School of Ultrasound

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Sometimes referred to as Ultrasound Technician, Sonography Technician, Medical Sonography, Ultrasonography, or Diagnostic Medial Sonography,  the ultrasound professions is substantially more than “just scanning pregnant women”.  This is  why every detail of IDHSP’S School of Ultrasound curriculum is comprehensively designed to prepare our students for the multi-facet demands of the profession. Even the central location of our campus (in the heart of one of Atlanta’s most trusted medical communities) was with purpose. We believe that daily exposure to successful medical professionals, from all walks, will serve as inspiration and reinforcement to our students of the promising medical career that lies ahead.

IDHSP's School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography:

The School of ultrasound offers an 18 or 20 month certificate granting program (depending on your chosen schedule) which includes both didactic (theory), and practical (laboratory) experiences.

In addition, the six month clinical practicum reinforces and enhances both forms of learning experiences, in a "real-world" environment. Upon successful completion of IDHSP'S school of ultrasound, students are awarded a certification. Subsequently, graduates with a  Bachelors Degree may test to become registered through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Your Career In Ultrasound:

Choosing to pursue a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer places you among many individuals who have recognized that imaging careers allow you to become an invaluable member of a patient's medical team, and also provides you with the stability that has become synonymous with a career in the medical field. The U.S. Department of Labor -  Bureau of Labor Statistics is forecasting “employment of diagnostic medical sonographers to increase by about 19 percent through 2016—faster than average for all occupations—as the population ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology.” Additional job growth is expected as sonography is becoming more attractive to patients and sonographers, as ultrasound does not involve radiation, so harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are less likely.

What Is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a non-invasive, non-toxic (radiation free), diagnostic medical imaging modality in which high-frequency sound waves are used to produce images of many different areas of the human body. Ultrasound is used to image the heart, blood flow, abdominal organs, developing fetus, and the male/female reproductive organs. Ultrasound is also used to guide fine-needle biopsy to assist in taking a sample of cells from an organ for lab testing.

What Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Do?

A Sonographer's job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Obtain and record an accurate patient history
  • Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain diagnostic images
  • Analyze technical information
  • Provide an oral and/or written summary of the technical findings to the physician
  • Provide quality patient care
  • Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team
Skills necessary to the profession are excellent communication and patient care skills, the ability to make distinctions between objects within images and the ability to use judgment in analyzing technical information.

School of Ultrasound Curriculum

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