AASU Ultrasound Program Sabrina Tucker Kacey Morrison

What is Ultrasound? An imaging modality using sound waves to evaluate specific internal organs, tissues, and blood flow Used to help in the diagnosis of diseases and other pathologies Assist radiologist with procedures

Specialty Areas Abdomen Obstetrics/Gynecology Small Parts Breast Vascular Echocardiography

Abdominal Ultrasound Liver Kidneys Pancreas Gallbladder Aorta Spleen Bladder

OB/GYN Ultrasound Evaluation of female reproductive system Fetus 6 weeks until delivery

Small Parts Ultrasound Thyroid Testicles Breast

Breast Ultrasound Evaluates breast abnormalities such as lumps found by the patient or a doctor and abnormal areas found on a diagnostic mammogram

Vascular Ultrasound Evaluation and analysis of the blood flow of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels Carotid Arteries External Carotid Artery – feeds the face Internal Carotid Artery – feeds the brain Venous Doppler Upper Extremities Lower Extremities Abdominal Doppler Portal Vein – feeds to liver Renal Arteries

Echocardiography Evaluation of the anatomy and blood flow of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels

Armstrong Sonography Program Offers: Abdomen OB/GYN

Procedures Assist radiologists with the following: Biopsy / Cyst Aspiration –collect a tissue sample or fluid from a cyst or mass for diagnosis Liver Renal Thyroid Breast

Procedures Assist radiologists with the following: Paracentesis – draining of fluid in abdominal cavity Thoracentesis – draining of fluid in chest cavity Amniocentesis – obtain a sample of amniotic fluid to test for fetal lung maturity or chromosomal anomalies

Professional Responsibilities Acquiring an accurate patient history Obtaining required diagnostic images and assisting radiologists with diagnostic procedures Recognizing disease and taking the appropriate amount of images to help the radiologists make a diagnosis Providing quality patient care Working with physicians and other healthcare individuals to make a quick and thorough diagnosis

Career Opportunities Hospitals Private practice physician offices Contract sonographer Traveling sonographer Educator

Hospitals Ultrasound technologist in hospitals are responsible for abdominal, obstetrics, vascular, pediatric examinations, and special procedures. The average annual income for an ultrasound technologist in a hospital is $58,000. Some hospitals require their technologists be "on call". Usually workers receive time and a half for the hours put in on call. Typical hours consist of hours a week. This is considered a full-time employee.

Private Practice Physician Offices This organization practices obstetric and gynecological examinations. Some special procedures such as Amniocentesis, Dye Tests, and sonohysterograms are performed as well. The average annual income is around $50,000. Work hours vary. Private practices are usually open 3-5 days a week.

Contract Sonographer A contract worker is someone who basically works for themselves and have their own ultrasound equipment to perform ultrasound examinations. The pay for a contract worker depends on what they charge per patient. Obstetric ultrasounds tend to be more expensive than regular abdominal or vascular ultrasounds. Contract workers have very good salaries. They make between $80,000-$200,000. A contract worker gets to make their own schedule. They can work however much they want depending on what kind of money they want to make.

Traveling Sonographer A traveling sonographer is someone who travels to different places. Usually, a place like a hospital or doctor's office will have the sonographer come and work between weeks at a time. After that time is up, the sonographer will move somewhere else and do the same. The pay for this type of occupation is excellent. The range of pay is between $75,000- $150,000. Hours vary depending on the place the sonographer is working at the time. Normally, they hold full time positions.

Educator An educator is someone who teaches students to become skilled professional sonographers. Usually, this consists of an ultrasound program that a student must apply to and acquire acceptance. Universities offer a bachelors degree (AASU), and smaller schools offer a certificate. The pay ranges from $40,000-$60,000 depending on the level of education by the educator. Typical hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm.

What does Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) Offer? AASU offers a baccalaureate degree in radiologic sciences specializing in diagnostic medical sonography. It takes four years to complete the program. The first two years consist of core curriculum that is required to become accepted into the program. Once accepted, the last two years prepare you to become a highly skilled diagnostic medical sonographer. The ultrasound program offers education on the specialty areas of abdomen, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular. A combination of lecture courses and clinical experience is offered to ensure that students graduate from the program with the highest level of education and professionalism.

What does Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) Offer? AASU allows students to sit for the national credentialing certification exams (registry) after passing the exit examinations offered throughout the senior year. A student can sit for the registry as early as the fall semester of his/her senior year. An ultrasound student is allowed to sit for the physics, abdomen, and obstetrics/gynecology registries.

How do I apply? Applicants are required to submit a formal application and transcripts of all college and technical school course work to the department. Participation in an interview may be necessary. The deadline for submission of all application items is November 1st. A new class begins in June (summer semester) each year. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis and written notification of acceptance will begin March 1st. The amount of completed course work, GPA, and the interview (if needed) determine competitiveness. Students are encouraged to begin taking related core courses (specifically the sciences) as soon as possible.

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