Prerequisites for Ultrasound School

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 edition, the job opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to be favorable. Between 2008-2018, they expect a 14 to 19 percent increase in employment growth. A sonographer uses ultrasound equipment to diagnose a patient's condition. For example, obstetricians often recommend that pregnant women get ultrasounds so they can measure the development of the fetus. Neurosonography involves images of the brain and the nervous system.

The prerequisites for ultrasound school vary by institution. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography recommends that you check out the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs for a list of accredited programs (see Resources).
  1. Official Transcripts

    • For admittance to an ultrasound school, you must have completed at least two years (60 credits) worth of higher education, and have copies of official school transcripts. To enter the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at St. Louis Community College, you must have at least an associate's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Depending on the school, you might also need your high school transcripts or GED certificate. This is one of the requirements for Forsyth Technical Community College in North Carolina.

    Preparatory Coursework

    • The George Washington University sonography certificate program prerequisites include courses in human anatomy, human physiology, physics, psychology, college algebra, medical terminology, English composition, humanities/social sciences, and other electives that meet the 60 credit threshold. This is the same protocol for St. Louis Community College.

    Patient Care Experience

    • St. Louis Community College requires you to have at least four hours of career shadowing in a sonography department, and 120 hours of work experience in a hospital or nursing home. George Washington University doesn't have a set number of hours, but they also require some type of experience in a health care setting. In either case, it can be paid work or volunteer experience.

    CPR Certification

    • You'll need CPR certification at the health care provider level. That certification must be maintained throughout the length of the educational program.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved