Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Welcome to the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program

Students work with a patient

The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program at John A. Logan College is an eighteen-month, full-time career program that addresses the growing demand for highly trained well-educated sonographers. The sonographer utilizes high frequency sound waves to produce visual images of the body. Echocardiography evaluates the anatomy and hemodynamics of the heart, its valves, and related blood vessels. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. Diagnostic sonography serves a diverse population in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and veterinary offices. The goal of sonography is to produce the best diagnostic information possible with available resources. The curriculum is an extremely active one in which the student is responsible for maintaining academic requirements on campus, as well as participating in an internship at clinical affiliates. A Strong math and physics background is suggested.

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The Projected Need for Sonographers

Sonography is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past 20 years. With rapidly developing new technologies and increased use of diagnostic ultrasound procedures, growth is projected to continue in the future with employment opportunities for qualified sonographers in both urban and rural areas nationwide. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.

According to the SDMS Salary and Benefits Survey report (released March, 2005), the median salary for sonographers is $61,984. This income includes: 1) hourly salary, 2) overtime and, 3) on-call pay. The typical hourly pay rate is $29, and the number of overtime hours worked per week by sonographers is 3. The typical on-call pay rate is $3.00 per hour, and the call-in rate of pay is $42 per hour.

(From http://www.sdms.org/career/career.asp)

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Accreditation Status

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). http://www.caahep.org/

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examination. Successful registrants may use the title Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). http://www.ardms.org/

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Informational Packet

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Below is a link to a packet that contains information about Diagnostic Medical Sonography, such as admission requirements, costs, and an application packet. Fourteen students with required prerequisites are admitted annually. Click here to open a PDF of the informational packet.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Orientation Packet

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Clinical Sites

Barnes–Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Carbondale Memorial
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
Heartland Regional Medical
Marion, Illinois 62959
Herrin Hospital
Herrin Illinois 62948
St. Francis Medical Center
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703
St. John’s Hospital
Springfield, Il 62769
Memorial Medical Center
Springfield, Il 62781
Lourdes
Paducah, Kentucky 42003
Carle Foundation Hospital
Urbana, IL 61801
St Anthony’s
Effingham, IL 62401
St. Mary’s
Centralia, Illinois 62801
Good Samaritan
Mt Vernon, Illinois 62864
VA Medical Center
Marion, Illinois 62959
St Mary’s Hospital
Decatur, IL 62521

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Additional Resources

Association/Journals/Accreditation Links

  1. SDMS: Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, to promote, advance, educate members of the medical community in DMS, Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The largest professional organization for sonographers representing every specialty and level of expertise. http://www.sdms.org
  2. ARDMS: Offers voluntary credentialing examinations. One becomes registered by taking physics and specialty exam, Credentials: RDMS, RDCS, RVT. http://www.ardms.org/
  3. ASE: American Society of Echocardiography, good web site, echo images. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. http://www.asecho.org
  4. ACC: American College of Cardiology: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. http://www.acc.org
  5. AIUM: American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine: Advances the art and science of ultrasound in medicine and research, Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. http://www.aium.org
  6. CAAHEP: Accredits programs representing 18 allied health professions recognizing over 1900 allied health education programs in more than 1300 institutions. http://www.caahep.org
  7. Sonography jobs, http://www.ultrasoundjobs.com

Sonographers and Vascular Technologists must be able to:

  • Lift more than 50 pounds routinely
  • Push and pull routinely
  • Bend and stoop routinely
  • Have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders
  • Distinguish audible sounds
  • Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
  • Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
  • Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
  • Assist patients on and off examining tables
  • Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
  • Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence

(From http://www.sdms.org/career/career.asp)

For further program information contact:

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