Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech)

Program Overview

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program at North-West College is an 84-week program that provides students with the technical knowledge and clinical skills to work as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Ultrasound Techs. The program includes thirteen class course modules and three 216-hour clinical externships. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in medical clinics, imaging centers, hospitals, and other medical facilities. Employment of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is projected to grow 26 percent nationally from 2014 to 2024.

Program Outline

Outline:

• 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.

Modules:

• 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.
• Anatomy and Physiology I:
presents, in detail, structural organization, cells/tissues, glands and membranes, skeletal system, muscular system, and medical terminology.
• Anatomy and Physiology II:
presents, in detail, the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, blood/lymphatic system, urinary system, and medical terminology.
• Anatomy and Physiology III:
presents, in detail, the nervous system, sensory and integumentary system, digestive system, and endocrine/respiratory systems.
• Physics I:
provides an understanding of the physics of ultrasound including the transducer, image formation, and display.
• Physics II:
provides an introduction to the technology of ultrasound including knobology, Doppler, color flow, m-mode, 2-D scanning, instrumentation, and safety.
• Introduction to Vascular Technology:
an introduction to vascular Sonography, hemodynamics, spectral analysis, vascular anatomy, and pathology. The course is not designed to prepare students as Vascular Technologists.
• Abdomen I:
develops an understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the aorta, IVC, liver, and gallbladder.
• Abdomen II:
continues the understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and spleen.
• Small Parts:
presents small parts anatomy and pathology along with the continued development of scanning skills.
• Gynecology:
focuses on an understanding of anatomy, pathology, and scanning skills to perform various gynecological ultrasound procedures.
• 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.
• Externship I:
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry workdays.
• Externship II:
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry workdays.
• Externship III:
Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry workdays.

Careers:

• 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:
• Mobile imaging centers and other healthcare-related facilities.
• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
• Medical Clinics
• Physician’s Offices
• Hospitals
• Employment of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is projected to grow 26 percent nationally from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• *Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm