North-West College (all locations)

Diploma in Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech)

As imaging technology has continued to evolve, medical facilities continue to use ultrasound to replace more invasive, costly procedures. Ultrasound is often less expensive than other imaging technologies and is often used as a first-line diagnostic tool. Third-party payers encourage the use of these noninvasive measures over invasive ones to save on costs. Diagnostic medical sonographers and other diagnostic imaging personnel will continue to be needed in health care settings to provide an alternative to imaging techniques that involve radiation.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound) program at North-West College trains students to develop the skills needed to perform diagnostic studies on patients using ultrasound equipment to diagnose and interpret a physician.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (also called Ultrasound Technicians) operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Some technologists assist physicians and surgeons during surgical procedures.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

Preparing patients for procedures by taking a patient’s medical history and answering any questions about the procedure.

Preparing and maintaining diagnostic imaging equipment.

Operating equipment to obtain diagnostic images or to conduct tests.

Reviewing images or test results to check for quality and adequate coverage of the areas needed for diagnoses.

Recognizing the difference between normal and abnormal images and other diagnostic information.

Analyzing diagnostic information to provide a summary of findings for physicians.

Recording findings and keeping track of patients’ records.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS or ultrasound) program at North-West College provides students with a balanced education through competency-based training that combines didactic instruction to demonstrate and perform practical skills. Graduates from the DMS program have the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for entry-level employment as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Sonographers perform diagnostic studies on patients using ultrasound scanners to produce images of the anatomical areas for diagnosis and interpretation by a physician. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program at North-West College provides the education and training needed to begin a career working with medical diagnostic imaging. Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

Hospitals

Physician’s Offices

Medical Clinics

Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories

Mobile imaging centers and other healthcare-related facilities.