Neurosonographers look for nervous system disorders in premature babies.
Ultrasound technicians, also known as medical sonographers, use sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues and structures inside the body. Sonography is used not only to perform fetal ultrasounds on pregnant women but also to diagnose medical conditions within the nervous system as well as the abdominal and cardiovascular regions. Although California, like the rest of the nation, does not require sonographers to obtain licensure, ultrasound certification may improve career possibilities. For individuals near the San Lorenzo, California area, there are several options for ultrasound technician courses.
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
The Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences, located about 30 minutes from San Lorenzo, offers certificate programs in both general and cardiac sonography. Students in the 18-month general program take courses in ultrasound procedures and patient care. They also gain exposure to specialties such as abdominal and obstetric/gynecologic sonography. In addition, students complete clinical experiences in medical facilities located in northern California. Those that pursue the cardiac sonography concentration focus on cardiovascular sonography and echocardiography.
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
938 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
888-299-0077
kpsahs.kp.org
Foothill College
Located approximately 45 minutes from San Lorenzo is Los Altos Hills' Foothill College. This institution offers an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Students in this program are exposed to the major ultrasound specializations such as vascular, abdominal and obstetric/gynecological sonography. In addition to completing coursework, Foothill students participate in 32 hours of weekly clinical practice throughout the academic program.
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Rd.
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650-949-7777
foothill.edu
Merced College
Merced College in Merced, California, is an approximate two-hour drive from San Lorenzo. Students who already have allied health education and experience can enroll in the general or cardiac sonography certificate programs at the college. The general program requires clinical experiences and coursework in ultrasound physics in addition to the sonography specialties. Those interested in earning the cardiac certificate will complete similar requirements but focus primarily on cardiac physiology, vascular sonography and echocardiography, according to the Merced curriculum guide.
Merced College
3600 M St.
Merced, CA 95348
209-384-6000
mccd.edu
Tags: Allied Health Sciences, cardiac sonography, Foothill College, from Lorenzo, Health Sciences, Kaiser Permanente
