Ultrasound technologists are in high demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for sonographers, or ultrasound technologists, in expected to grow by 18 percent through 2018, a faster rate than average for all jobs. Sonographers have a vital role in medical diagnostics, using noninvasive high-frequency sound waves to look at internal organs and masses. Upon completion of course work and clinical practice, students must pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers board certification exam.
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
The Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health has an 18-month sonography program that leads to a certificate of completion. To qualify for admission, potential students must be a graduate of an 18- to 24-month allied health program or have 60 college credits with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. Prerequisite classes include human anatomy and physiology, intermediate algebra, written and oral communication, physics and medical terminology. Introduction to computers and ethics also is suggested. The program is full time, requiring eight-hour or longer classroom, lab and clinical shifts during daytime hours. Training is for general ultrasound technology for abdominal, gynecological and obstetrical sonography with an introduction to vascular sonography.
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
938 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
510-231-5000
kpsahs.org
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
Requirements for the ultrasound technology program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts include a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree in an allied health program. Gurnick also has an entrance exam, an interview and prerequisite courses in essential medical bioscience, anatomy and physiology, ultrasound basic physics and instrumentation, and ultrasound cross-sectional anatomy. The program starts twice a year and has day and night classes, though the 960-hour required clinical internship must be completed during regular business daytime hours in affiliated hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices. The 18-month, full-time program culminates in an ultrasound technology certificate. Gurnick does not accept grants or financial aid. Students who complete the certification program will have access to the labs for further practice and job-placement assistance.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
2121 S. El Camino Building C-200
San Mateo, CA 94403
1-877-GURNICK
gurnick.edu
Foothill College
The six-semester diagnostic medical sonography program at Foothill College earns students a certificate of achievement and can lead to an associate's degree in applied science. The program has selective admission for high school graduates or equivalent with prerequisite courses in medical terminology, English, algebra, human anatomy and physiology, college level physics and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Potential students must pass a physical exam, drug testing, background screening and have all required immunizations. The sonography program, which begins each September, requires 32 hours per week supervised clinical practice at local hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers and clinics, with practice in gynecology, obstetrics, abdominal, superficial and vascular imaging.
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650-949-7538
foothill.edu
Tags: Academy Medical, Academy Medical Arts, Allied Health, anatomy physiology, Foothill College
