http://www.rit.edu/healthsciences/undergraduate-programs/ultrasound/

Program overview

One of the fastest-growing areas in diagnostic medicine, diagnostic medical sonography is a noninvasive, nontoxic diagnostic medical imaging modality in which high-frequency sound waves are used to produce images of many different areas of the human body. Ultrasound is readily used to image the heart, blood flow, and abdominal organs as well as the developing fetus and male/female reproductive organs. The profession has grown rapidly in the last 20 years and is expected to continue to grow over the next several decades. Evaluation of the job market and a survey of employers indicate a strong demand for well-trained sonographers.

The medical sonography program is one of only a few such degree programs in the nation. It offers a BS degree in general ultrasound and a certificate option in general ultrasound (abdomen/small parts and obstetrics and gynecology, with an introduction to vascular). The program prepares students for application to schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, and chiropractic medicine. Students also can earn a certificate in health systems administration while completing their requirements. Additionally, graduates may choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in a variety of fields.

The intent of the program is to prepare students to be leaders in the field of ultrasound. Skills in administration and research are emphasized in addition to the development of scanning and diagnostic abilities. Students apply their theoretical knowledge and practice their skills in our dedicated ultrasound laboratory before their clinical internship. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, students are eligible to take a national certifying examination for abdominal, small parts, obstetrical, and gynecological ultrasound. Each candidate is also introduced to vascular ultrasound.

Graduates are prepared to pursue a variety of career options, nationally and internationally, in medical, industrial, and educational settings. Our graduates can be found in a wide range of positions, including supervisory and administrative, in hospitals, clinics, private physicians’ offices, teaching, research, sales, and industry. Graduates also can choose to work as freelance sonographers or for mobile services.

Curriculum

Students must meet the minimum requirements of the university as described in this bulletin and, in addition, must complete the curriculum requirements listed here or the equivalent, as determined and approved by the department of medical sciences. The BS degree is typically a four-year program, including clinical internship, unless the student has transfer credit from another institution. Those holding associate degrees may be able to complete the BS degree in two years; additional course work may be required. Contact the program director for further information on BS degree requirements.

Clinical internship

The clinical internship year (completed with a 20 percent tuition discount) provides hands-on experience at two or more medical facilities in upstate New York or at approved regional and national medical ultrasound facilities. All students begin the internship by attending an intensive five-week experience on campus. During this time, they learn how to perform complete sonographic examinations and to recognize anatomy and disease states using equipment in the ultrasound laboratory. Students also learn about hospital departmental and administrative operations. After completing the requirements, candidates are assigned to a medical training site for clinical experience. At the medical facility, students work side by side with sonographers, physicians, and other health care professionals to learn, develop, apply, and sharpen the necessary skills to perform general ultrasound examinations. The students’ clinical progress and performance are monitored by the program’s clinical coordinator and program director, who make periodic visits to the clinical internship sites. Additionally, students return to campus each month for three days of lectures, presentations, projects, and testing.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.