San Jacinto College introduces diagnostic medical sonography program

PASADENA, Texas – Students interested in a career in medical imaging may complete a new San Jacinto College (SJC) program in just four semesters to become eligible to work in the field.

             Beginning Fall 2010, the diagnostic medical sonography program at the SJC Central campus will provide students with an intensive clinical curriculum that will prepare them to work in entry-level positions in hospitals and other health care facilities.

            "Local medical imaging managers have been asking for this program for many years," said Tunde Breaker, SJC medical imaging program director. "There are a lot of current and former students interested in pursuing this career path."

             Upon completion of the curriculum, the student is eligible to apply to take exams for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).

             Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. The practice is commonly associated with obstetrics and the use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

           "Medical sonography is a very wise, very economically progressive, career choice to make in this environment of increasing aging population and strained economy," noted Edna Robinson, interim dean of SJC health sciences. "It is more cost effective and safer than traditional x-ray procedures, and its evolution is expected to spawn many new diagnostic procedures. Job opportunities and job security are advantages in this field."

           Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018—faster than the average for all occupations, according to the bureau. Median annual wages of diagnostic medical sonographers in 2008 were $62,340 in offices of physicians and $61,870 in general medical and surgical hospitals.

          Requirements for admission into the SJC diagnostic medical sonography program include either a bachelor's degree or two-year allied health education in a patient care related area.

          San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

            For more information about San Jacinto College, please visit www.sanjac.edu, or call 281-998-6150.