Program Information
Education
Abdominal and obstetrics-gynecology sonographers work collaboratively with radiologists and other specialized physicians to diagnose a diverse range of conditions using invasive and noninvasive procedures using complex computerized high frequency sound waves and Doppler signal equipment.
The sonographer must acquire excellent knowledge of sectional anatomy, clinical medicine, pathology and the use of sonographic instrumentation. Sonographers are responsible for patient care during procedures, which may include inpatient, outpatient, surgery, and mobile work.
It is critical that sonographers have exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills in order to develop a high level of interpersonal relationships with patients, other staff, physicists, and physicians.
Professional Course Sequence
This is a place holder for the Professional Course Sequence - Listed below are the prerequisite courses
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Abdominal Professional Courses: 66-68 credit hours
- Course Descriptions / Course Catalog
- List of Clinical Sites
Note: Starting Fall 2015...Physics II (PHY 221) is no longer required for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Job Shadow / Clinical Observation
How to arrange a job shadow...
- Take advantage of any connections you might have, such as family members, family friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who are members of the profession or who know someone who is in the profession.
- After each time you job shadow a healthcare professional ask if he/she can refer you to someone else in the profession
Career Options
Career opportunities for sonographers in Adult Echocardiography, Pediatric Echocardiography, and Vascular Sonography are vast, ranging from inpatient to outpatient settings, large hospitals to private doctors’ offices, as well as the ability to travel. Sonographers will work in collaboration with other medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, stress technicians, and surgeons to provide diagnostic services. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies such as education/application specialists, sales representatives, and technical advisors. To find sonography-specific positions, search the following resources:
The median salary for a Cardiovascular Sonography is $63,000 per year or $30 per hour depending on where you are located in the country and scope of the position. For more information visit, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
National Board Exams
Students working toward a B.S. degree in Cardiovascular Sonography from GVSU become eligible for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations specific to the concentrations completed. Eligibility for ARDMS examinations is achieved upon completion of 1680 contact hours (which occurs in November or December of the senior year before graduation the following April). Graduation is not contingent on passing ARDMS examinations.
Individuals who have been involved in a criminal proceeding or charged with or convicted of a crime may not be eligible for national certification by the ARDMS. Student are strongly advised to work the ARDMS for pre-application review of eligibility for certification from their website or call 301-738-8401 for more information.
