In this article, we focus on accredited diagnostic medical sonography schools. As you may be aware, diagnostic medical sonography and ultrasound technology are used interchangeably and both mean the same. It is important for students of medical sonography to enroll in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Education Professionals (CAAHEP).

Introduction

A career as a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound technician is both challenging and professionally rewarding. Opportunities in this group of allied health professions are expected to increase at a rate higher than average in the next decade, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are three concentrations available in diagnostic medical sonography- general, echocardiography and vascular technology. General diagnostic medical sonographers specialize in abdomen, breast, neurosonology, obstetrics/gynecology and ophthalmology. Echocardiographers specialize in the human heart and its functioning. Vascular technologists or vascular sonographers diagnose disorders affecting the circulatory system.

Training programs in diagnostic medical sonography are offered by hospitals, technical colleges, universities and some military institutions. These may vary in length from less than year for a certificate program to four years for a bachelor’s program. The most preferred among these are the two year associate degree programs offered by community and junior colleges. Regardless of which of these courses a student completes, it is important for them to get themselves certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), by passing the certification exam conducted by the agency. This is because, employers, especially the major ones, now specify certification as a prerequisite for sonographers. It is here that we realize the importance of accredited diagnostic medical sonography schools as ARDMS allows only those who have completed their training in such schools to appear for the certification examination.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an accreditor of allied health training programs. CAAHEP is the largest accreditor in health education, covering 2100 training programs in 21 allied health professions. The Commission has laid out the standards required of a health education program in terms of faculty credentials, course content and infrastructure. A program is awarded the appropriate certification if it is found to conform to the relevant standards.

In diagnostic medical sonography, there currently are over 150 programs accredited by the CAAHEP. Accreditation attests to the quality of a program and students who complete an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program become eligible for the all-important certification examination conducted by the ARDMS.

Locating accredited diagnostic medical sonography schools

There exist several programs that are either non-accredited or claim to be accredited by some dubious agencies. These programs are often very expensive. Students should avoid such programs because they cost a lot of money and give you nothing in return as such programs do not make you eligible for ARDMS registration.

To find CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography schools and programs check here. Find schools near you and evaluate them on their course length, costs and concentrations offered. Once you complete your training in an accredited sonography school, your path to a fulfilling career is clear.