The career field of diagnostic medical sonographers looks favorable with approximately 59 percent of sonographers employed by hospitals according to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 edition. Training for the career includes as associate of bachelor's degree, as well as a certificate program. All training programs include practical applications, usually in hospitals. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers an exam and registration following a passing score. Holding the title of registered diagnostic medical sonographer makes career opportunities much more favorable.
Alexandria is a city of approximately 46,000 located in central Louisiana. For residents, it provides a central location to drive to other cities in the state, although New Orleans is more than three hours away. For a prospective sonography student, there are opportunities to commute to school.
Louisiana State University offers a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at its campus in Eunice, LA, located just over one hour driving time from Alexandria. Students are selected once a year for the program and must have either an associate or bachelor's degree or have completed all of the ten prerequisite courses that cover 23 semester hours. They include subjects like human anatomy and human physiology. The program itself requires one summer session beginning in June followed by a fall and spring semester. Clinical training takes place at hospitals within a 60 mile radius of Eunice.
Unitech Training Academy offers a diagnostic ultrasound sonography program, leading to a certificate at three of its campuses, two of which are within three hours of Alexandria. One program is in Lafayette, LA, a drive oF an hour and a half. Two hours one way from Alexandria is the campus at West Monroe, LA. Unitech began in 1997 with one program for nursing assistants and has expanded to bring more programs within the reach of Louisiana residents.