Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The program offers sonographers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialties. Sonographers work in close association with radiologists and physicians to provide quality images to aid in diagnostic interpretation. A sonographer usually works an eight-hour shift and during that time completes 10-12 ultrasound scans along with required paperwork and documentation. This involves interaction with patients, physicians and other health care professionals. The sonographer provides quality patient care. Ultrasound cases can be “added on” to the schedule each day, and then sonographers will be required to work additional hours. Schedule changes play a role in the stressfuldemands of the career. Clinical independence is extremely important with a strong ability to scan and document important diagnostic findings.
In addition to having a strong didactic foundation , sonographers need to identify normal and abnormal anatomy for informational purposesfor the radiologists and physicians. It is not uncommon when applying for a job position that scanning a patient is part of the interview process.
Sonographers may be employed in various hospitals and offices in different areas of medicine such as vascular, ob/gyn, abdominal, and cardiac sonography. Sonographers are employed in a variety of environments such as hospitals, medical offices and imaging centers. They may also opt to work in sales and pursue baccalaureate degrees.
After you become an ultrasound professional, there are many avenues you can take to move throughout - and beyond - the field. The career paths are plentiful in this ever-growing field.
A: It is a day program. Didactic and clinical education is designed according to the best educational needs of the student.
The program is regional, which means the clinical affiliates are located throughout New Jersey and some locations in New York. The ratio according to the accrediting agency requires the program to have a student/faculty 1:1 ratio. This explains why the number of students accepted into the program is based on the amount of available clinical affiliates. Students need to recognize that they are placedin at least two to three hospitals that provide the best clinical competence experience in preparing them for entry-level employment. The courses are designed with a correlation of theoretical and clinical instruction with the intent to make the graduate a competent sonographer and a productive member of the sonography team.
Students will learn Abdominal, Ob/Gyn and Echocardiography Sonography.They are required to pass all competencies to obtain an A.A.S degree.
Students are expected to make concessions in their life for classes, study & work.
The program is intense. You will be spending many hours in class, clinical & studying. It is recommended that the candidate takes as many general education courses completed prior to entering the DMS component since the program requires a lot of time to be clinically competent and an entry-level sonographer upon completion. Candidates and enrolled students must be aware of the expenses of tuition, fees, books, and uniforms.
Q: Is there an online component in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography curriculum? A: No.
Q: If I live out of county, can I apply to the program?
A: Yes, DMS is a regional program.If a student lives out of county, and their county does not offer an accredited DMS program, students may apply to the program and obtain in county rates if they present a completed out-of-county charge back form with their tuition payment. The forms and instructions for a chargeback are available at the Enrollment service office in A-128. Q: What Happens When I Finish The Program?
A: You will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Upon successfulcompletion ofUltrasound Physics and Instrumentation I and II students are eligible and encouraged to take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) registry exam during the first summer of the program. Graduates are eligible to apply for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (A.R.D.M.S.) specialty exams in Abdomen, Ob/Gyn and Echocardiography. Q: Why are students required to carryMalpractice Insurance?
A: Each student is REQUIRED to carry student malpractice insurance.The fee is approximately $30.00 per year.The student will fill out the form, mail it, and when the policy is returned to the student, the student will provide the Clinical Coordinator with two (2) Xerox copies of the front page.The student must have this completed and returned by the time clinical begins; therefore, it is to be mailed in as soon as possible. All Diagnostic Medical Sonography students are responsible for having immunizations and health insurance. All immunizations and health insurance need to be up to date prior to their first clinical rotation. Students are required to maintain their own copies of all health insurance and immunizations.Certain hospitals will require documentation in order to be in compliant with the clinical affiliate. Q: What is involved in the Diagnostic Sonography Program admissions process?
A: Admission to the Sonography program sponsored by Bergen Community College requires several steps that need to be done in a specific sequence in order to have a completed admissions application.Perspective students are encouraged to read the requirements of each step as stated in the college catalog.
Q: What Are The Graduation Requirements?
A: 69 credits of liberal arts and science courses must be successfully completed.
All didactic sonography courses must be successfully completedandall clinical competency requirements and objectives must be successfully completed as determined by the Diagnostic Medical Sonography course requirements that are determined by the CAAHEP Standards for Accreditation. Q: What Should I Do to Better Prepare for the Program’s Admissions?
ALL remediation courses
*BIO 109Anatomy & Physiology I
*BIO 209 Anatomy & Physiology II
Algebra
College level Physics (PHY-185)
*If you have completed these courses within the past 5 years, then you are ready to apply to the sonography program.
Students are encouraged to complete as many general education courses as possible before entering the program, as the core sonography courses are very demanding. Q: Is the Program Accredited?
A: Yes, we are fully accredited.
A: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). BCC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, Phone: 727-210-2350, Fax: 727-210-2354. Check out the CAAHEP web site at www.caahep.org. Accreditation of the Sonography Program is an essential component in the educational process. This assures that the program complies with certain educational Standards. Q: Is there a national or state certification or credentialing examination that is required after graduation in order to be employed?
A: No. However it is highly recommended that upon completion of the programyou sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS) credentialing exams which include Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen, and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Echocardiography. Each exam costs $200 and is not included in BCC charges. Check out the ARDMS web site www.ardms.org . Q: Any Recommendations?
- Attend a Health Professions information session.
- Research the field.
- Explore employment opportunities.
- Ask questions.
- Make an appointment to meet with a member of the sonography faculty for advisement.
Address specific questions to the faculty .The program’s office is situated in the Pitkin Education Center. The ultrasound lab isroom C-212 and the faculty offices are located in S-220A.
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