Guide To Getting A Degree In Sonography
Students seeking an exciting career in part of the diagnostic medical field should consider a diagnostic medical sonography degree. Available through colleges and technical schools throughout the country, the Sonography degree can enable the student to work in diagnostic clinics, hospitals and medical offices throughout the country.
How long does it take to finish a bachelors in Sonography?
Students have two options when it comes to getting the degree in Sonography through a two or four year program available through colleges and technical schools. Throughout the two year program, students will learn the methods that are used to take diagnostic images of the various organs and parts of the body, as well as learning how to operate ultrasound machines to complete the studies and learn about preparation, techniques and positions that can help to enhance the image that is obtained while the ultrasound is being completed.
What Prerequisites are required for Sonography degree programs?
Students are required to complete secondary school before entering Sonography degree programs. Students are encouraged to focus on courses including science, math and English to ensure that the student is going to have a foundation of which the Sonography program build upon, preparing the student for a career in Sonography.
What Courses are taken throughout the Sonography degree program?
While in the program, students have a variety of courses including scanning techniques, medical terminology, the care of patients, ethics in the medical field, sonographic imaging, anatomy and physiology and medical technology. Using these courses, as well as specialized and advances courses in prenatal ultrasound technology, or pathophysiology, the student is able to prepare for the career and ensure that they learn the skills to be used in the work experience and throughout the course of the career.
Students have the option to specialize the education to prepare for the career. Using an associate’s degree that consists of two years of combined education and work experience, students are able to create a basic overview of the career and learn the skills that are required to become a diagnostic sonographer. Throughout the four year program, with a traditional Bachelor’s degree, students are able to further the career and specialize in certain types of Sonography including specialties like cardiovascular Sonography.
The daily tasks of the sonographer include working one on one with patients and using the technology to complete imaging of the various organs. In addition to the Sonography images that are taken however, the student must learn the techniques and skills that are required to complete the patient’s chart, troubleshoot any difficulties that occur during the exam, perform diagnostic procedures and effectively communicate with health care professionals regarding the results of the ultrasound procedure that has been completed.
Choosing between the many programs that are available requires the student to compare the length of the program, the cost of the program, the specific courses and continuing education courses that are available throughout the program as well as the outlook of the program in the field of sonograpy and the success rates for students finding employment after completing the program.
Programs we recommend:
Adventist University's Sonography Degree Program - based out of Florida, and 100% online. Learn more.