Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Sonography is an in-demand healthcare field that offers challenges and rewards. Jackson College Global offers three sonography programs – general sonography, cardiac sonography and vascular sonography.

General Sonography – general sonographers are often associated with obstetric and gynecological ultrasound, they do scan other areas throughout the body as well, such as abdomen and breast.
Cardiac Sonography – also called echocardiographers, these healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology to obtain images of the heart, called an echocardiogram. They may go into the operating room during open-heart surgery to assist. They may also learn other procedures, such as EKG, stress testing, or perform Holter monitor procedures to test the heart.
Vascular Sonography — vascular sonographers are skilled professionals who use ultrasound equipment to evaluate a patient’s veins and arteries for any abnormalities.

Cardiac
General
Vascular
Earnings & Outlook
Accreditation

Cardiac Sonography – Associate in Applied Science

A cardiac sonographer (echocardiographer) is the allied health professional who, after an extensive and comprehensive educational process, is qualified to perform an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). The primary role of the cardiac sonographer is to obtain diagnostic recordings and measurements from the ultrasound image of the heart, including hemodynamic information. This individual assumes great responsibility for the performance of this exam. The techniques for obtaining the required images and recordings require great skill. A thorough understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and pathophysiology is required.

The cardiac sonography program is an online program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum consists of integrated didactic and clinical coursework with a minimum of 1,136 supervised clinical hours with an approved clinical education affiliate. This program is designed to prepare the student for employment as a cardiac sonographer with positions located in hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging facilities. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply to the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) for board examinations that will award them the RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) credential.

Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.

Sample Courses

In this course students learn fundamentals of cardiac pressures, cardiac cycle, and the cardiac conduction system. Studies include: cardiac valves – normal and abnormal conditions, flow abnormalities, and physiological complications from these conditions. These studies are for preparation of applying correct techniques in the acquisition of sonographic cardiac images.

In this course students will attend a supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical education center. This course provides hands-on experience in basic cardiac imaging, patient care, and application of knowledge and skills acquired in DMS 140 and DMS 141. Successful completion of professional and technical scanning proficiencies is required to remain in the program. This course is the first in a series of three clinical courses that prepare the student for the final objective of performing and evaluating the adult echocardiogram.

This course is a study of cardiac anatomy and physiology, cardiac hemodynamics, principles of Doppler, and ECG interpretation. Problem solving, evaluation, and echo interpretation will be emphasized in this course. This course contains materials and instruction that will prepare the student in meeting the program’s final objective of independent performance and evaluation of the complete adult echocardiogram.

Cardiac Sonography Degree Details

cost

Jackson County

If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.

$21,764

In Michigan

If you reside in the state of Michigan.

$23,696

Out of Michigan

If you reside outside the state of Michigan.

$29,156

Estimated program costs include tuition, fees and digital textbooks based on 2022-2023 tuition rates. Please note that these costs are only estimates and an individualized financial plan will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.

General Sonography – Associate in Applied Science

A sonographer is the allied health professional who, for diagnostic purposes, uses high frequency sound waves to create cross sectional images of the patient’s anatomy. Sonographers work in professional harmony with both the radiologist and the clinical physician. Sonographers are required to demonstrate a great deal of independent judgment.

The general sonography program is an online program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum consists of integrated educational and clinical course work with a minimum of 1,350 supervised clinical hours in an approved clinical education affiliate. The program prepares the students for employment in two specialties (abdomen/superficial structures and obstetrics/ gynecology) within the field of general sonography; positions are located within hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging institutions. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams in Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology.

Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.

Sample Courses

In this course students learn in-depth, cross-sectional anatomy and pathology as related to sonographic scanning of the abdomen and small parts in the adult and pediatric patient. The class gives attention to physiologic and pathological changes of specific, non-specific diseases, and trauma as they relate to sonographic interpretation of the abdomen and small parts. Mastery level achievement is encouraged and expected.

Students learn in-depth, cross-sectional anatomy and pathology as related to sonographic scanning of the pelvis in the adult and pediatric patient, and the gravid uterus. The class gives attention to physiologic and pathological changes of specific, non-specific diseases, and trauma as they relate to sonographic interpretation of the pelvis and gravid uterus. Mastery level achievement is encouraged and expected.

In this course, theories, techniques and arterial testing procedures of the lower and upper extremity duplex and physiological exams are covered. Other topics include: bypass graft imaging; differential diagnosis; other imaging modalities; advanced exploration of arterial anatomy and collateral pathways; pathology and pathophysiology; techniques and principles of color, PW, CW Doppler waveforms; and preliminary writing. Assessment of these skills will occur in this didactic course and applied in the clinical coursework.

General Sonography Details

general sonography – Associate in applied science

Jackson County

If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.

$24,324

In Michigan

If you reside in the state of Michigan.

$26,486

Out of Michigan

If you reside outside the state of Michigan.

$32,596

Vascular Sonography – Associate in Applied Science

A highly skilled allied health professional, a vascular sonographer performs arterial and venous diagnostic procedures using high-frequency sound waves. A vascular sonographer operates a variety of complex diagnostic and monitoring equipment and numerous ancillary devices.

The vascular sonographer performs carotid duplex scanning, lower and upper extremity Doppler examinations, venous duplex scans, abdominal vascular exams, evaluates test results, monitors physiological states of the patient, conducts patient education, and maintains accurate records and protocols during and after procedures. A thorough understanding of hemodynamics and pathophysiology is required.

The vascular sonography program is an online program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is outcome-based, and the curriculum consists of integrated educational and clinical coursework with a maximum of 1,000 supervised clinical hours with an approved clinical education affiliate. The mastery and performance proficiency level are assessed in the final clinical semester. Learners will be eligible for early completion during the last clinical semester.

The program is designed to prepare the student for employment in vascular sonography. Vascular positions are located within hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging health institutions. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for certification exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and, if successful, use the credentials RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist).

Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.

Sample Courses

In this course, anatomy of the venous, arterial, microcirculation, and anatomic variants of the body is introduced. The abdominal structures associated with the vasculature is explored. In this course, normal function of the venous and arterial systems, abnormal mechanisms, risk factors, and indications of arterial and venous disease associated with a range of pathological conditions will be covered.

In this course, theories, techniques and venous testing procedures of the lower and upper extremity exams are covered. Other topics will include: differential diagnosis; other imaging modalities; identifying deep vein thrombosis; advanced exploration of venous anatomy and collateral pathways; pathology & pathophysiology; Color Doppler & PW Doppler waveforms techniques & principles; and preliminary writing. Assessment of these skills will occur in this didactic course and applied in the clinical course work.

Students explore the mechanics of A-mode, B-mode, M-mode, Doppler, and real time equipment. Accessory equipment such as cameras, transducers, phased, annular and linear arrays, and all types of hard copy documentation instruments are investigated. Multiple methods of preventative maintenance and quality control are presented. Laboratory reinforces learning activities.

Vascular Sonography Details

vascular sonography – Associate in applied science

Jackson County

If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.

$23,038

In Michigan

If you reside in the state of Michigan.

$25,062

Out of Michigan

If you reside outside the state of Michigan.

$30,782

Earnings

Starting wages average between $23 and $26 an hour. Median earnings for all sonographers is $62,620 annually.

Outlook

Sonographers are in demand in today’s job market, with 19 percent job growth through 2026.

The Cardiac, General and Vascular Sonography Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.jrcdms.org).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Phone: 727.210.2350. Fax: 727.210.2354 www.caahep.org

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