Ultrasound Radiologist Education and Training Program Information

Ultrasound radiologists, or diagnostic medical sonographers, use medical imaging equipment to take pictures inside the human body. This technology uses sound waves to create an image of an organ or tissue to diagnose medical ailments. Certificates, associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees are available in the field.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate

A certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography usually takes 1-2 years to complete and has numerous prerequisites. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and graduates are prepared to take the certifying exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Educational Prerequisites

Certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography have varying admissions requirements. Some programs require completion of an associate's degree in a health care field, while others only require courses in algebra, anatomy and physiology, communications and physics. Generally, the shorter programs have more prerequisite course requirements. Programs also may require a current CPR certification.

Program Coursework

While enrolled in the diagnostic medical sonography curriculum, students receive classroom and laboratory training. Courses cover the following topics:

• Sectional anatomy
• Introductory physics
• Abdominal sonography
• Gynecologic sonography
• Vascular ultrasound
• Anatomy & pathology

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Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

An associate's degree program in diagnostic medical sonography prepares students for general sonography practice and provides the option to train in abdominal, vascular and obstetric sonography. Some programs only offer select specializations, and most programs take 21-24 months to complete.

Educational Prerequisites

Applicants to diagnostic medical sonography programs must have a high school diploma. Additionally, coursework in human anatomy and physiology, physics and medical terminology may be required prior to starting professional coursework. Current CPR certification is also necessary to participate in the training program.

Program Coursework

The associate's degree curriculum combines core courses in the humanities with professional coursework. A combination of laboratory training and classroom work is included in the program. Core requirements include:

• Cross-sectional anatomy
• Physics
• Abdominal sonography
• Obstetrical sonography
• Vascular ultrasound

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Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

A bachelor's degree program in diagnostic medical sonography is comprised of at least two years of basic science training and two years of clinical training. Students generally choose to specialize in general, vascular or cardiac sonography. Other areas of specialization include obstetrics and gynecology, breast, abdomen and neurosonology.

Educational Prerequisites

Diagnostic medical sonography baccalaureate degree programs are usually offered through 4-year colleges or universities who are affiliated with a medical school. Applicants must have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent and achieved a satisfactory score on college admissions exams. Prerequisites include CPR certification and current immunizations.

Program Coursework

Ultrasound radiologist students complete a combination of basic science and clinical training coursework. Topics of study include:

• Abdominal sonography
• Abdominal pathology
• Sectional imaging
• Vascular imaging
• Gynecologic sonography
• Hemodynamics
• Cardiac sonography
• Cellular pathophysiology

Career Outlook and Salary Info

Ultrasound radiologists were expected to experience strong employment and salary prospects during the 2008-2018 decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment was expected to increase at a rate of 18% between the years 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). The estimated mean annual wage, as of May 2009 was $63,640.

Continuing Education

Licensure is not required to practice diagnostic sonography, but certification is generally expected by employers. Those who complete the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification process are designated Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS).