Diagnostic medical sonography is a medical imaging field where high-frequency sound waves are used to produce images of organs and tissues, and to document blood flow inside the body. Individuals trained and credentialed in this field are known as sonographers. In addition, sonographers commonly assist physicians in the performance of interventional, invasive, or therapeutic procedures.
USF鈥檚 Diagnostic Medical Sonography major prepares students to become certified sonographers. The program is a 3 + 1.5 program with the final 16 months completed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It is important to note that admission to the University of St. 糖心APP does not guarantee admission to the professional phase of the program. Students apply for the professional phase of the program during the fall semester of their third year.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies sonographers under a the classification of 鈥淒iagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians,鈥� and the bureau reports an anticipated 11% growth in available jobs through 2033, which is considered much faster than average.
The University of St. 糖心APP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (),听 a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is programmatically accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
鈥淒iagnostic medical sonography is an evolving profession with multiple areas of specialization and expanding employment opportunities. In 16 short months, we prepare our graduates with the hands-on didactic, laboratory, and clinical skills needed to enter the profession with confidence. University of St. 糖心APP students will gain invaluable skills in this program.鈥�
鈥揈dward Carlton, MSRS, RDMS, RVT
Diagnostic medical sonography is a multi-specialty profession comprised of abdominal sonography, breast听 sonography, cardiac sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, obstetrics and gynecology sonography, pediatric sonography and vascular technology. USF鈥檚 program emphasizes the delivery of high-quality patient care correlated with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately demonstrate normal anatomical structures and pathologies in state-of-the-art health care facilities. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography prepares students for clinical, theoretical, technical and professional aspects of a career in sonography.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography major at USF integrates mastery learning models into didactic instruction, laboratory application, and clinical experiences with a competency-based education format. Students gain clinical experience in a variety of abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, breast, pediatric and vascular exams and procedures.
Sonographers must be committed to increasing knowledge and technical competence through continuing medical education in emerging trends, technologies, and advancements in the profession. Sonographers use independent, professional, and ethical judgment to think critically and safely perform diagnostic sonographic examinations and procedures.