Entering a Diagnostic Medical Sonography School
Date: February 6, 2025
Entering a Diagnostic Medical Sonography School.
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, aka Ultrasound Technologist, is a relatively new healthcare professional within the healthcare industry. You may recognize the person in blue or green scrubs with a probe in one hand and gel in another while looking at a monitor.
Historically, the Role is Relatively New
But this tech in the greenish-blue scrubs hasn’t been around forever. The role of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasound Tech is relatively modern. Dating back to around the 1940s, the first recorded use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis was by Karl Dussik.1 Dussik attempted to use ultrasound to visualize brain tumors. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Scottish obstetrician Ian Donald significantly developed its application in obstetrics and gynecology.1 Notably, “this application earned him the right to be considered the `father of obstetric ultrasound.’”1 Today, the non-invasive imaging technique is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions and guiding treatment decisions.
Technology Brought Education
With the advent of using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create medical images came the need to train individuals to take the images. Thus, diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) schools came about. Focusing on curriculum and experiences and facilitating acumen in diagnostic medical sonography, sonography schools are generally two-year programs. However, certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree program variations are available.
Entering a Diagnostic Medical Sonography School
Even though you can locate an excellent diagnostic medical sonography school online, visiting an institution in person is always preferable. Contact and compare several programs during your initial search phase. This allows for the comparison of facilities apart from other aspects such as fees and tuition. Additionally, look at proximity, traffic to and fro, online ease, support services, available tutoring, student aid, and other considerations. Remember, school is a “marriage” for a few years, and you will spend considerable waking hours there and even finding out if there is a healthy buffet or a study place next door can make or break the joy in your educational experience.
As you go, ask questions vigorously and narrow your choices gradually. Moreover, interaction with the school’s students and staff in a sonography program can help you gauge the particular academic standards. Such a visit can also highlight the quality of the faculty and staff. All the while, seek information regarding the school’s clinical affiliations. It is worth noting that a DMS program is rigorous and requires strong critical thinking skills. It also requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
What a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum Looks Like
By and large, a diagnostic medical sonography curriculum offers career-focused education with hands-on practical clinical experience. Coursework covers a wide range of topics, from anatomy, physiology, and ultrasound physics to patient care. In the process, one learns about abdominal sonography-extended, small parts, as well as obstetrics and gynecology modalities. Additionally, there is an overview of instrumentation, musculoskeletal (MSK), pediatric, neonatal, and vascular sonography. While training is combined with general education courses.
Entering a DMS Program With Consideration
As a student, it’s essential to approach your new program with a commitment to lifelong learning. This is because the medical sonography field is ever-evolving. The industry is ripe with technologies and techniques being introduced regularly. Staying current and seeking opportunities for professional development are the hallmarks of successful sonographers.
By and large, coursework within a diagnostic medical sonography school prepares one for work in clinics, hospitals, and private laboratories. Overall, sonographers are considered an integral part of today’s health systems. Upon completing a qualified sonography program, one is eligible to become registered. This includes testing by a regulated body like the ARDMS American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).®*
Entering a School, the Future Is Bright
Do you have questions about this program? If so, we are here to help. Gurnick has trained persons who can advise you on the specifics of our A.O.S. in Ultrasound Technology Program. Take our career readiness quiz today.~
See what the Bureau of Labor and Industries has to say about this industry.~
*ARRT,® American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,® R.T.(MR)(ARRT),® and R.T.(T)(ARRT)® are registered trademarks owned by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Gurnick Academy is not licensed by, endorsed by, or affiliated with The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Written by Cindy R. Chamberlin.
Citations:
1^a,b, c Brown, Karen. “The Evolution and Role of Ultrasound in Obstetrics.” Empowered Women’s Health, GE HealthCare, 2024. (Accessed February 20, 2025.)