What Kinds of Classes Do You Take in Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

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In a diagnostic medical sonography program, you take a variety of classes that can teach you the basics of human anatomy and sonography. You learn how to operate ultrasound machines, prepare patients, and process and store images. Your instructors introduce you to the common areas of the human body that you will scan, general pathology, and what to look for in captured images. And you learn how to communicate with patients with empathy, compassion, and professionalism. Here’s a closer look at the classes you might take:

Medical Terminology

To enter any field, you need to speak the same language as the professionals you work with. Your medical terminology course teaches you the proper terms for body parts, medical conditions, and treatments. Knowledge of medical terminology provides you with better understanding of the services you provide and helps you translate what doctors say into terms that patients can clearly understand.

Anatomy and Physiology

You can’t take pictures of body parts and systems unless you understand what they do and where they are. Anatomy and physiology courses teach you where internal organs are located, how the body’s systems work, and the overall structure and function of the human body. As you progress in your studies, you can take further courses on male and female anatomy to better identify common areas of ultrasound focus.

Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care

Your intro to sonography course shows you different scanning techniques, procedures, and protocols for specific areas of the body that will be scanned. You learn how to begin, take, and complete the sonographic exam. You also learn important ergonomics to conduct exams and position patients. And you’re taught how to identify normal sonographic anatomy.

Sonography Techniques

Now that you know the basics of sonography, you can learn the protocol for sonography scanning. This course provides you with proper instruction on scanning technique, and preparation protocols for the area of interest. You learn how to scan body areas like the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, liver, gall bladder and biliary tract, pancreas, renal, spleen, thyroid, breasts, and scrotum.

Sonography and Pathology of the Abdomen and Pelvis

These courses show you what a normal abdomen and pelvis look like in males and females so you can easily identify abnormalities on an ultrasound. You learn the anatomical relationships of organs, vascular structures, body planes, and quadrants in men and women and how disease might affect them and appear in your imaging.

Sonography and Pathology of the OB/GYN

If you want to specialize in obstetric sonograms, which monitor the health of a developing fetus, courses specific to OB/GYN will teach you the skills you need. You learn about the techniques and procedures for scanning the female pelvis as well as the immunology and pathology during the first, second, and third trimesters. You also learn how to look for normal levels of amniotic fluid and what it could mean if levels are abnormal.

Applied Practicum

Throughout your training program, you may take a series of clinical practicums. These hands-on learning experiences allow you the chance to put the lessons you’ve learned into practice. You are placed at a local medical facility, such as a hospital, doctor’s office, or outpatient care center, where you can further develop your sonography skills under the guidance of ultrasound professionals. Working in the field, performing the tasks of your new profession, you gain invaluable experience.

Are you ready to learn more about training to become a Diagnostic Sonographer? Charter College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that can prepare you for a rewarding medical career. The program is offered in a blended learning format for convenience and flexibility. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.