A number of schools in Florida offer ultrasound technician programs.
The Florida Research and Economic Database reports that the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasound technicians in the state will increase by 2.1 percent from 2009 through 2017. This rate is faster than the estimated average rate for all fields in the state, which is only 1.8 percent. A number of private and public schools in Florida offer educational programs to prepare students for careers in this rapidly growing field.
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church founded the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences in Orlando in 1992, and since that time, the school has grown to an enrollment of more than 1,000 students. The college offers a traditional Associate of Science in diagnostic medical sonography. To apply for the program, students must have a high school diploma or GED and submit scores from the ACT college admission examination. Before taking any of the professional courses, students must also successfully complete classes in physics, English and algebra. The program focuses on abdominal, obstetric and gynecological ultrasound techniques and includes three clinical rotations. For individuals who already have certification as sonographers but hold only an associate degree, the college offers a 24-month entirely online bachelor's degree completion program. Also available for certified sonographers is a one-year certificate program in cardiovascular ultrasound. Federal and state financial aid are available for qualified students.
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
671 Winyah Drive
Orlando, FL 32803
800-500-7747
fhchs.edu
Nova Southeastern University
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a private, nonsectarian college that specializes in allied health education programs. The college offers both a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Health Science degree program in vascular ultrasound. For the undergraduate program, students must have a high school diploma or GED, submit either ACT or SAT scores and show proof of prerequisite coursework in composition, behavioral sciences, physics, humanities, biology, physical sciences and college algebra from a two or four-year college. The baccalaureate program combines both online and traditional classroom-based courses and three clinical rotations. At the graduate level, students must have a bachelor's degree in any field and provide GRE graduate-school examinations scores. Approximately 91 percent of students at the university receive some type of financial aid, reports the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American College.
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
800-541-6682
nova.edu
Gulf Coast Community College
A public, two-year institution, Gulf Coast Community College is in Panama City. Among the school's Associate of Applied Science degree programs is a two-year course of study in diagnostic medical sonography. A high school diploma, successful completion of a criminal background check and CPR certification are necessary for admissions consideration. Students initially receive conditional admission to the program and then must complete necessary prerequisite courses in English, anatomy, psychology, humanities courses and college algebra. Once these courses are successfully completed, students begin the core curriculum classes in abdominal, obstetric, gynecological, superficial structures and vascular sonography. Four clinical rotations are included in the course requirements. In addition to federal and state financial aid, the school participates in veterans benefit and federal work-study programs.
Gulf Coast Community College
5230 West Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32401
850-769-1551
gulfcoast.edu
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