Diagnostic medical sonography, also known as ultrasound technology, is the medical application of ultrasonic waves to produce computerized visual images of the human body. It is a key technology, used to diagnose and subsequently treat a wide range of health disorders and injuries. Individuals interested in studying diagnostic medical sonography in Arizona have several alternatives among which to choose. Graduates will be well prepared to seek licensure with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) once they complete their training.
Medical sonography is used in the study of many different body systems. Some of the more common uses of sonography follow:
- Anesthesiologists guiding injecting needles when administering local anesthetic solutions near nerves often use ultrasound.
- Emergency Room personnel use ultrasound in the Emergency Department for gauging injury following trauma. Ultrasound is consistently used in the Emergency Department to expedite the care of patients with possible gallstones or cholecystitis.
- Obstetrical sonography is frequently used during pregnancy to monitor the development of the fetus.
- Sometimes dental hygienists use ultrasound to clean teeth.
- Diagnostic medical sonography is used to help identify possible causes for medical conditions.
Arizona ultrasound accredited schools
Sonography hardly ever causes discomfort to patients and has no known long term side effects. It is relatively inexpensive when compared to other methods of investigation, such as computed X-ray tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound technicians help doctors and other medical professionals in many different ways. Sonography is one of several different medical imaging procedures that can help doctors diagnose an otherwise hidden medical condition.
The Arizona State Government Workforce Informer forecasts that the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers in the state will increase by nearly 19 percent from 2008 through 2018. Sonography schools in Arizona usually require post-secondary education. Arizona is also boasts a degree completion program in sonography for people already employed in the healthcare field who want to advance their careers through additional training.
Sonographers may find employment in many diverse settings. Some examples include clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, Emergency Rooms, dental offices, and more.
Make sure to look into all of the options as there are differences in the programs, the requirements, as well as what they offer prospective students. Some of the schools on the list below may offer one or more of the following: federal and state financial aid programs, institutional scholarships, private lending programs, veterans’ benefits, job placement assistance, daycare, and work-study placement.
Remember, most ultrasound technicians begin their career by earning a two or four year degree in diagnostic medical technology where they learn about medical science, terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as medical procedures and clinical protocol. If you are ready to start your career as an ultrasound technician, here’s a list of the top Arizona ultrasound accredited schools and colleges:
 | Central Arizona College273 East Old West Highway |
 | GateWay Community College108 N. 40th St. |
 | Carrington College630 W. Southern |
 | Apollo College630 West Southern |
About the author
