Page updated August 6, 2009

Program Overview
Diagnostic Ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of body tissues. Information obtained from these images can be utilized along with other patient data in order to arrive at a medical diagnosis. Ultrasound, when compared to other imaging modalities like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography), is a relatively low cost non-invasive procedure that does not utilize either magnetic fields or ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Diagnostic Ultrasound is performed by a sonographer. Good sonographers have excellent communication and critical thinking skills, are able to work well with others, and perform well independently. Because Diagnostic Ultrasound is a progressive medical science, sonographers must be willing to maintain their knowledge and expertise through participation in continuing medical education. Sonographers work with sonologists, cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and other physicians in order to arrive at a diagnosis for the patient.

Degree Program
Columbia Basin College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology. The Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology degree program is eight quarters in length and consists of in-class lectures, hands-on scanning labs, and more than 1,600 hours of clinical education at local healthcare facilities. Classroom education includes a core curriculum of study that places emphasis on acoustical principles, properties, and physics; pathophysiology; abdominal, obstetrical, and gynecological sonography; echocardiography; and vascular technology. Other topics of study include neurosonography, intraoperative sonography, and patient care techniques.

All students interested in the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program are encouraged to attend a free information session to gain additional details on the program. Please visit the Information Sessions page to find when the next session is scheduled.

Program Outcomes

Program Prerequisites

• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED
• English Composition I (ENGL& 101)
• Business Mathematics (MATH 106) or above
• Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL& 241/BIOL& 241L)*
• Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL& 242/BIOL& 242L)
• Physics Non-Sci Majors (PHYS& 100/PHYS& 101)
• Medical Terminology (HIT 147)
• General Psychology (PSYC& 100) or above
• Speech – select one of the following:
  • Speech Essentials (CMST 101)
  • Public Speaking (CMST& 220)
  • Communication Behavior (CMST 110)
  • Interpersonal Communication (CMST& 210)
  • Multicultural Communications (CMST 260)

*Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL& 241/241L) requires that you take General Biology (BIOL& 160/BIOL& 160L) or Majors Cellular (BIOL& 211/BIOL& 211L) as a pre-requisite.

A grade of 2.0 or higher is required in each of the above courses to be eligible to apply for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program.

Program Application Process
Columbia Basin College is preparing to offer the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program with a cohort beginning winter 2010. Admission into the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program is selective and competitive. All students interested in seeking enrollment into the program must complete and submit a Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program application.  The pplication for interested students has been provided below. 

Winter 2010 Diagnostic Ultrasound Program Application