4 answers
Addison
Student
Quincy, California
2
Questions
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What prerequisites do I need in order to be admitted to a diagnostic medical sonography program?
I'm planning on going to college for at least 2 years before applying to a program.
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4 answers
Steven Schuler
Higher Ed Administration
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Admission requirements for diagnostic medical sonography programs can vary among institutions, but here are some common prerequisites you may encounter:
Education: Typically, you need a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for admission.
Prerequisite Courses: Some programs may require specific prerequisite courses in subjects such as biology, anatomy, physiology, and physics. Make sure to check the specific course requirements of the program you are interested in.
College Credits: Many programs prefer or require applicants to have completed a certain number of college credits. These credits may include general education courses as well as specific science-related courses.
GPA (Grade Point Average): Programs often have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. This may apply to your overall GPA or specifically to the GPA of your prerequisite courses.
Clinical Experience: Some programs may prefer applicants who have relevant clinical experience in healthcare settings. This could include volunteer work or employment in a healthcare facility.
Letters of Recommendation: Submitting letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals may be required or recommended.
Entrance Exam: Some programs may require you to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or other similar tests.
Interview: In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an interview as part of the admission process.
Background Check and Health Requirements: Due to the nature of healthcare programs, you may be required to undergo a background check and meet certain health requirements, including vaccinations.
It's crucial to thoroughly review the admission requirements of the specific diagnostic medical sonography program you are interested in, as they can vary. Contact the program directly or check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Education: Typically, you need a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for admission.
Prerequisite Courses: Some programs may require specific prerequisite courses in subjects such as biology, anatomy, physiology, and physics. Make sure to check the specific course requirements of the program you are interested in.
College Credits: Many programs prefer or require applicants to have completed a certain number of college credits. These credits may include general education courses as well as specific science-related courses.
GPA (Grade Point Average): Programs often have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. This may apply to your overall GPA or specifically to the GPA of your prerequisite courses.
Clinical Experience: Some programs may prefer applicants who have relevant clinical experience in healthcare settings. This could include volunteer work or employment in a healthcare facility.
Letters of Recommendation: Submitting letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals may be required or recommended.
Entrance Exam: Some programs may require you to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or other similar tests.
Interview: In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an interview as part of the admission process.
Background Check and Health Requirements: Due to the nature of healthcare programs, you may be required to undergo a background check and meet certain health requirements, including vaccinations.
It's crucial to thoroughly review the admission requirements of the specific diagnostic medical sonography program you are interested in, as they can vary. Contact the program directly or check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Addison !
You seem to be on the right track with this career plan because most sonographers have first obtained an Associates degree before starting the sonography program. You can decide what you'd like to major in but my advice would be Anatomy because you'll be dealing with internal systems and need to recognize and locate them as a sonographer, not treating patients. An orientation of the body will be most helpful to you and you can study the bodily organs and systems through anatomy. Now, it's not exactly a prerequisite or required to major in this, but I advise that it would be the best for you because you will not be working directly on patients medically, you will be responsible for diagnostic tests and should know where all the parts of the body are, how they connect.
Something that will be expected of you in this career is that you are able to stand on your feet for long periods of time and that you possess sharp hand-eye coordination due to the devices you will be operating. A good "table side" manner is also a big asset because the patient will want to feel comfortable during what they may consider a weird or scary procedure for the test.
You will get some human science basics during your study for your Associates Degree. You can choose courses that directly relate to your future goal and I would also advise medical terminology or medical technology classes would be of help, too. You can choose from your college's catalog of courses.
I hope that this has been a help and I wish you the very best on your journey !
You seem to be on the right track with this career plan because most sonographers have first obtained an Associates degree before starting the sonography program. You can decide what you'd like to major in but my advice would be Anatomy because you'll be dealing with internal systems and need to recognize and locate them as a sonographer, not treating patients. An orientation of the body will be most helpful to you and you can study the bodily organs and systems through anatomy. Now, it's not exactly a prerequisite or required to major in this, but I advise that it would be the best for you because you will not be working directly on patients medically, you will be responsible for diagnostic tests and should know where all the parts of the body are, how they connect.
Something that will be expected of you in this career is that you are able to stand on your feet for long periods of time and that you possess sharp hand-eye coordination due to the devices you will be operating. A good "table side" manner is also a big asset because the patient will want to feel comfortable during what they may consider a weird or scary procedure for the test.
You will get some human science basics during your study for your Associates Degree. You can choose courses that directly relate to your future goal and I would also advise medical terminology or medical technology classes would be of help, too. You can choose from your college's catalog of courses.
I hope that this has been a help and I wish you the very best on your journey !
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Addison,
The pre-requisites are going to vary from school to school, so you'll need to choose where you want to apply first.
The pre-requisites for the Mayo program are listed here as an example:
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/sonography-program-florida-and-minnesota/how-to-apply/
They have affiliated universities where you can do the pre-requisites. Also, being e.g. an RN will fullfill the pre-requisites.
I hope this helps. Please look up the respective information for programs you would consider. Good luck!
KP
The pre-requisites are going to vary from school to school, so you'll need to choose where you want to apply first.
The pre-requisites for the Mayo program are listed here as an example:
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/sonography-program-florida-and-minnesota/how-to-apply/
They have affiliated universities where you can do the pre-requisites. Also, being e.g. an RN will fullfill the pre-requisites.
I hope this helps. Please look up the respective information for programs you would consider. Good luck!
KP
Mrinalini Singh
Project Manager
125
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hello Addison,
Embarking on the journey to become a diagnostic medical sonographer is an exciting one, and here are the steps you can take to achieve your goal:
Education:
Start by earning an associate or bachelor's degree, focusing on science and anatomy subjects. This will provide a solid foundation for your future career.
Think about enrolling in a specialized certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. This program not only offers educational courses but also gives you hands-on clinical experiences.
Certification and Licensure:
Although certification isn't a must, it's a great asset. Look into obtaining relevant certifications to bolster your credentials.
Remember, in some situations, you might also need to be licensed.
Skills and Background:
Cultivate excellent communication skills and a compassionate bedside manner. These attributes will be invaluable in your interactions with patients.
Expand your understanding of anatomy and medical terminology to ensure you're well-equipped in your field.
If you're already working in the medical sector, a certificate program could be a fantastic next step for you.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. Keep going, and you'll make a fantastic diagnostic medical sonographer!
Embarking on the journey to become a diagnostic medical sonographer is an exciting one, and here are the steps you can take to achieve your goal:
Education:
Start by earning an associate or bachelor's degree, focusing on science and anatomy subjects. This will provide a solid foundation for your future career.
Think about enrolling in a specialized certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. This program not only offers educational courses but also gives you hands-on clinical experiences.
Certification and Licensure:
Although certification isn't a must, it's a great asset. Look into obtaining relevant certifications to bolster your credentials.
Remember, in some situations, you might also need to be licensed.
Skills and Background:
Cultivate excellent communication skills and a compassionate bedside manner. These attributes will be invaluable in your interactions with patients.
Expand your understanding of anatomy and medical terminology to ensure you're well-equipped in your field.
If you're already working in the medical sector, a certificate program could be a fantastic next step for you.
Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. Keep going, and you'll make a fantastic diagnostic medical sonographer!