Several schools in Philadelphia offer programs in diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound. Diagnostic medical sonographers, also called ultrasonographers, use sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body, especially the abdomen, to help physicians diagnose and detect injury or disease. Sonographers or ultrasound technicians are most well known for giving a pregnant woman the first glimpse of her baby, but the discipline is actually broader and includes training in using ultrasound to survey other parts of the body.
Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University offers three tracks for sonography in the Department of Radiologic Sciences: general sonographer (ultrasound), cardiac sonography and vascular sonography. The university offers two programs: a one-year advanced certificate for students already holding a bachelor’s degree and Bachelor of Science program. “A baccalaureate degree offers the most opportunities for advancement,” the school says. Students also can study education or management during the second year of schooling. Sonographers or ultrasound technicians also learn how to explain procedures to patients, take medical history and operate equipment accurately and safely.
Thomas Jefferson University School of Health Professions Department of Radiologic Sciences 130 S. 9th Street, Suite 800 Edison, Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-503-8890 jefferson.edu
Albert Einstein Medical Center
The Albert Einstein Medical Center’s School of Radiologic Technology offers a non-degreed certificate in radiologic technology, a program which includes specialized ultrasound training in the teaching hospital. The 24-month program includes classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. The department is fully digital, according to its website, with an entire section devoted to mammography.
Albert Einstein Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology 5501 Old York Road Philadelphia, PA 19141 215-456-6234 einstein.edu
Drexel University
Students at Drexel University study sonography in order to get either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree as part of the Medical and Health Professionals Studies program. Radiography education includes classroom instruction and clinic duty in the 21-month program. Students can do clinical rotations at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania.
Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions Bellet Building 1505 Race St., MS 501 Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-762-3990 drexel.edu
Sanford-Brown Institute
The Philadelphia-Trevose campus of Sanford-Brown offers a Certificate of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound. Students study anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, and learn to recognize the sonographic patterns of internal organs. It also offers a program in cardiovascular sonography/technology, which is the use of similar technology to detect heart disease and other conditions.
Sanford-Brown Institute Allied Health Diagnostic 3600 Horizon Blvd. Suite GL-1 Trevose , PA 19053 215-355-4908 sanfordbrown.edu
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Kirsten Sorenson has been an online, print and television reporter, and a columnist since 1994. Her work has appeared in the "Washington Post," "Parade Magazine," the "Arizona Republic," the "Cincinnati Enquirer," KSL Television, Associated Press and the "Deseret News." Her areas of expertise include health and medicine, education and parenting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Brigham Young University.