Medical Sonography Technologist
Job Description | Education Description | Organizations & Affiliated Programs
Education Description
Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2- and 4-year programs, culminating in an associate or bachelor's degree. Some health workers, such as obstetric nurses and radiologic technologists, seek to increase their marketability by cross-training in fields such as sonography. Many take 1-year programs resulting in a certificate. One to Two-year programs are most prevalent.
Course work includes classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics. Curricula of accredited programs include physical sciences, applied biological sciences, patient care, clinical medicine, applications of ultrasound, instrumentation, related diagnostic procedures, and image evaluation. A plan for well-structured, competency-based clinical education is an essential part of the curriculum of all sonography programs. All applicants must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the following courses at college level: general physics, biological science, algebra, and communication skills.
Skills potential and practicing sonographers should exhibit include social perceptiveness, learning strategies, critical thinking skills, instructional skills, active listening, active learning, reading comprehension, and written/oral expression.