Ultrasound technology creates images of the inside of the body.
Ultrasound technology is used to create images of the inside of the human body. These images are interpreted to help diagnose medical conditions. Ultrasound technology is performed by ultrasound techs, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers. This career requires training in medical terms and images, scanning, pathology and body structures. Students may study general sonography or a specialty field such as vascular technology or obstetrics-gynecology. There are several ultrasound technology programs offered at colleges in California.
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara City College offers a 21-month program in diagnostic medical sonography. Program coursework includes physics and instrumentation, abdominal and small parts scanning, introduction to vascular ultrasound and sonography interpretation. The curriculum also requires clinical experience which includes 189 hours in lab studies and 1,632 hours in clinical practice. To be admitted to the program, applicants must have already completed one of three degree options. These options are a two-year allied health program that focuses on patient care, a bachelor’s degree which included coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terms and patient care in radiography, or a medical degree. Graduates of the Santa Barbara sonography program will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Santa Barbara City College
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2394
805-965-0581
sbcc.net
Mt. San Jacinto College
Mt. San Jacinto College offers two programs for ultrasound technology. The Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program takes four semesters to complete in addition to the time required to complete prerequisite courses in human anatomy and physiology, conceptual physics, algebra and interpersonal communication. Core coursework includes ultrasound pathology, pathophisiology and sectional and abdominal imaging. The Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography requires students to complete the same prerequisites and coursework as the certificate program as well as college requirements for a two-year degree. This includes at least 24 credit hours in natural and physical sciences, English, math and humanities. Those interested in the program should complete a Mt. San Jacinto College application.
Mt. San Jacinto College
1499 N. State St.
San Jacinto, CA 92583
951-487-6752
msjc.edu
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science has programs for Certificate or Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Program applicants must already have an associate of science degree in a scientific field. Prerequisite coursework includes general biology and chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. The certificate program takes one year to complete while the degree program takes four years. Program coursework includes physics of diagnostic medical sonography, obstetrics and gynecology, and sonography seminars and case study. Program curriculum also includes clinical experiences where students practice what they learn in the classroom. The university also requires students to participate in community service learning where they use the skills they have acquired to help low income or underserved populations. Certificate program candidates must complete 25 hours of community service learning and bachelor’s degree candidates must complete 100 hours.
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
1731 E. 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059
323-563-4838
cdrewu.edu
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