Transcript AASU Ultrasound Program

AASU Ultrasound Program
Sabrina Tucker
Kacey Morrison
What is Ultrasound?
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An imaging modality using sound
waves to evaluate specific internal
organs, tissues, and blood flow
Used to help in the diagnosis of
diseases and other pathologies
Assist radiologist with procedures
Specialty Areas
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Abdomen
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Small Parts
Breast
Vascular
Echocardiography
Abdominal Ultrasound
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Liver
Kidneys
Pancreas
Gallbladder
Aorta
Spleen
Bladder
OB/GYN Ultrasound
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Evaluation of female reproductive system
Fetus 6 weeks until delivery
Small Parts Ultrasound
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Thyroid
Testicles
Breast
Breast Ultrasound
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Evaluates breast abnormalities such as
lumps found by the patient or a doctor and
abnormal areas found on a diagnostic
mammogram
Vascular Ultrasound
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Evaluation and analysis of the blood flow of
peripheral and abdominal blood vessels
Carotid Arteries
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Venous Doppler
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External Carotid Artery – feeds the face
Internal Carotid Artery – feeds the brain
Upper Extremities
Lower Extremities
Abdominal Doppler
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Portal Vein – feeds to liver
Renal Arteries
Echocardiography
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Evaluation of the anatomy and blood flow of
the heart, its valves and related blood vessels
Armstrong Sonography
Program Offers:
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Abdomen
OB/GYN
Procedures
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Assist radiologists with the following:
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Biopsy / Cyst Aspiration –collect a tissue sample
or fluid from a cyst or mass for diagnosis
 Liver
 Renal
 Thyroid
 Breast
Procedures
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Assist radiologists with the following:
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Paracentesis – draining of fluid in abdominal
cavity
Thoracentesis – draining of fluid in chest cavity
Amniocentesis – obtain a sample of amniotic fluid
to test for fetal lung maturity or chromosomal
anomalies
Professional Responsibilities
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Acquiring an accurate patient history
Obtaining required diagnostic images and assisting
radiologists with diagnostic procedures
Recognizing disease and taking the appropriate
amount of images to help the radiologists make a
diagnosis
Providing quality patient care
Working with physicians and other healthcare
individuals to make a quick and thorough diagnosis
Career Opportunities
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Hospitals
Private practice physician offices
Contract sonographer
Traveling sonographer
Educator
Hospitals
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Ultrasound technologist in hospitals are
responsible for abdominal, obstetrics, vascular,
pediatric examinations, and special procedures.
The average annual income for an ultrasound
technologist in a hospital is $58,000.
Some hospitals require their technologists be
"on call". Usually workers receive time and a
half for the hours put in on call.
Typical hours consist of 32-40 hours a
week. This is considered a full-time employee.
Private Practice Physician
Offices
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This organization practices obstetric and
gynecological examinations. Some
special procedures such as
Amniocentesis, Dye Tests, and
sonohysterograms are performed as well.
The average annual income is around
$50,000.
Work hours vary. Private practices are
usually open 3-5 days a week.
Contract Sonographer
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A contract worker is someone who basically
works for themselves and have their own
ultrasound equipment to perform ultrasound
examinations.
The pay for a contract worker depends on what
they charge per patient. Obstetric ultrasounds
tend to be more expensive than regular
abdominal or vascular ultrasounds. Contract
workers have very good salaries. They make
between $80,000-$200,000.
A contract worker gets to make their own
schedule. They can work however much they
want depending on what kind of money they
want to make.
Traveling Sonographer
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A traveling sonographer is someone who travels
to different places. Usually, a place like a
hospital or doctor's office will have the
sonographer come and work between 12-18
weeks at a time. After that time is up, the
sonographer will move somewhere else and do
the same.
The pay for this type of occupation is
excellent. The range of pay is between $75,000$150,000.
Hours vary depending on the place the
sonographer is working at the time. Normally,
they hold full time positions.
Educator
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An educator is someone who teaches students
to become skilled professional sonographers.
Usually, this consists of an ultrasound program
that a student must apply to and acquire
acceptance. Universities offer a bachelors
degree (AASU), and smaller schools offer a
certificate.
The pay ranges from $40,000-$60,000 depending
on the level of education by the educator.
Typical hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am5:00pm.
What does Armstrong Atlantic
State University (AASU) Offer?
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AASU offers a baccalaureate degree in radiologic
sciences specializing in diagnostic medical sonography.
It takes four years to complete the program. The first
two years consist of core curriculum that is required to
become accepted into the program.
Once accepted, the last two years prepare you to
become a highly skilled diagnostic medical sonographer.
The ultrasound program offers education on the
specialty areas of abdomen, obstetrics/gynecology, and
vascular.
A combination of lecture courses and clinical experience
is offered to ensure that students graduate from the
program with the highest level of education and
professionalism.
What does Armstrong Atlantic
State University (AASU) Offer?
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AASU allows students to sit for the national credentialing
certification exams (registry) after passing the exit
examinations offered throughout the senior year.
A student can sit for the registry as early as the fall
semester of his/her senior year.
An ultrasound student is allowed to sit for the physics,
abdomen, and obstetrics/gynecology registries.
How do I apply?
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Applicants are required to submit a formal application
and transcripts of all college and technical school course
work to the department. Participation in an interview
may be necessary.
The deadline for submission of all application items is
November 1st.
A new class begins in June (summer semester) each
year.
Applications will be considered on a competitive basis
and written notification of acceptance will begin March
1st. The amount of completed course work, GPA, and
the interview (if needed) determine competitiveness.
Students are encouraged to begin taking related core
courses (specifically the sciences) as soon as possible.
Informative Websites
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http://www.radsci.armstrong.edu/
http://my.rcampus.com/AASUUltrasound
http://www.sdms.org
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm
http://www.aium.org/
http://www.ardms.org/
http://www.ultrasoundjobs.com/
http://www.ultrasoundcareers.org/
http://www.sonographysessions.com/home.php
http://www.sonoworld.com/