Sonography Schools in California

Sonography schools in California prepare students for a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create medical images used to treat and make diagnoses. Most sonography programs confer two-year associate degrees although a small minority offers four-year bachelor’s degrees. Sonography courses include abdominal sonography, anatomy and physiology, physiology, vascular technology and ultrasound physics. The occupation is expected to grow by 18% through 2018, double the average occupation according to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Labor. The median 50% of sonographers make an annual salary of $53,000-$74,000.

Kaplan College

Diploma
Diploma: Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound
North Hollywood

Casa Loma College

Diploma
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Anaheim, Hawthorne, Van Nuys

Newbridge College

Diploma
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Long Beach, Santa Ana

Sonography Schools: What to Look for When Choosing

Sonography or ultrasonography is a diagnostic procedure, which uses ultrasound to create visual images of the inside of the human body. Ultrasound scan and sonogram are other terms that describe this procedure. Since this procedure is effective on any part of the body, its popularity is increasing as a means to detect cardiovascular disease. Non-physician personnel also known as vascular technologists or sonographers perform the procedure. The field of sonography involves numerous specialty areas. Because sonographers play an important role in a patient's treatment and diagnosis, it is important to choose a school carefully. Here are some factors to consider.

1. Quality: Applicants interested in pursuing a career in sonography should select a reputable program that meets at least the minimum standards in clinical education and curriculum, set by The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Avoid programs that offer limited opportunities to apply technical skills and classroom instruction.

2. Specialization: The field of sonography is wide and varied. If you are interested in a specific sector, make sure the school you choose is well-equipped to train you in that field. Here are a few different areas you might consider:

• Abdominal sonography involves the assesment of soft tissue, internal organs and blood vessels in the abdomen, to detect intestinal blockages, ulcers or other digestive problems.
• Breast sonographers learn to detect and assess lumps, growths or abnormalities in breast tissue.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology focuses on monitoring the health and development of fetuses, as well as the female reproductive system.
• Cardiac sonographers detect abnormatlities in the heart and blood vessels, including narrowing and blockages.
• Vascular sonographers learn to evaluate the circualation of blood through blood vessels.
• Neurosonology involves assessing the health and development of an infant's brain adn spinal cord..

3. Cover the Basics: Make sure a school's curriculum covers all the skills you will need to work as a well-qualified sonographer. For example, one use for sonography is to guide needles when obtaining biopsy samples. This can be a high-risk, life-or-death procedure, possibly involving needles entering the spinal cord, so it is imperative that sonography schools are well-equipped to train you in these areas.

4. Financial Aid: When selecting a school, money will no doubt be a factor. Therefore, look for schools with financial aid advisors who can help you plan financially for you education and advise your options, including Pell grants, veterans' benefits and employer reimbursement programs.

5. Accreditation: This is absolutely key when choosing a school. Without accreditation, your degree will be worthless. To find an accredited sonography school, contact the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), responsible for accrediting sonography programs.

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