The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for diagnostic medical sonographers.
There are several avenues for entry into the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Sonographers may train in hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, colleges or universities, or the Armed Forces. Some training programs prefer applicants with experience in other healthcare professions or high school graduates with courses in mathematics, health, and science.
Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2-year and 4-year programs, resulting in either an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are the most prevalent. Coursework includes classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics. In 2008, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited over 150 training programs. Accredited programs are offered by colleges and universities. Some hospital programs are accredited as well.
A few 1-year programs that typically result in a vocational certificate also are accepted as proper education by employers. These programs are useful usually only for workers already employed in a healthcare occupation who seek to increase their marketability by training in sonography. One-year vocational-certificate programs are not accredited by the CAAHEP.
Certification and other qualifications. No States require licensure in diagnostic medical sonography. However, sonographers may become credentialed by one of the professional certifying bodies. Most employers prefer to hire registered sonographers because registration provides an objective measure of an individual's professional standing. To become registered, one must first become eligible to take the examination by completing the proper education, training, or work experience. The exam typically includes a physics and instrumentation exam in a sonography specialty. Typically, sonographers must complete a required number of continuing-education hours to maintain registration. For specific details on credentialing, contact the certifying organization.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certifies each person who passes the exam as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). This credential can be obtained for several different specialty areas like the abdomen, breast, or nervous system. The ARDMS also credentials cardiac and vascular sonographers. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist offers credentials in breast and vascular sonography. The Cardiovascular Credentialing International credentials cardiac sonographers. (Vascular sonographers and cardiac sonographers are covered in the Handbook statement on cardiovascular technologists and technicians.)
Sonographers should have good communication and interpersonal skills, because they must be able to explain technical procedures and results to their patients, some of whom may be nervous. Good hand-eye coordination is particularly important to obtaining quality images. It is very important that sonographers enjoy lifelong learning, because continuing education is crucial to workers in the ever-changing field of diagnostic medicine.
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There are a few sonography schools in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Sonography School, Sanford-Brown College, and The Hybrid Medical Institute ( Diagnostic Medical Sonography School at Dallas ) are all sonography schools located in the Dallas, Texas area. Sanford-Brown is located in Dallas and offer Sonography classes and certifications. You can request information and apply online at sanfordbrown.edu.
Sonography schools are located in every state. You can find one near you by doing an online search.
Here are a few schools that offer sonography degrees: http://education-portal.com/articles/Top_Schools_for_Ultrasound_and_Sonography_Technology.html
When you are looking for the best diagnostic medical sonography schools you cannot go wrong by checking out the education forums. Everyone has an opinion, but diagnostic medical sonography schools which are recommended by past students will give you a base to work from.
I am including a link to a site that will help you find an accredited sonography class. It is very important that you find one that is accredited otherwise you are probably wasting your time. http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/
There are many online schools based an online courses for sonography in my area. In an online websites you find many listed army schools,you can choose any of near by related schools in your area.
Some of the schools in Houston, Texas that offer Medical Sonography classes are: Harris Health System School of Diagnosic Medical, Houston Community College and Sanford-Brown.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a Radiologic and Imaging Sciences specialty with ten subspecialties. Grand Valley State University offers six of these subspecialties. Students are required to choose a concentration in either general (abdominal and obstetric-gynecology) or echocardiography (adult and either pediatric or vascular sonography). GVSU's pediatric echocardiography program is the only B.S. degree in the United States.
Keiser University and Sanford-Brown Institute offer the best sonography courses in Florida. Both have multiple locations in Florida.
Sonography schools typically offer classes in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, ultrasound physics, and various imaging techniques. Students also learn how to operate and maintain ultrasound equipment, interpret images, and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare providers. Clinical training is an important component of sonography programs as well.
Presently only two states require license. More will follow. Schools and other organizations that promise to educate for your license are misleading. Professional organizations should be referenced in seeking REGISTRATION as ultrasound technologist. Check with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Here is one site offering information about obtaining your sonography degree online. http://www.mountainstate.edu/majors/whystudy/dmsonline/dmsonline.aspx