What does it take to become a sonogramer?
Im going into my third year or college for nursing and its not working out for me. Im thinking about going to a school for becoming a sonogramer. Can anyone give me some information about this career? Any school suggestions in northern california-San francisco area? Do you like the job? I need as much information as possible before i switch. Thank you
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
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1 :
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Most programs will require that you've already completed an allied health certification program such as radiology technician or RN before you can enter the DNS program. It's an advanced level certification program. http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?ContentID=209 is some good information about the field. http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/ has a search function for accredited programs. Before you bail out on that RN program make sure that you can get into a DNS program without already have a completed credential. Also know that an RN with a DNS certification/registry is a valuable commodity. Most obstetricians would rather hire an RN with DNS than to hire two people, for example. That also makes it difficult for some DNS folks to find a job without some other related certification (such as radiology) because the employers would rather hire someone that can do more than one job. Add: Kristen, a stenographer is a person that takes dictation using shorthand. There used to be a lot of them back before we had tape recorders and when businesses had pools of secretaries. Back in the 50's and 60's a lot of women learned stenography in high school and at local "business college". It's pretty much a dead skill now - along with keypunch and typewriters. A sonographer is a person that uses diagnostic electronics to make images using ultrasound. You don't "need" any particular degree but can become qualified in several ways including associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees and certificate programs just as in nursing, lab science, rad technology, etc... As with most areas of allied health; the higher the education, the more you can expect decision making autonomy, higher responsibility, and the resulting higher pay.
2 :
Contact your local community college you do not earn a 4 year degree for a stenographer position. Since you are in a nursing program I am sure that you can transfer many of the classes you need to the community college form your 4 year university. THe community college will be able to tell you everything you must know in order to complete your degree and they have very good placement opportunities. Also if you ever wanted to finish your nursing degree you will be in some sort of practice. Hope this helps good luck!
