Doctor’s investigate what’s happening internally to our bodies but rely on the Sonographer to provide the proof through the intricate images of tissue and internal organs.
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What Is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) — also sometimes referred to as ultrasound or diagnostic imaging — is the process of operating specialized medical equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body’s organs and tissues.
They work in concert with physicians and the broader health care team to assess a patient’s symptoms and ultimately develop a medical diagnosis. They’re often in charge of everything from preparing and maintaining equipment, prepping patients for the procedure, and answering any questions.
Also, they review the ultrasound images to check for quality and coverage of the areas needed, analyzing information to provide physicians with an overview of their findings, and recording all their findings for patients’ medical records.
It’s an area that is fast-growing in healthcare and increasingly used for the detection of a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, and vascular disease.
Ultrasound can be utilized for examinations throughout the body, and sonographers can specialize in areas like abdominal (including nearby organs like the kidney, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or spleen); breasts; cardiac; musculoskeletal (i.e., muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints); pediatrics; obstetrics and gynecologic; and vascular (i.e., arteries, vessels, and blood flow).
How Do You Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer generally requires a formal education — most often an associate degree from a qualified, accredited school — and often professional certification.
Ideally, you’ll want a program like the one we offer at Casa Loma College, which combines in-depth classroom coursework in medical concepts and terminology with hands-on, clinical experience.
A Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree program will prepare you to complete the certification exams that will help you in your future job search. For example, upon successful completion of our DMS program, Casa Loma graduates are eligible to apply for national certification examinations of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the areas of Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Sonography Principles* and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the Sonography Primary Pathway Certification. **
What Will You Learn in Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Classes?
At Casa Loma College, our Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a seven-semester program that combines classroom instruction with practical experience in labs and clinical work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. It’s a blended learning program, so while some of your coursework is completed online, you also get the benefit of hands-on training with experienced professionals.
Topics covered in our diagnostic medical sonography classes include:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Fundamentals of sonography
- Abdominal and small parts imaging
- Obstetrics and gynecology imaging
- Professional aspects of sonography
- Vascular imaging
- Patient/sonographer interactions
- Physical principles and instrumentation of imaging
What’s the Outlook for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 17 percent through 2029. That’s over four times the average for all occupations. Most of these will probably be employed at imaging centers and state, local, or private hospitals, which employed 61% of all sonographers in 2019.
With the large baby boomer generation aging, the demand for health care services — including the need to be able to diagnose conditions such as heart disease and liver disease — is increasing. This means that diagnostic medical sonographers are on track to remain very in-demand.
Get Started With a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program
If you’re interested in stepping into a new career in diagnostic medical sonography, Casa Loma College is here to help. Our Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography can be completed in just 23 months and is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
We’re a community-focused allied health school, dedicated to helping all our students learn and succeed, with student support services that include financial aid assistance and career placement services. Contact us today to find out more about Casa Loma College and our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.