Here is a list of frequently asked questions about sonography education.
How do students find the CAAHEP accredited programs?
There are two simple ways to find schools with sonography programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). One method is to review the list of eligible schools found on the school list page. The interactive chart lists schools by state and city. The chart also notes the degrees and concentrations offered at each school. It has school contact information and indicates whether a program is also ARRT recognized. The second method is to browse the CAAHEP website that provides links to CAAHEP accredited programs.
What are the program requirements to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Each program develops its particular prerequisites for the course of study that must be completed. The sonography program prerequisites and general requirements are influenced by CAAHEP minimum requirements for accreditation and the type of degree, diploma or certificate that will be earned upon program completion. Sonography students will complete didactic and clinical training, unless applying to a one-year certificate program and can document eligible clinical training or experience. In that case only course work is required. Required college-level course topics include science, math, communication plus medical imaging and patient care specific topics.
What is the sonography program admission process?
Each program has its own admission process, but there are typical steps students can expect to take. Many programs have limited enrollments so it is important to start the application process well in advance of the program start date. The first step is verifying that admissions requirements can be met in terms of high school completion, previously completed college level courses, and grade point average. The application process will include completing a set of admission forms and submitting documentation concerning degrees, field experience and references. An in-person interview might be required, but as a minimum there will be written questions to answer or an essay to write. Reviewing sample interview questions is helpful.
What type of financial aid is available?
Students can apply for all available financial aid that includes federal and state grants and loans, scholarships, work-study, veterans' benefits, or a mix of resources. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASA) application is used to apply for federal loans and grants. The financial information provided by the student on the application is used by the school to determine how much the financial assistance the student qualifies for from all sources. Financial aid counselors at the schools help students assemble a funding package from available financial resources, including school-administered scholarship money. The student can also apply independently for private scholarships or bank loans.
How does one become a certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
The primary certifying entity for ultrasound technicians is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The sonography credentials that can be earned by passing designated ARDMS exams are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Vascular Technology, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac, and the recently added Registered in Musculoskeletal. Other certifying entities include Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In all cases, students must meet minimum educational and experience requirements for exam eligibility. An explanation of the certifying entities is found on the webpage HERE.
Is additional education required after becoming a certified sonographer?
Periodic certification renewals are required by each certifying organization. To maintain ARDMS credentials requires certified sonographers to complete 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits every three years. The CME credits must be earned by completing classes or workshops offered by the certifying entity's accepted or approved sponsors. Some accepted CME sponsors charge a fee, but there are also sponsors offering free CME credits. As credits are completed, the student must update their online documentation. ARRT and CCI also have re-credentialing requirements.
Does each state require licensing of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
Oregon and New Mexico have passed laws requiring licensing of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. West Virginia and New Jersey are having an ongoing discussion concerning adding a licensing requirement for ultrasound technologists. Other states are likely to follow suit. Employers in all 50 states and the states themselves recognize the ARDMS certification, and over 30 states recognize ARRT's credential. It is important that sonographers stay abreast of state licensing laws to ensure compliance in the future.
If you want to know more detailed information about ultrasound education, visit our website. You will also get a school list of accredited sonography schools by region.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_J_Parmley
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8216675
How do students find the CAAHEP accredited programs?
There are two simple ways to find schools with sonography programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). One method is to review the list of eligible schools found on the school list page. The interactive chart lists schools by state and city. The chart also notes the degrees and concentrations offered at each school. It has school contact information and indicates whether a program is also ARRT recognized. The second method is to browse the CAAHEP website that provides links to CAAHEP accredited programs.
What are the program requirements to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Each program develops its particular prerequisites for the course of study that must be completed. The sonography program prerequisites and general requirements are influenced by CAAHEP minimum requirements for accreditation and the type of degree, diploma or certificate that will be earned upon program completion. Sonography students will complete didactic and clinical training, unless applying to a one-year certificate program and can document eligible clinical training or experience. In that case only course work is required. Required college-level course topics include science, math, communication plus medical imaging and patient care specific topics.
What is the sonography program admission process?
Each program has its own admission process, but there are typical steps students can expect to take. Many programs have limited enrollments so it is important to start the application process well in advance of the program start date. The first step is verifying that admissions requirements can be met in terms of high school completion, previously completed college level courses, and grade point average. The application process will include completing a set of admission forms and submitting documentation concerning degrees, field experience and references. An in-person interview might be required, but as a minimum there will be written questions to answer or an essay to write. Reviewing sample interview questions is helpful.
What type of financial aid is available?
Students can apply for all available financial aid that includes federal and state grants and loans, scholarships, work-study, veterans' benefits, or a mix of resources. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASA) application is used to apply for federal loans and grants. The financial information provided by the student on the application is used by the school to determine how much the financial assistance the student qualifies for from all sources. Financial aid counselors at the schools help students assemble a funding package from available financial resources, including school-administered scholarship money. The student can also apply independently for private scholarships or bank loans.
How does one become a certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
The primary certifying entity for ultrasound technicians is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The sonography credentials that can be earned by passing designated ARDMS exams are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Vascular Technology, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac, and the recently added Registered in Musculoskeletal. Other certifying entities include Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In all cases, students must meet minimum educational and experience requirements for exam eligibility. An explanation of the certifying entities is found on the webpage HERE.
Is additional education required after becoming a certified sonographer?
Periodic certification renewals are required by each certifying organization. To maintain ARDMS credentials requires certified sonographers to complete 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits every three years. The CME credits must be earned by completing classes or workshops offered by the certifying entity's accepted or approved sponsors. Some accepted CME sponsors charge a fee, but there are also sponsors offering free CME credits. As credits are completed, the student must update their online documentation. ARRT and CCI also have re-credentialing requirements.
Does each state require licensing of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
Oregon and New Mexico have passed laws requiring licensing of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. West Virginia and New Jersey are having an ongoing discussion concerning adding a licensing requirement for ultrasound technologists. Other states are likely to follow suit. Employers in all 50 states and the states themselves recognize the ARDMS certification, and over 30 states recognize ARRT's credential. It is important that sonographers stay abreast of state licensing laws to ensure compliance in the future.
If you want to know more detailed information about ultrasound education, visit our website. You will also get a school list of accredited sonography schools by region.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_J_Parmley
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8216675
No comments:
Post a Comment