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Read on to get the latest and finest information on diagnostic medical sonography schools in iowa along with information about how to get certified in diagnostic medical sonography, how to get a diagnostic medical sonography degree, how long does a diagnostic medical sonography go to school, trade schools for diagnostic medical sonography. Related links on the topic are also available on collegelearners.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a skilled professional who uses equipment producing high-frequency sound waves to create diagnostic images and data that help health care professionals diagnose patients with disease. Ultrasound imaging is used on many parts of the body, including the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, and the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. When determining normal and abnormal findings, the sonographer must demonstrate sectional anatomy through transducer manipulation. The sonographer uses independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the study according to the diagnostic findings. These professionals participate in the reading sessions with physicians, contributing technical and professional knowledge and observation to the final diagnostic impression. The sonographer spends extended time with the patient obtaining a thorough history of symptoms, explaining the exam, answering questions, and performing the exam. He or she must also recognize emergency patient care situations and institute lifesaving first aid when necessary. Extended patient contact and added professional responsibility are only a couple of the many rewards found in the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET (29-2032.00 – Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) for additional career information.
Program Information
Each of the radiation sciences diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) degree tracks consist of two professional programs—DMS in general and vascular sonography or DMS in cardiac and vascular sonography. Each of these three-year programs is selective and competitive; acceptance is not guaranteed. Students must satisfy all UI admission requirements, complete all prerequisites, and be accepted into the diagnostic medical sonography professional program following an application and selection process.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography in General and Vascular Sonography
The diagnostic medical sonography program in general and vascular sonography provides a multispecialty education in obstetrical, abdominal, and vascular sonography (ultrasound imaging). Students learn about sonographic imaging and evaluation, hemodynamics and Doppler evaluation, sonography equipment, sectional anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, and quality assurance methods. They become proficient in using sonographic imaging equipment and in performing obstetrical and gynecological, abdominal, and vascular sonographic procedures, including invasive procedures, emergency exams, and 3-D imaging. They also participate in supervised clinical education. Elective courses are available in pediatric and breast sonography.
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification exams in diagnostic medical sonography in the specialty areas of obstetrics and gynecology, abdomen, and vascular technology.
Students typically apply to this three-year program during their first year and begin it in fall of their sophomore year. Application deadline is January 15. Nine students are accepted into this track each year.
The diagnostic medical sonography program in cardiac and vascular sonography provides a multispecialty education in cardiac (echocardiography) and vascular sonography (ultrasound imaging). Students learn about sonographic imaging and evaluation, hemodynamics and Doppler evaluation, sonography equipment, sectional anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, and quality assurance methods. They become proficient in using sonographic imaging equipment and in performing cardiac and vascular sonographic procedures, including invasive procedures, emergency exams, and 3-D imaging. They also participate in supervised clinical education.
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification exams in diagnostic medical sonography in the specialty areas of cardiac (echocardiography) and vascular technology.
Students typically apply to this three-year program during their first year and begin it in fall of their sophomore year. Application deadline is January 15. Six students are accepted into this track each year.
The diagnostic medical sonography student will have clinical assignments in many different areas of UI Hospitals and Clinics including the Departments of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Heart and Vascular Center. Students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of different types of modern sonographic equipment. The student’s clinical experiences will include routine imaging, high risk obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric and neonatal exams, transplant patients, invasive procedures, 3D imaging and other specialized imaging. Rotations to other clinical sites provide a variety of additional clinical experiences.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) (www.jrcdms.org). (CAAHEP, 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; (727) 210-2350)
A certificate in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) takes one year to complete. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, getting a certificate may be your best option. Some of the areas that will make up your DMS classes are gynecological and obstetrical ultrasound, and echocardiography. As a sonography student, will also be expected to do several clinical rotations in order to get experience in different fields. You will also be trained to maintain and inspect your equipment. Since you will be interacting with patients constantly as a part of your duties, you will be trained in patient care; this includes learning how to communicate with them and to pay attention to both their physical and mental state as you administer the tests. An associate degree will usually take two years and a bachelor’s four years. Both the bachelor’s and the associate program will include more lab work and hands on training than the certificate program. In addition to relevant science courses like biology and physics, sonography students will also learn to think critically and to solve problems. Some of the institutions in Iowa that offer DMS courses are University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Mercy College, and Allen College.Featured Programs:SPONSORED SCHOOL(S)Grand Canyon UniversityFeatured Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Master of Public HealthRequest InfoPurdue University GlobalFeatured Program: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Office Administration, Associate of Science in Health ScienceRequest InfoSouthern New Hampshire UniversityFeatured Program: BS in Health Sciences, BS in Healthcare Administration, MS in Management – HealthcareRequest InfoLiberty UniversityFeatured Program: AAS – Medical Office Assistant, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), Bachelor of Science in Healthcare AdministrationRequest InfoRasmussen UniversityFeatured Program: Radiologic Technology Associate’s DegreeRequest InfoUltimate Medical AcademyFeatured Program: Healthcare Career Training ProgramsRequest Info
Sonography Licensing in Iowa
While a few states require that sonogram technicians be licensed, most do not. In Iowa, there is no licensing requirement; however, most employers do prefer registry-eligible candidates. As a certified sonogram tech, you can register with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry for Radiologic Technicians (ARRTS). The ARDMS registry is independent and not-for-profit and was established in 1975; it has the stated goal of promoting patient safety via the certification of ultrasound professionals. Along with being registered, continuing education is another important part of being a sonographer. Continuing education certification provides assurance that you have kept up with changes in technology and are qualified to use newer equipment and methods. The ARRT provides continuing education certification. All radiologic technologists (including sonographers) are required to report a minimum of 24 Category A credits every two years when they renew their registration. ARDMS certification lasts 10 years, with recertification assessments during the last three years. You will have to earn at least 30 ARDMS-accepted CMEs during that three-year period.
Career Outlook for Sonogram Technicians in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook of sonographers is expected to grow by 18 percent by 2018. Other factors that will impact your career prospects include the fact that many patients will want to avoid tests that involve the use of radiation and the fact that sonography has a lower cost than other testing methods. With an aging American population, similar growth is expected for other medical professions. If you are certified in multiple areas, you will have above average prospects for employment in Iowa. Diagnostic medical sonographers can find work in Iowa’s physicians’ practices, hospitals or in diagnostic laboratories.
Find Sonographer Training Programs in Iowa
Explore careers in medical imaging today by reaching out to diagnostic medical sonography schools in Iowa!
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Iowa employs hundreds of ultrasound technicians, otherwise known as diagnostic medical sonographers. Though much of the state is made up of rural farmland, there are several hospitals and clinics that rely on ultrasound techs to make sure patients are receiving accurate and efficient healthcare and diagnostic services. manufacturing, finance and biotech industries also make up large portions of the economy.
To find programs that will allow you to enter this essential job field within healthcare, simply look at our lists below.
Featured Programs:SPONSORED SCHOOL(S)Grand Canyon UniversityFeatured Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Master of Public HealthRequest InfoPurdue University GlobalFeatured Program: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Office Administration, Associate of Science in Health ScienceRequest InfoSouthern New Hampshire UniversityFeatured Program: BS in Health Sciences, BS in Healthcare Administration, MS in Management – HealthcareRequest InfoLiberty UniversityFeatured Program: AAS – Medical Office Assistant, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), Bachelor of Science in Healthcare AdministrationRequest InfoRasmussen UniversityFeatured Program: Radiologic Technology Associate’s DegreeRequest InfoUltimate Medical AcademyFeatured Program: Healthcare Career Training ProgramsRequest Info
What Are the Top Ultrasound Training Programs in Iowa?
What should you look for in ultrasound tech training programs? Is sonography a good career in Iowa? You likely have lots of questions as you prepare to take the next step in your career, but we’re here to help. One of the best parts of becoming an ultrasound tech is how quickly you can get started. Many ultrasound training programs are designed to be finished in one year or less. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, check out different medical imaging specialties in Iowa.
Is Ultrasound Tech a Good Career in Iowa?
- Certificate programs last one year, Associate’s degree programs last two years, and Bachelor’s degree programs last four years
- Credit requirements vary between 30, 60, and 120 credits
- Complete up to 1,700 clinical hours
- May become certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Best Ultrasound Tech Training Programs in Iowa
This is likely the job title you think of when you ask “How much do ultrasound techs make in Iowa?” You may want to become certified after graduation, which is why you should choose an accredited training program.
Ultrasound Tech Coursework in Iowa
- Sonographic Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Principles of Imaging
- Procedures of Medical Imaging
- Professional Ethics in Sonography
Top Sonography Training Programs in Iowa
The use of diagnostic medical sonography helps patients get more appropriate care in a shorter timeframe. Choose a program that gives you experience in different medical specialties, since medical imaging is used by the vast majority of specialists now.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes in Iowa
- Physics and Instrumentation
- Sonography Clinical Experience
- Abdominal Sonography
- Echocardiography
Best MRI Technologist Training Programs in Iowa
Safety is a key part of working as an MRI technician. MRI professionals create 3D images by taking hundreds of scans of specific body parts and compiling them.
Iowa Class Requirements for MRI Technicians
- Radiographic Imaging Equipment
- Radiographic Pathology
- Clinical Experience in MRI Technology
Vascular Sonography Training — Top Programs in Iowa
Blood vessels must work properly for optimal body health. This degree program shows you how to use ultrasound tools to image the body’s blood vessels.
Coursework Options for Vascular Sonography Students
- Cardiovascular Monitoring
- Scanning Applications
- Ethical Issues in Healthcare
- Anatomy and Physiology
Best Radiology Tech Training Options in Iowa
Radiology technicians use radiographic imaging to scan various parts of the body. Cover safety concepts and imaging techniques in this program.
Classes Offered in Radiology Tech Programs
- Radiation Protection
- Imaging Techniques
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Physics of Medical Imaging
Best Echo Tech Training Programs in Iowa
By mastering heart imaging techniques, you may be able to work with cardiographers to fight one of the most common causes of death in the United States: heart disease.
Echocardiography Coursework Requirements
- Sonography Physics
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac Pathology Studies
- Interdisciplinary Cardiac Imaging
This is your chance to compare diagnostic medical sonography schools in Iowa and choose a program that suits your needs. Check out our comprehensive list of ultrasound tech programs and contact the ones that catch your eye.
Des Moines, Iowa’s largest city, is home to many hospitals and research institutions and is the center of the state’s medical industry. Iowa has a relatively low unemployment rate, and because many young, educated people have been leaving the state, there may be many new opportunities for trained medical professionals.
A few of Iowa’s smaller colleges are ultrasound tech schools, offering associate degrees in sonography and radiologic technology as well as certificate programs to enter the field. The ultrasound technician programs in IA include Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiologic Technology.
If you plan to complete a certificate program, you can expect to be in school anywhere from two-four semesters. If you plan on earning an Associate’s in Ultrasound Technology, plan to spend at least two years earning your degree.
Some of the more common courses you will likely take include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Diagnostic Procedures I, II, III
- Healthcare Communication
- Patient Safety and Procedures
- Inter-professional Issues
- Basic Math, English and Sciences courses
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Still wondering “Is ultrasound tech a good career in Iowa?” You can learn more by exploring the average ultrasound tech salary in Iowa. Salaries vary between specialties. You can also wake up every day knowing that your work is important to the healthcare industry, physicians, and individual patients.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Iowa
- 25% expected job growth by 2024 (O*Net, 2017)
- $62,110 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
- 24% national job growth expected between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
Echo Tech Salary in Iowa — 2017
- 20% expected job growth by 2024 (O*Net, 2017)
- $48,530 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
- 24% national job growth expected between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
2017 Vascular Sonographer Salary in Iowa
- 20% expected job growth by 2024 (O*Net, 2017)
- $48,530 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
- 24% national job growth expected between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
MRI Technologist Salary in Iowa — 2017
- 11% expected job growth by 2024 (O*Net, 2017)
- $60,050 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
- 9% national job growth expected between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
2017 Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Iowa
- 20% expected job growth by 2024 (O*Net, 2017)
- $48,530 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
- 24% national job growth expected between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
Radiology Tech Salary in Iowa — 2017
- 7% expected job growth by 2024 (O*Net, 2017)
- $49,600 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
- 9% national job growth expected between 2014 and 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
Find Top Allied Health Programs and Start Your Medical Career
Now that you can answer the question “How much do sonographers make in Iowa?” you may be ready to choose an ultrasound tech school near you.
Find out more about your financial aid options on our scholarships page and then reach out to sonographer training programs in IA for more information.
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