DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is on the forefront of modern medicine. Its varied diagnostic uses are expanding and in some cases replacing more invasive procedures.

A Sonographer, also called Ultrasound Technician and Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. These images are then used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Sonographers explain the procedure to patients, as well as operate the equipment. The sonography procedure involves placing a small device called a transducer against the patient's skin near the area to be evaluated. The transducer is like a loudspeaker and a microphone combined, as it transmits and receives sound. The transducer emits high frequency sound waves (inaudible to humans) into the body that bounce off the internal structures. As the sound waves bounce off the internal structures, the transducer picks them up.

Structures in the body reflect these echoes differently, so a varied pattern is created. A computer analyzes the sound wave patterns and makes an image of the structures, which shows up on a monitor.

As a Sonographer you will gather and record patient histories, process and analyze diagnostic sonographic data, and provide a summary of findings to physicians for diagnosis. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact, therefore must be able to interact with empathy and effectiveness with people ranging from healthy to critically ill. As a Sonographer you will be there when expectant parents experience the miracle of seeing their baby for the first time, or to help with the early detection of a life-threatening illness.

Sonography is a vibrant profession that has grown significantly over the last 20 years. New technologies are rapidly growing, and there is an increased use for diagnostic ultrasound procedures. It is an attractive alternative to radiological procedures, as patients are seeking safer treatment methods that do not involve radiation and its harmful side effects. Growth within this industry is projected to continue with expanded employment opportunities for qualified Sonographers nationwide.

There is a high demand for qualified Sonographers to work in the following areas:

• Hospitals
• Private Practice Physician Offices
• Public Health Facilities
• Laboratories
• Other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization

Sonographers can enjoy a lifetime of career advancement opportunities by branching into education, research, administration, and in commercial companies as technical advisors, education/application specialists, and sales representatives.

This highly specialized credential will focus on ultrasound physics and instrumentation along with abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric, and superficial structures. A person trained in Sonography can work in various specialized areas, some requiring additional or differing training. Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Central Florida Institute are highly trained professionals that are qualified to perform in the following specializations:
 

• Abdominal Sonography:  Abdominal Sonographers focus on a patient’s abdominal cavity to help physicians diagnose and treat conditions primarily involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen.
• Obstetric-Gynecological Sonography:  Obstetric-Gynecological Sonographers specialize in the evaluation of the female reproductive system. Included is one of the most well-known uses of sonography - examining the fetus of a pregnant woman to evaluate the baby’s health and growth.
• Neurosonographers:  Neurosonographers focus on the entire nervous system, including the brain. They scan blood vessels to check for abnormalities, which may indicate the potential for a stroke. Neurosonographers operate transducers to perform the sonogram, but use frequencies and beam shapes different from those used by obstetric and abdominal Sonographers. In neonatal care, Neurosonographers study and assist the physician with the diagnosis of neurological and nervous system disorders in premature infants.
  
  Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates may obtain the following national credential by passing the certification examination:
  
  (RDMS) - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
  
  The Diagnostic Medical Sonography specialty is offered at the Palm Harbor & Orlando, Florida campuses
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