Ultrasound technicians, also known as
diagnostic medical sonographers, use imaging technology, such as x-rays,
to help doctors assess and diagnose health conditions. Online programs
are rare due to clinical requirements, but experienced individuals may
pursue an online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Diagnostic Medical
Sonography.
Online Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Overview
The few online bachelor's degree programs for ultrasound technicians
available are usually completion programs, which require students to
have basic-to-intermediate knowledge of sonography at the associate's
degree level. Some completion programs only admit individuals who are
certified in sonography by such associations as the American Registry of
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Courses provide in-depth content
related to internal imaging and clinical application. Students emerge
from this program prepared to educate patients about
ultrasound technology,
execute sonography procedures and document results for physician use. A
B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography qualifies graduates to hold
management positions or specialize in an area of sonography, such as
obstetric, breast and abdomen.
Some bachelor's programs in diagnostic medical sonography are
completely online, while others integrate on-site experience with
distance-learning courses. Students access all lectures, readings and
assignments through a school's website. Individuals needing clinical
experience negotiate a work arrangement with a local medical facility;
in some cases, schools may be able to help with these arrangements. A
full bachelor's degree program typically takes four years to complete,
but a completion program may be finished in two years.
An educational software site, such as Blackboard, may distribute the
course content. The basic technical requirements for participation
include an up-to-date computer, Internet access and e-mail account.
List of Common Diagnostic Medical Sonography Courses
An online bachelor's degree program for ultrasound technicians
includes general education courses, such as mathematics, composition and
psychology.
Abdominal Imaging Course
This course examines how practitioners can use sonography to
recognize normal and abnormal anatomical features in the abdomen.
Students build on previous coursework in learning to diagnose a number
of pathological states.
Pharmacology Course
Instructors explain the metabolic, toxic and therapeutic effects of
drugs. Course work emphasizes how drugs can affect the visualization of
organs.
Vascular Ultrasound Course
Students engage in a deeper exploration of the vascular system and
how to capture its image with sonography. Scanning technique, video
evaluation and patient care are among the topics considered.
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Course
This course focuses on the use of sonography to image the heart and
its major vessels. Students learn to correlate clinical data and imaging
results to facilitate the diagnostic process.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
commonly work as ultrasound technicians and sonographers. A majority of
ultrasound technicians work in hospitals, but wider adoption of the
technology creates job opportunities in private doctor's offices and
clinics. Some sonographers also establish a client base and work as
independent contractors, moving from facility to facility. The U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov) predicted that
employment of ultrasound technicians would increase 18% between the
years 2008 and 2018. The mean annual wage for diagnostic medical
sonographers was $63,640 in May 2009.
Even though states don't require licensure to work in diagnostic
medical sonography, ultrasound technicians can improve their employment
prospects by passing a certification examination. The ARDMS and ARRT
offer certification to individuals who meet requirements and pass exams.
Preparation materials for the exams are available online, but the
actual exams are not. The ARDMS even has specialty exams for different
credentials, such neurosonology, vascular technology and
echocardiography (
www.ardms.org).
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