Ultrasound Classes
One of the most important but often unrecognized members of the health care team are the diagnostic medical sonographers. Also called ultrasound technologists, these health care professionals closely work with physicians to come up with accurate and reliable diagnoses, which is essential in providing the most appropriate treatment options and interventions for patients. Ultrasound techs are mainly responsible in obtaining visual images within the human body through the use of an ultrasound imaging scan. This diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedure utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce visual images of internal organs, tissues or blood flow. These sound waves are transmitted to a specified area of examination as the returning echo is recorded. In addition to capturing images of the body's internal structures, ultrasound sonographers are responsible in integrating the ultrasound test results with the patient's medical history and results of his physical assessment and laboratory work ups to reach a sound and valid medical summary. The report is submitted to the supervising physician for further review and for the formulation of a diagnosis. It is, therefore, necessary that ultrasound technologists directly coordinate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
The ultrasound sonographers, as partners in patient care, must communicate effectively and directly with the patients to explain the procedure and answer any clarifications that they might have regarding the test. They are also tasked to obtain accurate medical histories from the patients and prepare them before the examination. Ultrasound techs are expected to perform some clerical works, as well. They assist in scheduling, filing and archiving of medical reports.
To start a career as an ultrasound sonographer, proper education and training is obtained from ultrasound schools that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or CAAHEP. Ultrasound programs are offered by colleges, universities, hospitals and medical centers. The number of years of study and training would depend on the ultrasound degree that a prospective sonographer wants to complete. A year or two of training is required for an ultrasound diploma or certificate. This is usually taken up after high school. Healthcare professionals who wish to gain a certificate in ultrasound technology can also enroll in this program for a year. An associate degree is usually completed in two years. A bachelor degree is obtained after 4 years of study and training in ultrasound technology.
Each ultrasound program has its specified requirements but generally, the following courses are prerequisites before entry to associate's or bachelor's degree:
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Mathematics
• College Algebra and Trigonometry
• Physics
• Basic Patient Care
• Medical Terminology
• Sectional Anatomy
• Writing Workshops
The completion of the following ultrasound classes, which mostly focus on special areas of sonography, is usually required to obtain an associate degree in medical sonography:
• Clinical Sonography
• Cardiac Sonography
• Vascular Sonography
• Abdominal Sonography
• Obstetrical Sonography
• Gynecological Sonography
• Physics and Instrumentations
• Medical Ethics
• Echocardiography
• General Psychology
• Clinical Externship
• Pathophysiology
An associate degree in medical sonography is required before entry to any bachelor's degree program in medical sonography. The courses included in the program encourage strong foundation in science and competency in specific areas of sonography by gaining actual clinical experience in doing cardiac, obstetrics, gynecology, abdomen, pediatrics and other sonographic examinations. Typically, during the senior year, prospective sonographers select one of two areas of specialization, either in vascular sonography or echocardiography.
To determine the requirements of the ultrasound program of your choice, contact the accredited schools so that you are properly guided as you start your promising care in medical sonography.