Hospitals employ most sonographers.
Diagnostic medical sonographers use sound wave imaging technology to examine internal parts of the body. They use this imaging equipment to assist with the diagnosis of medical problems, although people often associate sonographers only with performing ultrasounds of babies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia--like all other states--does not require sonographers to be licensed. However, job prospects are better for certified and registered sonographers. Georgia has several schools that offer the accredited training that is required for certification eligibility.
Athens Technical College
Athens Technical College offers an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Entrance into the program is competitive and several requirements must be met to be a candidate. Students must have at least a C average in both general education and introductory health courses. In addition, they are required to attend an informational program session, volunteer in the school's sonography lab at least two hours and spend at least 20 hours observing in a sonography department prior to applying to the program. Candidates also have to pass a standardized health placement exam and complete an interview with the selection committee.
Athens Technical College
800 US Highway 29 N
Athens, GA 30601
706-355-5000
www.athenstech.edu
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Students can also earn a sonography associate degree at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. The Rome-based college offers this program on its Floyd County campus. Those interested in the program must pass an admissions placement test and earn grades of C or higher on several prerequisite courses. These courses include algebra, anatomy, English and introductory medical courses. Students who meet these requirements must then pass the Psychological Services Bureau Health Aptitude Exam. Department staff members use all of these factors to determine whether a student can be officially enrolled in the sonography program.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
1 Maurice Culberson Drive
Rome, GA 30161
866-983-4682
gntc.edu
Medical College of Georgia
The Medical College of Georgia is the only school in the state to offer an accredited bachelor's degree program in medical sonography. Students must complete 60 credit hours of general education requirements before they can gain entrance into the sonography program. They also must have at least a 2.5 grade point average, have two letters of recommendation and complete at least eight hours of job shadowing. Candidates are interviewed and must pass the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test.
Medical College of Georgia
1120 15th Street
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-5271
mcg.edu
Ogeechee Technical College
This Statesboro-based college offers a diagnostic medical sonography diploma. Prospective students must complete the college's Imaging Science Services Assistant certificate program with at least a C average before they can be admitted to the sonography program. They must pass the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam and a college placement test in order to gain entrance into the ISSA certificate program. The purpose of the ISSA certificate is to help students prepare for careers in medical imaging.
Ogeechee Technical College
1 Joe Kennedy Boulevard
Statesboro, GA 30458
800-646-1316
ogeecheetech.edu
Sanford-Brown College
Sanford-Brown College in Atlanta offers a sonography certificate program. To be admitted to this institution, applicants must complete an interview with a college representative and submit high school and previous college transcripts. The diagnostic medical sonography program may require additional qualifications, including previous college course work or work experience in the health care industry.
Sanford-Brown College
1140 Hammond Drive
Suite A-1150
Atlanta, GA 30328
888-740-1333
sanfordbrown.edu/Atlanta
Tags: Technical College, medical sonography, sonography program, Athens Technical, Athens Technical College, certificate program