Many technical schools, community colleges and some universities offer certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs typically last from 12 to 18 months. Certificate programs are geared toward people already employed in an allied health profession who want to upgrade their marketability by gaining a certificate in this field of study. Just like programs that confer a degree upon graduation, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) does accredit certificate-training programs. Not all programs have this accreditation, but many schools with certificate programs have received program accreditation through CAAHEP.
Schools offering degree programs typically confer an associate's or bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Most degree programs have a number of prerequisite requirements that candidates must meet before acceptance into the program. Some requirements needed for acceptance include passing 60 credit hours of general coursework and obtaining a 2.5 to 3.0 or better cumulative GPA, current work in an allied health profession and letters of recommendation from two or more people. Some programs also require physical, mental and immunization tests before admittance.
All students enrolled in a diagnostic medical sonography program must complete and pass a number of general education requirements. These requirements typically include college-level algebra, biology and chemistry and physics courses. Additional requirements often include courses in humanities, psychology and sociology. Once enrolled, students receive didactic and clinical training in sonography. Most training involves general instruction in the field and covers abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology and small parts sonography. Students also learn about patient care, instrumentation, basic physics and medical ethics. Some schools offer an introduction to more complex sonography methods, such as echocardiography and vascular sonography, while others provide specialized training in those methods.
Students trained in diagnostic medical sonography receive preparation to take the credentialing exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT). ARRT tests and certifies technologists who have successfully completed formal education in the sonography discipline. Candidates for ARRT credentialing must complete the test within five years of program completion and cannot fail the test three times within three years.
Training in additional areas of sonography increases opportunities to advance in the field. Sonographers who specialize in abdominal sonography could train in vascular or echocardiography sonography, opening the door for greater opportunities.