Ultrasound equipment uses high frequency sound waves to produce images.
Ultrasound technicians--also known as sonographers--use medical imaging equipment to produce images of internal organs for diagnostic purposes. Unlike imaging techniques such as x-ray and computed tomography (CT), ultrasound procedures do not expose patients or technicians to radiation since images are formed using sound waves. Hospitals and doctor offices employ most ultrasound technicians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of May 2009, the Bureau reports that sonographers can expect an average yearly salary of around $63,000.
Community College of Allegheny County
Approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive from Erie, the Boyce campus of the Community College of Allegheny County in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, offers an associate degree program in diagnostic medical sonography. Students have the option to concentrate in vascular sonography, cardiac sonography or the combined abdominal and obstetrics/gynecology. Those that already work in the medical field but want to obtain training in general sonography or a specialization can choose to complete the certificate program. Certificate students complete the same ultrasound courses as those in the associate program, according to the school's website.
Community College of Allegheny County
595 Beatty Rd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
724-325-6614
ccac.edu
Sanford-Brown Institute
Sanford-Brown Institute offers programs in diagnostic medical sonography at the Pittsburgh and Middleburg Heights, Ohio, locations. Both campuses are approximately two hours from Erie. Pittsburgh students can enroll in the associate program; those on the Middleburg Heights campus complete a diploma in medical sonography. Students on both campuses participate in clinical experiences and complete course work that is focused primarily on abdominal ultrasound principles and procedures, according to the institute's website.
Sanford-Brown Institute-Pittsburgh
421 7th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
888-270-6333
sanfordbrown.edu
Sanford-Brown Institute-Cleveland
17535 Rosbough Dr.
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
888-736-5333
sanfordbrown.edu
Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga Community College's Western campus, located in Parma, Ohio, about two hours from Erie, offers both associate and certificate programs in medical sonography. The two-year associate program requires five semesters of full-time enrollment, which includes daytime and evening classes as well as clinical experiences. Students are required to choose an ultrasound specialization when applying to the program. According to the college's website, concentrations are available in echocardiography, vascular sonography, obstetrics/gynecology and abdominal sonography. The obstetrics/gynecology and abdominal specializations must be taken together. The certificate option is designed for experienced medical workers who want to obtain education in a particular ultrasound specialty. Students should complete the certificate program in three academic semesters and one summer term.
Cuyahoga Community College (main campus)
700 Carnegie Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
800-954-8742
tri-c.edu
Lorain County Community College
Lorain County Community College, located in Elyria, Ohio, takes less than two-and-a-half hours to get to from Erie. The college offers an associate program in general sonography. Students complete a two-year, five-semester course of study that is focused on obstetrics/gynecology and abdominal sonography. Students also obtain introductory knowledge of vascular sonography as well, according to the college's website. Lorain County Community College requires that sonography students complete health provider certification training through the American Heart Association prior to program admission.
Lorain County Community College
1005 N Abbe Rd.
Elyria, OH 44035
800-995-LCCC
lorainccc.edu
Tags: Community College, associate program, County Community, County Community College, from Erie, Lorain County, Lorain County Community
