Diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasound technicians utilize high-frequency sound waves in making images of the human bodies’ soft tissue and in return, the physicians will utilize these images for diagnosing the patient about the possibilities of disease or any abnormalities. An ultrasound technician can specialize in particular human body areas like breast, brain or abdomen. In order to become an ultrasound technician, you must complete at least an associate’s degree. Ultrasound technician colleges must be accredited by the CAHEP (Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs). In the study, you will delve into instrumentation of ultrasound equipment. Hands-on and clinical education is also part of the curriculum.

After attaining a degree from an accredited college/university, you are encouraged to get certification. These certifications will serve as proof your sonography knowledge and skills that may benefit future employers. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is providing ultrasound technicians with three credentials. These are the Sonography Principals and Instrumentation (SPI) test and this is taken before taking the specialty exams. The certifications that you can earn are as follows: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer/RDCS, Registered Vascular Technician/RVT and Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer/RDMS. It is possible to get all certifications.

10. BryanLGH College of Health Sciences

The BryanLGH College of Health Sciences is offering Diagnostic Medical Sonography as well as vascular sonography and adult cardiac sonography in their undergraduate academic programs. Students taking the ultrasound technician education in BryanLGH College of Health Science are prepared to become certified RDMS. This program is administered by the School of Health Professions. The sonography programs are major/specialization in the Bachelor of Science in Health Professions. For more details, interested students can check http://www.bryanhealth.com/Undergraduate.

9. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the undergraduate level. In this program, students are prepared with integrated classroom discussion and hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Students are prepared to become certified RDMS.

8. Columbia Basin College

The Columbia Basin College offers Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program in the undergraduate level. The program conferred is an Associate in Applied Science. CBC’s diagnostic ultrasound technology will help the students to gain certification in this field through comprehensive classroom studies integrated with hands-on and practical and clinical curriculum in which they will have in-depth use of instruments in scanning laboratories. The program will last for two years or eight quarters. For more details about the program offered at CBC, visit this webpage: http://www.columbiabasin.edu/index.aspx?page=466.

7. Adventist University of Health Sciences (formerly Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences)

The Adventist University of Health Sciences offers associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The university also offers advance placement in this study area. These undergraduate programs are all offered under the Department of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Their programs are currently accredited by CAAHEP and ARDMS. For further details about these programs offered at Adventist University of Health Sciences, visit http://www.adu.edu/diagnosticmedicalsonography.

6. Kettering College

The Kettering College of Medical Arts offers Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in its Health Sciences department. Their program is accredited by CAAHEP, which has recommendation from JRCDMS. Through the educational training provided by the Kettering College, students can gain certification in the three areas of medical sonography because they will study those specializations with classroom lectures combined with hands-on clinical experience.

5. Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences

The Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in the undergraduate level. The LGC has produced an average of 85% passing rate for students taking certifications exams in sonography since it started in 2006. The CAAHEP accredits LGC in offering these programs. The degree programs conferred are associate and academic certificate. For further details about the diagnostic medical sonography programs offered at LGC, visit their website at http://www.lancastergeneralcollege.edu/content/Diagnostic_Medical_Sonography.htm.

4. Mercy College of Health Sciences

The Mercy College of Health Sciences is offering degree program in diagnostic medical sonography. The degree program conferred by MCHS is the Associate of Science and this runs for six semesters. The programs at MCHS are accredited by CAAHEP. Students who graduated from this program can continue their education towards Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Every summer semester, MCHS accepts 12, up to 16 students. For further details, visit http://www.mchs.edu/acad_as_sonography.cfm.

3. Seattle University

The Seattle University offers Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound that is under the Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound and administered by the College of Science and Engineering. The program can be completed in four years for both general and cardiac vascular systems. Students are prepared to become certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. The program is accredited by CAAHEP. The program encompasses lecture classes in both classroom and in a clinical setting together with hands-on experience such as instrumentation. The Seattle University also has the best clinical facilities and equipment in the country in this area.

2. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma is offering undergraduate degree program in ultrasound technology/sonography. This program is associated with three other curricula focusing on the medical imaging as well as radiation science. The formal name for the program is Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences with major in Sonography. The program is administered under the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences of the College of Allied Health of the Schusterman Center in the Tulsa Campus of the university.

1. Newman University

The Newman University is offering a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the undergraduate level. In this program, the students will be engaging in examination of patients with the use of diagnostic ultrasound. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in this university is designed to prepare the students in taking the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers certification exams in the area of physics, OB/GYN, abdomen and vascular parts. For more details, interested students can visit http://www.newmanu.edu/studynu/undergraduate/sonography to learn more about the program.