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Sandra
Student
Pasadena, California
1
Question
Updated
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What is the core course requirements in community college for going into a sonography program ? What are some ways a high schooler can prepare for getting into sonography?
I have been looking into sonography and i want to be prepared once I get out of high school. I am not sure what I really need to be prepared with and what classes I should take before going into a sonography program.
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1 answer
Joan Shea
Global Marketing Director
110
Answers
Newcastle, WA
Updated
Joan’s Answer
Hi Sandra!
Embarking on a career in Sonography, a field that utilizes ultrasound technology to generate images of the body's internal structures, can be both fulfilling and stimulating. As a sonographer, you'll have the opportunity to work in diverse environments like hospitals, clinics, labs, and private practices, aiding doctors in diagnosing and treating various health conditions.
To kickstart your journey, you'll need to enroll in an educational program that's endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The duration of these programs can vary from one to four years, depending on the type of degree or certificate you're aiming for. Additionally, you'll need to pass a certification exam conducted by either the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
If you're a high school student keen on pursuing sonography, here are some proactive steps to get you ready:
1. Opt for high school subjects that align with the sonography profession, such as algebra, English, biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology. These subjects will equip you with the necessary mathematical, communication, and scientific skills that sonographers need. They'll also fulfill the prerequisite courses that most sonography programs demand.
2. Engage in extracurricular activities that showcase your interest and proficiency in sonography. This could involve volunteering at a local hospital or clinic, joining a health-focused club or organization, or shadowing a sonographer or other healthcare professional. These experiences will give you a glimpse into the sonography field, help you understand the roles and responsibilities of sonographers, and strengthen your resume and application for the sonography program.
3. Investigate various sonography programs and the institutions that provide them. Compare their admission prerequisites, curriculum, duration, cost, accreditation, and reputation. Online resources like the CAAHEP, ARDMS, or the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) websites can help you locate accredited sonography programs and schools, either locally or online. Don't hesitate to reach out to program directors or advisors for more information about their programs and the application process.
4. Gear up for any entrance exams or interviews that some sonography programs might require, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or the American College Test (ACT). Using online or offline study guides, practice tests, or tutoring services can enhance your test-taking abilities and knowledge. Simulated interviews with your teachers, counselors, or peers, and researching common interview questions and tips can also help you prepare.
By adhering to these steps, you'll boost your chances of being accepted into your preferred sonography program and ready yourself for the academic and professional hurdles that lie ahead.
Sonography, with its numerous growth and advancement opportunities, can be a rewarding and challenging career. If you have a passion for assisting others and using technology to enhance health outcomes, sonography might be the perfect career path for you.
I hope you find this information beneficial, and I wish you the best of luck in your future pursuits. 😊
Embarking on a career in Sonography, a field that utilizes ultrasound technology to generate images of the body's internal structures, can be both fulfilling and stimulating. As a sonographer, you'll have the opportunity to work in diverse environments like hospitals, clinics, labs, and private practices, aiding doctors in diagnosing and treating various health conditions.
To kickstart your journey, you'll need to enroll in an educational program that's endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The duration of these programs can vary from one to four years, depending on the type of degree or certificate you're aiming for. Additionally, you'll need to pass a certification exam conducted by either the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
If you're a high school student keen on pursuing sonography, here are some proactive steps to get you ready:
1. Opt for high school subjects that align with the sonography profession, such as algebra, English, biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology. These subjects will equip you with the necessary mathematical, communication, and scientific skills that sonographers need. They'll also fulfill the prerequisite courses that most sonography programs demand.
2. Engage in extracurricular activities that showcase your interest and proficiency in sonography. This could involve volunteering at a local hospital or clinic, joining a health-focused club or organization, or shadowing a sonographer or other healthcare professional. These experiences will give you a glimpse into the sonography field, help you understand the roles and responsibilities of sonographers, and strengthen your resume and application for the sonography program.
3. Investigate various sonography programs and the institutions that provide them. Compare their admission prerequisites, curriculum, duration, cost, accreditation, and reputation. Online resources like the CAAHEP, ARDMS, or the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) websites can help you locate accredited sonography programs and schools, either locally or online. Don't hesitate to reach out to program directors or advisors for more information about their programs and the application process.
4. Gear up for any entrance exams or interviews that some sonography programs might require, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or the American College Test (ACT). Using online or offline study guides, practice tests, or tutoring services can enhance your test-taking abilities and knowledge. Simulated interviews with your teachers, counselors, or peers, and researching common interview questions and tips can also help you prepare.
By adhering to these steps, you'll boost your chances of being accepted into your preferred sonography program and ready yourself for the academic and professional hurdles that lie ahead.
Sonography, with its numerous growth and advancement opportunities, can be a rewarding and challenging career. If you have a passion for assisting others and using technology to enhance health outcomes, sonography might be the perfect career path for you.
I hope you find this information beneficial, and I wish you the best of luck in your future pursuits. 😊