Find solution
What are all the steps in becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

I am thinking about becoming an Echocardiographer (Cardiac Sonographer)?

  • I was wondering what the job is really like? I may want to get bachelors in this field to be a bit more competitive. I chose this one because I hear it's on of the fastest growing jobs and I do like helping people. I was majoring in Dietetics/Nutrition but the chemistry is just so difficult, it's truly a chemistry major, you might as well major or minor in chemistry along with Nutrition. I wanted to also know if there are schools that specialize or have this major specifically? Or do you have to be a regular registered diagnostic medical sonographer first? I was going to go into sonography but I got turned off when they said I would have to do more than I expected (like insert some things into rectums and vaginas and such). I would rather look more into hearts. I am confused because I think I heard there are some schools where you can specifically get trained directly for Echocardiography but then I see others saying that you have to be a general sonographer first then specialize? I live in Minnesota (midwest) if that helps. Also, if you know, what kind of classes would you take? What would the schooling be like?

  • Answer:

    I am a registered sonographer (I do everything, but LOVE cardiac and vascular). There are programs that allow you just to learn cardiac... But why would you want to limit yourself? I would go to a program that taught me everything. If you truly hate pelvic (transvag) then you don't have to work in a place that does that. If you are really interested- call a local hospital or clinic and ask to shadow a technologist. Schooling- my program was 2 semesters longer than nursing. Lots of physics, A & P, patho, and each speciality with scan lab. We started with 26 students and graduated 11. It's a hard field- but well worth the reward. Upon graduation- you can sit for ARDMS or CCI. You have to pass physics then each speciality exam that you wish to take. Depending on what you want to specialize in- you could take up to 9 exams. As of now, you only need to be registered in vascular (for Medicare reimbursement). But, it is very hard to gain employment unregistered. New Mexico and Oregon are the only states that require licenses. I am blessed to be in my field! Feel free to message me with any questions.

Rihana at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

I encourage you to go ahead and become one.

Irish Girl

The first thing I noted about your post was that you mentioned money. Ask yourself this question before you start applying to schools, taking entrance exams, and applying for school loans. "In ten years will I still enjoy my work?" Individuals interested in a echocardiography can major in cardiovascular technology at a college or university. Although most programs are available at two-year community or technical colleges, there are a few programs available at four-year institutions. Students enrolled in cardiovascular technology degree programs complete course work in anatomy, biology, physics and medical terminology. They then focus on their specialty, which is non-invasive echocardiography. They learn about the human vascular system, the physiology of the heart and how to properly use echocardiography equipment. Accredited programs also require students to complete clinical experiences, which allow them to perform medical procedures under the close supervision of an experienced echocardiographer or cardiovascular technologist. Although no state requires licensure or certification of echocardiographers, employers typically hire those who have earned certification, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010. An echocardiographers can earn certification as a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This national organization offers certification in fetal, pediatric and adult echocardiography. The ARDMS requires candidates to provide documentation of their completion of an accredited educational program in diagnostic medical sonography. In addition, they also must submit documentation that verifies work experience in their chosen specialties. Long Island University Long Island University's Brooklyn campus offers a one-year certificate program in cardiac sonography. The program combines didactic coursework with clinical training. Rotations take place in cardiovascular laboratories in the city of New York. The clinical rotations offer students an opportunity to observe and learn under professional cardiac sonographers. The curriculum includes courses in cardiac sonography principles, cardiac sonography procedures, ultrasound physics, pediatric cardiac principles and cardiovascular health and diagnosis. Long Island University One University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-488-3322 brooklyn.liu.edu Kirtland Community College The Associate in Applied Science in cardiac sonography at Kirtland Community College teaches students to use ultrasound imaging to examine a patient's heart. This two-year program offers students an opportunity to learn about patient care, ultrasound physics, cardiac principles and anatomy and physiology through state-of-art equipment on campus and through clinical work in local medical centers. Applicants must be able to lift 35 pounds, pass a background and drug test, distinguish colors, be free from communicable diseases and able to stand for two hours. Kirtland Community College 60 Livingston Blvd. Gaylord, MI 49735 989-275-5000 kirtland.edu BryanLGH College of Health Sciences BryanLGH College of Health Sciences offers an associate degree in adult cardiac sonography. This program teaches students how to perform diagnostic procedures on a patient's heart through didactic and clinical training. In addition to 58 hours of adult cardiac sonography courses, students must complete general education requirements in mathematics, humanities, English and science. Clinical work takes place at BryanLGH Medical Center. Students are able to train on the center's human/patient simulators and skills lab. The human-patient simulators allow students to apply classroom knowledge to realistic adult simulators. BryanLGH College of Health Sciences 5035 Everett Street Lincoln, Nebraska, 68506 402-481- 3801 bryanlghcollege.edu And as for those "invasive" sonograms you were worried about, honey, you get used to doing them. Once you have seen a few hundred folks nude or semi-nude, you find out they have dooda's and ta-ta's just like the rest of the population. Just keep it professional and you will do just fine. I hope this helps you in your quest for your dreams.

Lydia B

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.