Diagnostic Medical Imaging Schools and Training Programs

<p>If you are interested in a career in diagnostic medical imaging, you will be required to complete training in that specific subject matter. Most programs are 2 years in length and have a combination of classroom-based and hands-on learning. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> Programs are offered at medical centers, universities, colleges and community colleges</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Mathematics, human anatomy, physics, laboratory work and clinical experience</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Salary</b></td><td> $71,410* (Median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers as of May 2017)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsDiagnosticMedicalImaging">What Is Diagnostic Medical Imaging?</h3> <p>Diagnostic imaging, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the medical analysis of a patient's body through x-rays or other radiological wavelengths. The wavelengths produce images of a patient's organs, bones or body systems so physicians may assess if the patient has an internal problem. Professionals who take the images are usually defined as radiologic technicians. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSchoolsOfferThisProgram">What Schools Offer this Program?</h3> <p>Those seeking to obtain a degree or complete a training program in medical imaging can do so through 2- or 4-year colleges or universities as well as through programs offered through hospitals or medical centers. Most school or medical center programs include a clinical aspect that allows students to apply techniques they have learned in an imaging facility. Schools and medical centers that offer accredited diagnostic medical sonograhy or radiologic technology programs include: </p> <ul><li>St. Mary's Medical Center, WV </li><li>MedStar Washington Medical Center, DC </li><li>Stautzenberger College, OH </li><li>Montgomery College, MD </li><li>Dallas County Community College, TX </li><li>Nova Southeatern University, FL </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatElseShouldIKnowAboutEducationalPrograms">What Else Should I Know About Educational Programs?</h3> <p>As reported by the BLS, most employers prefer job candidates who have completed an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography or radiologic technology. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the accrediting body for schools and training programs in diagnostic medical imaging. JRCERT accredits both traditional post-secondary programs and alternative programs. The alternative programs include online, distance-learning options as well as nights or weekend programs that offer scheduling flexibility. Many of the programs are provided by medical centers, universities, colleges or community college. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheTrainingLike">What Is the Training Like?</h3> <p>Most diagnostic medical imaging training programs are two years in length. Whether the programs are offered at a medical center or community college, you should expect an extensive mix of both classwork and hands-on training. Hands-on training may be offered at local hospitals or university medical centers. There are even fellowship opportunities for those with certification and bachelor's degrees. A typical school-based training program in medical imaging includes a number of courses in mathematics, human anatomy and physics. Among the courses you can expect to take include: </p> <ul><li>Ultrasound physics </li><li>Medical terminology </li><li>Patient care </li><li>Abdominal sonography </li><li>Obstretical sonography </li><li>Gynecological sonography </li><li>Vascular sonography </li></ul><p>After these courses are complete, most programs include laboratory work and clinical education. This allows you to become an efficient worker in an office or hospital and ensures that you properly use the equipment so as not to endanger yourself or the patient. In many of the programs, the learning environment is didactic then clinical, meaning you learn the information first and then immediately or in the next class section are asked to work with the medical equipment in laboratories.</p>