Career 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.
Program Overview
CBC offers an Associate in 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 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 about the program. Please visit the Information Sessions page to find when the next session is scheduled.
Program Prerequisites
All courses listed below must be completed by the end of fall quarter in order to apply for the program which begins winter quarter.
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the program
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- English Composition I (ENGL& 101)
- Geometry/Trigonometry (MATH 113) or Introduction to Stats (MATH& 146)
- Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL& 241)*
- Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL& 242)
- Physics Non-Sci Majors (PHYS& 100/PHYS& 101)
- Medical Terminology (HSCI 147)
- General Psychology (PSYC& 100) or above
- Communication Studies – select one of the following:
- Speech Essentials (CMST 101)
- Public Speaking (CMST& 220)
- Communication Behavior (CMST 110)
- Interpersonal Communication (CMST& 210)
- Multicultural Communication (CMST 260)
*Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL& 241) requires that you take General Biology (BIOL& 160) or Majors Cellular (BIOL& 211) as a prerequisite.
A minimum grade of 2.5 or higher is required in each of the above courses to be eligible to apply for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program.