Become an Ultrasound Technologist - Echo ED: … an Ultrasound Technologist hhholdorf PhD, MPA, RDMS (AB, OB/Gyn, BR), RVT, LRT(AS, ARRT ret.) ... Obstetrics/Gynecology-evaluation

Become an Ultrasound Technologist

hhholdorf PhD, MPA, RDMS (AB, OB/Gyn, BR), RVT, LRT(AS, ARRT ret.)

What’s in a name?

• Sonographer• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer• Scanner• Ultrasound Technologist

– Ultrasound “tech”

• Ultrasound Technician

Description of the Profession

What is Sonography?

What does a Sonographer Do?

What are the Career Opportunities?

What is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

It is a perfect blend of Art and Science.Very operator dependent.Visit SDMS.org and read all about it.(The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography)

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What is Sonography?

Ultrasonography, commonly calledSonography, is a diagnostic medicalprocedure that uses high frequencysound waves (ultrasound) to producedynamic visual images of organs,tissues, or blood flow inside the body.

What is Sonography?

Sonography can be used to examinemany parts of the body, such as theabdomen, breasts, female reproductivesystem, prostate, heart, and bloodvessels.

Obstetrics

Obstetrics

Gynecology

Abdomen

Vascular

Breast

Heart

Echocardiography

Neurosonography

Obstetrics

Procedures

Musculoskeletal

• Radiologist reportAppearances strongly suggest a small full thickness tear of the distal tendon measuring approximately 5mm, with substantial bursal thickening. On abduction, there is no obvious impingement and the patient’s pain does not worsen.Conclusion:Small full thickness cuff tear with bursal thickening.

The process involves placing a small devicecalled a transducer against the patient’s skin nearthe body part to be imaged. The transducerworks like a loudspeaker and microphonebecause it can both transmit and receive sound.

What is Sonography?

The transducer sends a stream of highfrequency sound waves into the bodythat bounce off the structures inside.

The transducer detects sound waves as they bounce off the internal structures.

What is Sonography?

What Does a Sonographer Do?

Hmmmmm


A diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specializedequipment to create images of structures insidethe human body that are used by physicians tomake a medical diagnosis.


Sonographers have extensive, directpatient contact that may includeperforming some invasive procedures.

They must be able to interactcompassionately and effectively withpeople who range from healthy tocritically ill.

There are several areas of specialization in the field of Sonography.

Abdomen-evaluation of allthe soft tissues, blood vesselsand organs of the abdominalcavities (for example, liver,spleen urinary tract,pancreas)

Breast-frequently used toevaluate breast abnormalitiesthat are found withscreening or diagnosticmammography.

Obstetrics/Gynecology-evaluation of the female reproductive system

Vascular Technology-evaluation and analysis ofthe hemodynamics (bloodflow) of peripheral andabdominal blood vessels.

Neurosonography evaluation of the brain and spinal cord.

Ophthalmology-evaluation of the eye. Including orbital structures and muscles.

Echocardiography-evaluation of the anatomyand hemodynamics (bloodflow) of the heart, its valvesand related blood vessels.

Professional Responsibilities Obtaining and recording an

accurate patient history Performing diagnostic

procedures and obtaining diagnostic images

Analyzing technical information

Using independent judgmentin recognizing the need toextend the scope to theprocedure according to thediagnostic findings.

Providing an oral or writtensummary of the technicalfindings to the physician formedical diagnosis

Providing quality patient care

Collaborating with physiciansand other members of the healthcare team.

Technical Standards Lift more than 50 pounds routinely

Push and pull routinely

Bend and stoop routinely

Have full use of both hands, wrist and shoulders

Distinguish audible sounds

Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions

Work standing on their feet 80% of the time

Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured

Assist patient on and off examining tables

Communicate effectively with patients and other health careprofessionals

Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in aSonographic procedure in the proper sequence.

What is required to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

• A knowledge of pathology and physiology (human anatomy and physiology).

• Good analytical and problem solving skills.• Good interpersonal skills.• Compassion, high degree of personal integrity and professionalism.

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What are the Career Opportunities? Sonographers, Echocardiographers, and Vascular

Technologists can choose to work in clinics, hospitals,private practice physician offices, public healthfacilities, laboratories, and other medical settingsperforming examinations in their areas ofspecialization.

Career advancement opportunities exist in education,administration, research, and in commercialcompanies as education/application specialists, salesrepresentatives, technical advisors, etc.

Full-time, part-time, and per diem positions areavailable.

A sonographer must be willing to be on call.

What are the Salaries for Sonographers?

In addition to excellent career opportunities, salariesfor sonographers are competitive with or higher thanother professionals with similar levels of education.

According to the SDMS Salary and Benefits Surveyreport (released March, 2005); the median salary forsonographers is $61,984. This income includes: 1)hourly salary, 20 overtime, and 3) on-call pay.

The typical hourly pay rate is $29.The typical number of overtime hours worked per

week by sonographers is 3.

Ultrasound Programs

Choose carefully…

Educational Goals for Sonography Programs

The overall objective of the DMS programProgram Goals ‐ our graduates are able to perform the following: • Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum

diagnostic results• Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and or physiologic data for

interpretation by a physician.• Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure

for presentation to the interpreting physician• Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and or other diagnostic services• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues• Act in a professional and ethical manner• Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and or other diagnostic tests and promote

principles of good healthProgram goals of minimum expectations for our graduates:To prepare competent entry‐level General Sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

CCCCollege Credit Certificate

Admission Requirements CCC DMS students• For Accepted Students Only• AIDS 500 Certificate• CPR Certification• FDLE Background Check• Technical Performance Standards• Liability Insurance

• Applicants must:• Be a graduate of an accredited Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Cardiovascular

Tech program and have appropriate certification/licensure or be Registry eligible

• OR be a graduate of an accredited A.S. degree (or higher) Nursing or Allied Health program, with corresponding credentials (to include coursework in Physics and College Algebra)

CCCLength of the program• Full‐time three semester professional course sequence• CCC College Credit Certificate• 47 credits

• The Skill set graduating students provide to the healthcare community.

Sonographers and Vascular Technologists can choose to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.

• Semester ONE Fall– Practicum 1 Skills Lab: Lab 123 hrs., Clinical hrs. 144– Principles and Fundamentals of Sonography– Practical Aspects of Sonography 1– Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation 1– Abdominal Sonography 1– OB/GYN Sonography 1

• Total credits 19

• Semester TWO Spring– Practicum 2 Skills Lab: Lab hrs. 45 hrs. Clinical hrs. 238– Practical Aspects of Sonography 2– Fundamentals of Sonography Laboratory– Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation 2– Abdominal Sonography 2– OB/GYN Sonography 2


• Semester THREE Summer– Practicum 3 Clinical hours 264– Seminar in Sonography– Fundamentals of Sonography Laboratory 2– Sonography of the circulatory system– Superficial Sonography


• Skills laboratory 168• Clinical assignment hours 646

ARDMSPrerequisite 1

• http://www.ardms.org/apply/prerequisite_spi_requirement_information/

Where to start looking for a school?

• Start here:– CAAHEP

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

• Caahep.org

– JRC‐DMS• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

• Jrcdms.org

An Associate in Science Degree is the standard

Education needed prior to attending an Ultrasound program

• Accredited programs require a high schooldiploma and a sound academic standing inhigh school English, algebra and biology. Anunderstanding of computers and technology isalso a necessity.

Admission Requirements

• High School transcript/GED• College Transcript (if attended college)• Three letters of reference• Application essay• SAT score• TEAS V score (Entrance Test)• College placement test/if required

TEAS V

• Testing for Essential Academic Skills– applicants should earn 68 or higher in Reading and Math, 60 or higher in the English Language section and 50 or higher in the Science section

Do You Want to Become a Registered Sonographer?

If the student wants to become a ‘registered’sonographer upon graduation, the studentneeds to know the accreditation status of theeducation program before they apply foradmission to the program.Increasingly, employers require theirsonographers to become registered or hireonly registered sonographers.

Registration• Taking a test to show that you have the ability to perform

competent diagnostic tests on humans.• You may be asked to take many tests

– ARDMS (The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography)

• SPI‐Sonography principles and Instrumentation• Specialty exam (Ab, Ob/Gyn, Br, RVT, RDCS, …)• ARDMS.org

– CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International) • cci‐online.org

– ARRT(S) – American Registry of Radiologic Technologists –Sonography Primary

• arrt.org

General Educational Phase (Includes CAAHEP and AS Required Courses)

• Medical Terminology• Patient Care• Anatomy and Physiology Part I• Anatomy and Physiology Part II• English Composition I• English Composition II• College Algebra • Statistics • Elements of Physics• Psychology • Sociology• Introduction to computers• Pathophysiology• Humanities Elective

Professional Phase

• Introduction to Sonography• Cross‐Sectional Anatomy• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I and II• Ultrasound of the Abdomen I and II• Ultrasound of the Female Pelvis (Gynecology)• Obstetrical Sonography I and II• Ultrasound of Superficial Structures I and II

• Vascular• Breast• Neurosonography• Musculoskeletal

• Seminar in Sonography• Clinical Sonography (Practicum/Concurrent with Didactic)

What Are the Job Opportunities?

• For the present graduates, there are manyopportunities around the country. There areshortages particularly in the Midwest and inthe South. The market in many areas is tightdue to the number of schools. However, withbaby boomers about to retire, shortages ofsonographers are even predicted for the areaswith shortages.

In conclusion

• Sonographers must possess:– the ability to empathize with a patient while remaining focused on the completion of the examination.

– a strong background in anatomy and physiology – excellent communication skills.– problem solving and critical thinking skills– ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Characteristics needed to be a sonographer

• Leadership and organizational skills• People skills• Patience• Flexibility • Compassion • Problem‐solving skills• A sense of humor• The ability to stay calm in a crisis

What does it take to be a successful Ultrasound Student?

• Be sure to speak up so that you can have asmuch “hands‐on” time as possible.

• Be ready to take criticism, sometimes harsh, atsomething that you may be proud of.

• Be ready to spend many hours every night andweekends studying material for your courses.

• Be sure your family and friends are ready to support yourendeavor.

• Be ready to adapt (be flexible) with each new clinicalinternship (clinical assignment).

• Be ready to consider all the time involved (including drive,class, and study time).

• Be ready to practice, practice, practice your scanning skills.The techniques to be successful clinically may be moredifficult to master than the classwork.

• Be sure to be very patient, with yourself and others.• Be sure to have a high level of motivation and self‐direction.• Be ready for a rigorous, challenging program.Ask yourself…’Am I ready for this challenge? Do I have the

initiative to strive for excellence?’

Ultrasound Applications

Obstetrics/normal

Obstetrics/normal

Obstetrics/Abnormal

Obstetrics/Abnormal

Abdomen/normal

Abdomen/Abnormal

Breast / Normal

Breast

Breast/Abnormal

Vascular/Normal

Vascular/Abnormal

Fetal Echo/Normal

Fetal Echo/Abnormal

Fetal Echo/Abnormal

Gynecology/Normal

Gynecology/Normal

Gynecology/Abnormal

Invasive Procedures

In conclusion

Love what you do

Whatever it is!!!!

STEP 3

Managing your time

• Or: do we really manage time…?

Or does time manage us?

Hholdorf.wordpress.com 3 - 1


The Pie of Life


The Increase - Decrease Method

What can you do if you have too little time for family and friends?

What can you do if you have too little time for school?

What can you do if you have too much leisure time?


Time Management ScheduleThe Term Schedule

Provides you with an overview of important due dates and special events in the entire term.


Time Management Schedule –The Weekly Schedule

Provides you with a plan for the week that reserves time to accomplish school, work, and leisure activities.


Characteristics of an Effective Weekly Schedule

• An effective weekly schedule:– reflects a realistic pie of life balance.

– includes time for specific goals you wish to achieve.

– has strong patterns that can easily become routine.

– reflects your individual learning styles, preferences, and lifestyle.

– provides time for meals, exercise, and adequate sleep.


Time-Management Principles for Scheduling Fixed Study Blocks

• Use the 2:1 ratio for all of your classes.• Use spaced practice to space your learning

over different study blocks and different days of the week.

• Avoid marathon studying.• Use trading time sparingly.• Use the entire study block for one subject.• Study during your most alert times of the

day.


Essential Strategies for Scheduling Study Blocks

• Label each study block to show specifically the course you intend to study.

• Schedule at least one study block every day of the week.

• Schedule a math study block every day.

• Schedule your hardest or least-liked subjects early in the day.

• Schedule a study block right before a class that involves discussion or student participation.

• Schedule a study block right after a lecture class.

• Color-code your class and study times on your weekly schedule.


Create a Weekly Time Management Schedule


Weekly Time Management Schedule


Time Management Schedules -Daily Schedule

Provides you with a quick reference list of time blocks and specific tasks for the day.


Types of Time Management Schedules -Task Schedule

Provides you with goals to achieve during a specific block of time.


Strategies for Independent Study and Online Courses

• Create a term schedule.• On your weekly schedule, write specific times you

need to be available.• Commit yourself to work on the course during

specific blocks of time each week.• During your study time, limit your use of the

television or the computer to the course material you are studying.

• Make a task schedule each time you sit down to work.

Become an Ultrasound Technologist - Echo ED: … an Ultrasound Technologist hhholdorf PhD, MPA, RDMS (AB, OB/Gyn, BR), RVT, LRT(AS, ARRT ret.) ... Obstetrics/Gynecology-evaluation

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