SONOGRAPHY
Sonography is an imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs, fluid collections, and vascular structures within the human body in order to assist in the diagnosis of pathology. Sonography is an extremely user-dependent imaging technique which requires highly skilled and competent professionals.
Sonographers must use sound judgment, critical thinking skills, as well as be able to provide the appropriate health care services to patients whose condition ranges from the healthy to the critically ill. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact, as they are responsible for obtaining pertinent patient history, performing the sonographic procedure and recording both normal and abnormal pathology, and presenting the information to be interpreted by a licensed physician trained in the field of Sonography, usually a Radiologist.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is best known for its use in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology; however, it serves to assist the physician in the diagnosis of many other diseases unrelated to pregnancy. Other organs visualized include: aorta, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, liver, uterus, ovaries, urinary bladder, thyroid, breast, veins and arteries in the extremities, carotid arteries in the neck, as well as the heart.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work in a variety of settings such as in hospitals, clinics, traveling sonographers, sales and applications. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a Technical Certificate of Completion. Diagnostic Medical Sonography students, who do not currently possess a degree, may enter the second year curriculum upon completion of the first year and earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
