What is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
The program provides students with opportunities to develop the technical knowledge, clinical competence, and professional skills necessary for a successful career in the sonographic sciences. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment featuring state-of-the-art equipment, experienced and highly qualified sonography faculty, and hands-on clinical education. Through clinical rotation experiences, students gain practical exposure to current and emerging sonographic techniques, protocols, and patient care practices.
Why Study Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Grand Valley?
- Quality. Commitment to quality is demonstrated by achievement of programmatic accreditation. The GVSU Cardiovascular Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology.
- Preparedness. Students are qualified to sit for and are successful in passing the national board registrations PRIOR to graduation.
- Education. Strong curriculum and knowledgeable, clinically practicing faculty prepare students for national certification exams.
- Individual Attention. Students enjoy small class sizes, cohort educational experiences, and clinical rotations offered at multiple physician offices and hospital affiliates.
- Real-World Experience. Rotation of clinical site placements expose students to diverse experiences, allowing students to not only gain future references but also to prepare them for future employment.
- Advanced Facilities. Laboratory facilities utilize state-of-the-art sonographic equipment to prepare students for current and emerging techniques and protocols.
Program Overview
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.
The General Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Health within the College of Health Professions.
Admissions Process
Application Deadline: February 1st
Students spend two years completing the general education and prerequisite courses. After admission to the secondary competitive program, students complete two years of full-time professional coursework.