American Institute
888.387.5260
Call
Request Info
Request Info

MENU

Call

CALL

Become a

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Request Info

PURSUE A DYNAMIC CAREER IN MEDICAL IMAGING

Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) program is designed for individuals to receive the technical skills and training needed to become an ultrasound technologist.

Many choose this program because they like the variety of patient care offered by the ultrasound field, and want the well-balanced combination of support and flexibility offered by American Institute’s hybrid training. Our instructors are online with you in real time, so you can get your questions answered from the comfort of your own home during your online classes, and then complete any coursework at your leisure over the next week. And, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you’re always welcome on campus to practice and work with the instructors to be sure you are comfortable with the concepts you’re learning.

(Note: For Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs, students must demonstrate evidence in the form of an official transcript of EITHER a Bachelor’s Degree in any major OR an Associate’s Degree from an allied health patient care related program including a clinic internship/externship)

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program

THE PROGRAM

THE PROGRAM

Our hybrid training approach combines hands-on lab work with online theory classes to give you the flexibility you need for your busy schedule. In the on-campus lab, you’ll learn to generate and recognize normal ultrasound images using actual ultrasound equipment to practice and develop your skills.

This program prepares students to sit for the Abdomen (AB) and/or Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) specialty examinations through the ARDMS. This program includes vascular training, which provides students a wide range of options for specialization after completing their training. During Term 6 (the final term) students are eligible to sit for the SPI exam (Sonography Principles and Instrumentation) which is the first step to becoming ARDMS registered. After graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the specialty ARDMS exam of their choice, upon which they will become ARDMS registered. In addition, American Institute reimburses students for the SPI exam if taken during Term 6 and one specialization test if taken within 60 days of graduation.

WHAT DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHERS DO

Diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient’s body (in a procedure commonly known as an ultrasound) to assess and document various medical conditions.

Diagnostic medical sonographers typically do the following:

  • Prepare patients for procedures by taking their medical history and answering their questions
  • Prepare and maintain imaging equipment
  • Apply a gel to aid the sound waves’ ability to show the inside of the body
  • Operate equipment to get diagnostic images of areas in the patient’s body
  • Analyze the images to check for quality and to ensure adequate coverage of the area being diagnosed
  • Recognize the difference between normal and abnormal images
  • Analyze images to provide preliminary findings for physicians
  • Record findings and keep track of patients’ records
Sonographer What You'll Learn

SITE AFFILIATIONS FOR CLINICAL EXTERNSHIPS

American Institute is delighted to partner with exceptional facilities for our students to solidify their hands-on training in a ‘real world’ environment. Below are a few of the partnerships we enjoy in each of the states where we have clinical sites for our DMS students.

CONNECTICUT

  • Hartford Healthcare
  • Nuvance Health
  • Trinity Health of New England
  • Prospect Health Network

NEW JERSEY

  • RWJ Barnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center
  • Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center CareWell
  • Health Medical Center (formerly East Orange)

PENNSYLVANIA

  • Temple University Health System
  • Holy Redeemer Health System

Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. The sonographer presses an instrument called an ultrasound transducer to the parts of the patient’s body that are being examined. The transducer emits pulses of sound that bounce back, causing echoes. The echoes are then sent to the ultrasound machine, which processes them and displays them as images.

Diagnostic medical sonographers specialize in different parts of the body. The following are examples of specific types of sonographers:

Abdominal sonographers specialize in imaging a patient’s abdominal cavity and nearby organs, such as the kidney, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or spleen.

Breast sonographers specialize in imaging a patient’s breast tissues. Sonography aids mammography in the detection of breast cancer. Breast sonography is also used to track tumors in breast cancer patients.

Musculoskeletal sonographers specialize in imaging muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.

Pediatric Sonographers specialize in pediatric patients (birth to 13 years old) in a general, superficial and vascular setting.

Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers specialize in imaging the female reproductive system. Many pregnant women receive ultrasounds to track the baby’s growth and health.

Vascular Sonographers specialize in arterial and venous studies throughout the body.

Learn More:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: What To Expect After Graduation

Career in Sonography

What It Takes To Become An Ultrasound Technician

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Specializations

Request Information

Speak with an Admissions Advisor.
Call 888-387-5260