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Chloe
Student
Harlem, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How can I prepare myself for a sonography course?
I'm not sure what to expect and I'm really nervous to be in a new environment with people I don't know. I want to know what to expect for the first couple of months and what I can do to be ready. #Fall25
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1 answer
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
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Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Chloe !
This is such an exciting time preparing for your college Sonography Major !
This will mean that you go to a college that offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and receive your Associates Degree in it. There are programs for this that offer a certificate, but my advice it to obtain your Associates Degree for better chances for work after you graduate. Typically, it would be a two year program. Most programs in Georgia for this will have both classroom instruction as well as 1,000 clinical internship hours.
If you didn't complete the prerequisite courses in high school, which are anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, you most likely would be able to take these courses at the college before enrolling in the Sonography Program. When you complete the program, you go for your Certification. Georgia does not require state licensure, most employers require certification from a nationally recognized body. The most common certification is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. I do , however, highly recommend going for Licensure so that you can have that edge when looking for work. If you think you may want to specialize in a certain type of sonography, ask your professors about the various specialties during your time in the program. Once you have your professional Certification (and I advise getting the License, too) you can look for employment. Everything about the career will be explained to you while you are in the program.
I understand that you've stated that you are jittery about transitioning to college because you do not know anyone. The best way to alleviate some of that will be if you register for an orientation/tour of the college you will attend. You will meet people on the tour and you can visit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department to see what it's like and meet some of the staff there before you enroll. This will make it real and you will have a new perspective and look forward to being part of the department.
Keep in mind that there are other students just like you who are looking forward to meeting like-minded people. College is a time for much personal growth, self-discovery and inspiration. You can do it ! You will have a unique, exciting path towards your career and no one can tell you how it will be. You can explore, however, and one way would be to go for the orientation and spend some time on the campus. There are people in this next chapter of your life that want to meet you !
If you are in High School, you can discuss your fears with your school social worker or your Guidance Counselor. Sometimes having a conversation about it can bring forth reassurance and a new perspective. Also speak with your parents about what concerns you have.
Think about one special extracurricular that you can be involved in on campus. Pick something you love to do. Keeping busy will take your mind off worries and give you experiences to enjoy.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
This is such an exciting time preparing for your college Sonography Major !
This will mean that you go to a college that offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and receive your Associates Degree in it. There are programs for this that offer a certificate, but my advice it to obtain your Associates Degree for better chances for work after you graduate. Typically, it would be a two year program. Most programs in Georgia for this will have both classroom instruction as well as 1,000 clinical internship hours.
If you didn't complete the prerequisite courses in high school, which are anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, you most likely would be able to take these courses at the college before enrolling in the Sonography Program. When you complete the program, you go for your Certification. Georgia does not require state licensure, most employers require certification from a nationally recognized body. The most common certification is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. I do , however, highly recommend going for Licensure so that you can have that edge when looking for work. If you think you may want to specialize in a certain type of sonography, ask your professors about the various specialties during your time in the program. Once you have your professional Certification (and I advise getting the License, too) you can look for employment. Everything about the career will be explained to you while you are in the program.
I understand that you've stated that you are jittery about transitioning to college because you do not know anyone. The best way to alleviate some of that will be if you register for an orientation/tour of the college you will attend. You will meet people on the tour and you can visit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department to see what it's like and meet some of the staff there before you enroll. This will make it real and you will have a new perspective and look forward to being part of the department.
Keep in mind that there are other students just like you who are looking forward to meeting like-minded people. College is a time for much personal growth, self-discovery and inspiration. You can do it ! You will have a unique, exciting path towards your career and no one can tell you how it will be. You can explore, however, and one way would be to go for the orientation and spend some time on the campus. There are people in this next chapter of your life that want to meet you !
If you are in High School, you can discuss your fears with your school social worker or your Guidance Counselor. Sometimes having a conversation about it can bring forth reassurance and a new perspective. Also speak with your parents about what concerns you have.
Think about one special extracurricular that you can be involved in on campus. Pick something you love to do. Keeping busy will take your mind off worries and give you experiences to enjoy.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !