Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech)

Sonographers perform diagnostic studies on patients using ultrasound scanners to produce images of the anatomical areas for diagnosis and interpretation by a physician. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working with medical diagnostic imaging.

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program at North-West College provides students with the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to potentially gain entry-level employment as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasound Tech working with ultrasound equipment in medical clinics, imaging centers, hospitals, mobile imaging services and other medical facilities. This 84-week program is divided into thirteen class course modules plus three 216-hour clinical externships where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in actual health care practice settings.

This initial course in the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program is designed to increase student success in his/her professional and personal life through discussions and activities that promote achievement of career skills. Topics covered include time management, test-taking skills, goal setting, study habits and techniques, self-esteem, image, and motivation. Strategies to strengthen reading, writing, research, and quantitative abilities are emphasized. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 10 hours for this class

A & P I presents, in detail, structural organization, cells/tissues, glands and membranes, skeletal system, muscular system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

This course presents, in detail, the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, blood/lymphatic system, urinary system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

A & P III presents, in detail, the nervous system, sensory and integumentary system, digestive system, and endocrine/respiratory systems. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

The course provides an understanding of the physics of ultrasound including the transducer, image formation, and display. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

The course provides an introduction to the technology of ultrasound including knobology, Doppler, color flow, m-mode, 2-D scanning, instrumentation, and safety. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

Vascular Technology is an introduction to vascular Sonography, hemodynamics, spectral analysis, vascular anatomy and pathology. The course is not designed to prepare students as Vascular Technologists. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

This course develops an understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the aorta, IVC, liver, and gallbladder. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

The class continues the understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and spleen. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

This course presents small parts anatomy and pathology along with the continued development of scanning skills. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

The course focuses on an understanding of anatomy, pathology, and scanning skills to perform various gynecological ultrasound procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

Building from 104/II, this course continues to refine the scanning skills associated with the anatomy and pathology of first, second, and third trimester pregnancy procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians) specialize in creating images of the body’s organs and tissues. The images are known as sonograms (or ultrasounds). Sonograms are often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may work closely with physicians or surgeons before, during, and after procedures.

The following are examples of types of diagnostic medical sonographers: