Information about Ultrasound/Sonography
For more than 30 years, the Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics has been training individuals in diagnostic medical sonography for success in entry-level sonography positions. Through an accelerated and intense training program, we are committed to preparing every student with the knowledge and skills needed to begin an exciting career in sonography.
Why Choose a Career in Ultrasound Diagnostics?
Sonographers enjoy a wide range of benefits upon entering the workforce. On average, sonographers earn more than $50,000 annually at an entry-level position. Over time and with added experience, they may earn much more. Although there are numerous factors that can affect a salary, entry-level sonographers can expect a fair and competitive salary.
As technology changes, technicians get to enjoy working with cutting-edge technology as they look inside the body using sound waves. Although a background in applied health fields is not necessary to become a sonographer, this course of study is perfect for anyone with past medical experience looking to make a career change but desiring to continue making a difference in lives of others.
Once the course and clinical study are complete, there is a diverse range of specialties and areas of focus to pursue when looking for employment. Some of these specialties include positions within various hospital departments, outpatient clinics, and mobile units. Trained sonographers may enjoy working in fields such as OB/GYN, abdominal, and vascular applications as well as echocardiography, neurosonology, pediatrics, and MSK among others.
Sonography Programs Available at the Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics
The Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics’ flagship program is a One-Year comprehensive training program in diagnostic medical sonography. For 90% or more of those interested in pursuing a career in ultrasound, our One-Year program is most relevant and complete program to fulfilling that goal.
However, in very specific cases, IUD offers a Complete Cross-Training course intended for those with a 2 year allied healthcare background who are currently employed in the medical field and are being cross-trained into sonography.
One-Year Program
Our One-Year program is an advanced, accelerated continuous 12-month program in general diagnostic medical sonography. It includes abdomen and OB/GYN applications as well as the Sonography Physics and Instrumentation. The One-Year program is also CAAHEP accredited.
It is unlike most sonography programs offered in a college or university setting. What sets our program apart is, it is one of the few sonography programs in the country that offers a comprehensive diagnostic medical sonography curriculum in a 12-month time frame. Additionally, we also offer this program for distance learners.
It is an accelerated, full-time, day program which requires self-motivation and good time management skills. For those requiring additional time considerations in order to process information or desire a slower paced environment, this program may not be for you. Our program covers, in 12 months, what most schools cover in 18-24 months. We can do this because you must complete prerequisite classes prior to admission. Once you begin the sonography program, you can expect fast-paced information delivery and clinical instruction.
At the end of the One-Year sonography program, the combination of in-class didactic instruction and hands-on clinical training will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to sit and pass the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer’s) exams in Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen, and OB/GYN sonography and the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exams in general sonography.
Cross-Training Complete Course at IUD
For very specific applicants and situations, IUD offers a Complete Cross-Training Course. This course is intended for employers/employees currently working in the allied health filed ( X-ray, CT, MRI etc.) an option to Cross-Train into Ultrasound on the job.
This cross-training options, which includes both in-class instruction and scan labs, highlights didactic teaching in three main categories related to normal anatomy: Physics/Instrumentation, Abdominal Sonography, and OB/GYN Sonography. See our cross-training page for more details.
If you’re interested in learning more about our programs contact us today!
Research Sonography
Below are links to several organizations and websites related to diagnostic medical sonography. These sites have a wealth of great information about Sonography in general, the field, job prospects, what to look for in a school, and accreditation.
Anyone who thinks they are interested in a career in sonography is encouraged to spend time on these websites to learn all they can about the field.
www.ardms.org – The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®) administers examinations and awards credentials in areas of ultrasound. ARDMS.org has a wealth of knowledge about sonography and great resources for students and those new to sonography.
www.SDMS.org – The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) is a professional membership organization founded in 1970 to promote, advance, and educate its members and the medical community in the science of diagnostic medical sonography. The SDMS, with over 28,000 members, is the largest association of sonographers and sonography students in the world. SDMS.org as great information about sonography career paths, what to look for in a school, and information about all the different ultrasound modalities used.
www.CAAHEP.org – The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is a programmatic postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and carries out its accrediting activities in cooperation with 23 review Committees on Accreditation. CAAHEP is considered the “Gold Standard” for accreditation for Sonography schools and education.
https://www.ultrasoundjobs.com – UltrasoundJOBS.com is the only Internet recruitment site focused solely on ultrasound professionals. It is a partner of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®), the certifying agency for sonographers and vascular technologists, and is the only service of its kind endorsed by the organization. ARDMS® continually promotes the site through its newsletters, conferences and trade shows, website, and main office.