionals
with similar levels of education.
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