Department of Radiologic Sciences
General Sonography/Ultrasound
Academic Programs    |    Modalities

Overview

Sonography uses sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. It can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions in the body. It is often associated with imaging during pregnancy.

Tasks

  • use a transducer to obtain images of
    • abdominal organs, including liver, gallbladder, kidney
    • pelvis
    • obstetrics, e.g. pregnancy
    • superficial structures, including breast, testis, thyroid
    • abdominal blood vessels
  • provide guidance during fine-needle tissue biopsy

Technology

  • sophisticated diagnostic ultrasound imaging machines
  • transducers that use high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images

Patient Interaction

  • direct patient contact
  • healthy and critically ill inpatients and outpatients
  • all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics
  • predominantly noninvasive

Work Conditions

  • small, low-lit rooms
  • stand or sit beside the patient, who is on a stretcher, exam table or wheelchair
  • portable ultrasound sometimes performed  in patient’s room

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 44% increase in the number of jobs for sonographers by 2020.

Pathways to a general sonography degree

If you ...
  
then consider...
are in High School   2+2 PACE program
or 3+1 Advanced Placement BS/BS with
Immaculata University
have 50 prerequisite credits   2-year Multicompetency BS*option
or 2+1 BS/MS*
have a baccalaureate degree
and 50 prerequisite credits		   1-year Advanced Placement BS option
or 1+1 BS/MS
or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS*
have certification in or graduated from an accredited program* in
Radiologic Sciences or allied health and have 50 prerequisite credits  		  1-year Advanced Placement BS option
or 1+1 BS/MS
or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS*

*Multicompetency Combination options

First Year Second Year
General Sonography Vascular Sonography
General Sonography Cardiac Sonography

(Other modality combinations are possible. Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Radiologic Sciences faculty member when choosing modalities.)


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