Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
As imaging technology has continued to evolve, medical facilities continue to use ultrasound to replace more invasive, costly procedures. Ultrasound is often less expensive than other imaging technologies and is often used as a first-line tool for diagnosis. Third-party payers encourage the use of these noninvasive measures over invasive ones in order to save on costs. Diagnostic medical sonographers and other diagnostic imaging personnel will continue to be needed in health care settings to provide an alternative to imaging techniques that involve radiation.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound) program at North-West College trains students to develop the skills needed to perform diagnostic studies on patients using ultrasound equipment for diagnosis and interpretation by a physician.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Overview
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (also called Ultrasound Technicians) operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Some technologists assist physicians and surgeons during surgical procedures.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS or ultrasound) program at North-West College provides students with a balanced education through competency-based training that combines didactic instruction with the demonstration and performance of practical skills. Graduates from the DMS program have the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for entry-level employment as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm (visited March 2019).
** North-West College cannot guarantee employment.
Proudly accredited, licensed to operate and/or recognized by the following institutions:
Attend Classes at a California (CA) Campus Near You!
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) program is available at the following campuses:
Meet a Graduate
Questions?
Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-408-4211. Classes are starting soon!
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Careers and Work Environment
Sonographers perform diagnostic studies on patients using ultrasound scanners to produce images of the anatomical areas for diagnosis and interpretation by a physician. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working with medical diagnostic imaging.
Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:
Quick Facts about Diagnostic Medical Sonographers*
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Course Material
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program at North-West College provides students with the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to potentially gain entry-level employment as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasound Tech working with ultrasound equipment in medical clinics, imaging centers, hospitals, mobile imaging services and other medical facilities. This 84-week program is divided into thirteen class course modules plus three 216-hour clinical externships where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in actual health care practice settings.
College Success
This initial course in the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program is designed to increase student success in his/her professional and personal life through discussions and activities that promote achievement of career skills. Topics covered include time management, test-taking skills, goal setting, study habits and techniques, self-esteem, image, and motivation. Strategies to strengthen reading, writing, research, and quantitative abilities are emphasized. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 10 hours for this class
Anatomy and Physiology I
A & P I presents, in detail, structural organization, cells/tissues, glands and membranes, skeletal system, muscular system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Anatomy and Physiology II
This course presents, in detail, the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, blood/lymphatic system, urinary system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Anatomy and Physiology III
A & P III presents, in detail, the nervous system, sensory and integumentary system, digestive system, and endocrine/respiratory systems. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Physics I
The course provides an understanding of the physics of ultrasound including the transducer, image formation, and display. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Physics II
The course provides an introduction to the technology of ultrasound including knobology, Doppler, color flow, m-mode, 2-D scanning, instrumentation, and safety. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Introduction to Vascular Technology
Vascular Technology is an introduction to vascular Sonography, hemodynamics, spectral analysis, vascular anatomy and pathology. The course is not designed to prepare students as Vascular Technologists. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Abdomen I
This course develops an understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the aorta, IVC, liver, and gallbladder. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Abdomen II
The class continues the understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and spleen. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Small Parts
This course presents small parts anatomy and pathology along with the continued development of scanning skills. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Gynecology
The course focuses on an understanding of anatomy, pathology, and scanning skills to perform various gynecological ultrasound procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Obstetrics III
Building from 104/II, this course continues to refine the scanning skills associated with the anatomy and pathology of first, second, and third trimester pregnancy procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Externship I
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Externship II
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Externship III
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Course Activities
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians) specialize in creating images of the body’s organs and tissues. The images are known as sonograms (or ultrasounds). Sonograms are often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may work closely with physicians or surgeons before, during, and after procedures.
The following are examples of types of diagnostic medical sonographers:
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians) typically perform the following tasks:
Questions?
Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at
1-888-408-4211
Classes are starting soon!
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Overview
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (also called Ultrasound Technicians) operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Some technologists assist physicians and surgeons during surgical procedures.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS or ultrasound) program at North-West College provides students with a balanced education through competency-based training that combines didactic instruction with the demonstration and performance of practical skills. Graduates from the DMS program have the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for entry-level employment as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm (visited March 2019).
** North-West College cannot guarantee employment.
Proudly accredited, licensed to operate and/or recognized by the following institutions:
Attend Classes at a California (CA) Campus Near You!
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) program is available at the following campuses:
Meet a Graduate
Questions?
Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-408-4211. Classes are starting soon!
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Careers and Work Environment
Sonographers perform diagnostic studies on patients using ultrasound scanners to produce images of the anatomical areas for diagnosis and interpretation by a physician. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working with medical diagnostic imaging.
Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:
Quick Facts about Diagnostic Medical Sonographers*
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Course Material
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program at North-West College provides students with the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to potentially gain entry-level employment as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasound Tech working with ultrasound equipment in medical clinics, imaging centers, hospitals, mobile imaging services and other medical facilities. This 84-week program is divided into thirteen class course modules plus three 216-hour clinical externships where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in actual health care practice settings.
College Success
This initial course in the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program is designed to increase student success in his/her professional and personal life through discussions and activities that promote achievement of career skills. Topics covered include time management, test-taking skills, goal setting, study habits and techniques, self-esteem, image, and motivation. Strategies to strengthen reading, writing, research, and quantitative abilities are emphasized. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 10 hours for this class
Anatomy and Physiology I
A & P I presents, in detail, structural organization, cells/tissues, glands and membranes, skeletal system, muscular system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Anatomy and Physiology II
This course presents, in detail, the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, blood/lymphatic system, urinary system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Anatomy and Physiology III
A & P III presents, in detail, the nervous system, sensory and integumentary system, digestive system, and endocrine/respiratory systems. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Physics I
The course provides an understanding of the physics of ultrasound including the transducer, image formation, and display. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Physics II
The course provides an introduction to the technology of ultrasound including knobology, Doppler, color flow, m-mode, 2-D scanning, instrumentation, and safety. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Introduction to Vascular Technology
Vascular Technology is an introduction to vascular Sonography, hemodynamics, spectral analysis, vascular anatomy and pathology. The course is not designed to prepare students as Vascular Technologists. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Abdomen I
This course develops an understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the aorta, IVC, liver, and gallbladder. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Abdomen II
The class continues the understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and spleen. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Small Parts
This course presents small parts anatomy and pathology along with the continued development of scanning skills. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Gynecology
The course focuses on an understanding of anatomy, pathology, and scanning skills to perform various gynecological ultrasound procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Obstetrics III
Building from 104/II, this course continues to refine the scanning skills associated with the anatomy and pathology of first, second, and third trimester pregnancy procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Externship I
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Externship II
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Externship III
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) Course Activities
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians) specialize in creating images of the body’s organs and tissues. The images are known as sonograms (or ultrasounds). Sonograms are often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may work closely with physicians or surgeons before, during, and after procedures.
The following are examples of types of diagnostic medical sonographers:
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians) typically perform the following tasks:
Questions?
Let us help you launch your career by contacting us today. Simply fill out the form below or call us at
1-888-408-4211
Classes are starting soon!