Program Description
The diagnostic medical sonography certificate is an 15-month program. This program is only for students who already have a Bachelor’s Degree or an Associate’s Degree in a science or Allied Health field, or ARDMS or CCI Registry. You may choose from a General Sonography, including Abdomen and Obstetric/Gynecology, or a Cardiovascular Sonography, including Vascular Technology and Echocardiography Certificate. It is designed to produce competent, compassionate, and responsible ultrasound professionals and leaders. This program prepares students to operate ultrasound diagnostic equipment in a medical setting. Training includes patient positioning, organ location and interpretation of images. Before beginning our sonography courses, students need to have completed college courses, such as human anatomy and physiology, algebra, psychology, and English. Students may also need to complete a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Diagnostic medical sonographers work closely with physicians and are responsible for operating ultrasound diagnostic equipment, which uses sound waves, to generate images of internal organs. Hands-on experience with diagnostic medical sonography equipment is provided in the program. Courses may include:
- Sectional anatomy
- Ultrasound physics
- Abdominal sonography
- Echocardiography for adults
- OB/GYN sonography
- Vascular sonography
Job Outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
Program Details
Our sonography program gives all our students a well-rounded foundation upon which they can build in order to become a highly skilled professional in this field. Ultrasound Physics is a requirement for all sonography students. At this time, our students can choose the path they wish to follow: Cardiovascular (Echocardiography and Vascular Technology) or DMS (Abdomen & Small Parts and OB/GYN).
Length of program: 50 Semester Credits; 72 Instructional Weeks
Credential Awarded: Certificate
Mode of Delivery: Residential
Our Ultrasound program utilizes both didactic and laboratory teaching methods followed by clinical experiences. All classes are taught on-site, by instructors who are highly qualified in their areas. The use of textbooks, journals and computers in the classroom, as well as ultrasound machines, EKG and stress test machines, and other medical equipment, gives students both the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for success.
Some of the resources and equipment available for students:
- Library, including Textbooks, Reference Books, Medical Journals
- Computer & Internet
- Ultrasound machines
- Unetixs Peripheral Vascular System
- Stress Test Machine
- EKG Machines
We are now proudly offering the SonoSim program! This program gives you hands-on scanning practice using the SonoSim Probe that connects to a laptop, giving you the experience of scanning a real patient using an ultrasound probe. You will be able to use the program at home, giving you additional scanning practice on your own time.
A clinical (externship) course is included in this program to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations in a healthcare setting. Students are required to complete the required 800 clinical hours and other related learning activities prior to graduation.
There are two credentialing organizations for sonographers, ARDMS and CCI. Echocardiography and Vascular Technology graduates are eligible to take the Cardiovascular Credentialing International exam. After successful completion of Ultrasound Physics or attendance at one of the many physics workshops available throughout the year, all students can take the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam. Graduates are eligible to take specialty registry exams with ARDMS after working as a sonographer for one year.
Norcross Institute offers a variety of personalized career services to current students and graduates. We work directly with employers to help provide exposure to our highly qualified students and graduates. Our goal is to align current students and graduates with employers and open positions that match their qualifications through our Employer Partnership Program.
We offer a range of job search strategies such as:
- Interview tips & techniques
- Information about career fields and employment outlook
- Resumé and cover letter assistance
- Individual career coaching targeted specifically to the student and his or her goals
- Assist graduates in job placement with various hospitals
We also offer help on how to utilize various online employment websites for students and graduates, including E-Hire, which can send students job leads within a 50-mile radius of their zip code, specific to their certification. Although NIAH is devoted to helping students in job placement, the school cannot guarantee jobs to graduates upon program completion or upon graduation.