A sonographer must be trained to use an ultrasound scanner.
Sonography is a diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image. Ultrasound is the common term to reference the practice of sonography. Ultrasounds are taken of organs, fetuses, tissues and blood flow. Since no radiation is used to take the images, an ultrasound can be taken of anyone without risk of harm.
School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers an 18-month sonography program through its School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students who are 18 years and older may apply for acceptance, contingent upon passing a medical exam and criminal background check. Programs start in the summer of each year and end in the fall of the following year. Students are trained in abdominal, obstetric, gynecological and pediatric ultrasound imaging. A clinical rotation through different departments in the hospital provides practical training.
Triton College
Triton College offers a diagnostic medical sonography certificate and an associate's degree in sonography. Courses include cross-sectional anatomy, ultrasound film critique and clinical applications. Students must have received a grade of C or better in the prerequisite courses for either the certificate or associate's degree.
College of DuPage
College of DuPage offers an associate's degree in sonography, a certificate in advanced sonography and a certificate in vascular sonography. Applicants must apply through the regular admissions process to be admitted to any College of DuPage sonography program.
PCCTI-Healthcare
PCCTI offers a 15-month program in diagnostic medical and vascular sonography/ultrasound. The program is designed to augment other educational programs, such as associate's and bachelor's degrees in other health care fields. Students learn anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, small organ and obstetric sonography.
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