Sonographer Schools in Tampa
Sonographer schools allow a person to obtain a varying degree of training and certification in the medical field of sonography, which provides images of body parts on a 3-D screen. Tampa-based sonographers usually spend their days working in imaging facilities, hospitals and doctor's offices. Though there are many programs in Tampa that offer training in diagnostic medical sonography, you'll want to decide which school is best for you based on their programs, cirriculum, specialization, training requirements and schedules.
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Instructions
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Decide whether you want to attend a full- or part-time program, and whether you want to obtain a two-year Associate's degree or a four-year Bachelor's degree. There are also one-year certification programs available at select schools.
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Attend the Sanford-Brown Institute's diagnostic medical sonography program, which has 15 schools throughout the United States, including one in Tampa. The program focuses on working with other healthcare professionals, performing minor procedures, taking down patient histories and interacting with patients.
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Attend the medical sonographer program at Argosy University and obtain your of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program focuses on technical skills, bedside manner, using ultrasound machines and working for physicians. The school also offers programs in comparable fields, such as histotechnology, radiologic technology, dental hygiene, veterinary technology, medical assisting and radiation therapy.
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Attend one of the Central Florida Institute (CFI) programs in Tampa at their CFI Palm Harbor location. This is a part-time, short-term program that offers small classes and practical training. They prepare their graduates to take and pass the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer exam, which bestows national accreditation through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The school also offers courses for abdominal, obstetric-gynecological and neuro sonographers.
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Attend the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences in Orlando, which is near Tampa, if you want to obtain your Bachelor of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Specialties include obstetrics, neurology or cardiology. Students complete 61 hours of credit, and take courses in pathophysiology and vascular sonography. The school also offers an Associate of Science degree that requires 75 hours of credit and an emphasis in either cardiovasular imaging or general ultrasounds.
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Review the various healthcare degrees and programs that are available at the Keiser University, the Ultimate Medical Academy, Southwest Florida College, which are all in Tampa, if you decide to pursue a degree or certification program. Many sonographers find that they can benefit from receiving training in subjects such as radiology or obstetrics.
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Complete your 30 hours of continuing education every three years to keep your certification - should you choose to become certified - up to date.
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Tips & Warnings
Whatever school you choose, be sure that you pick a sonography school that is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) if you plan to pursue certification. Though certification is not required in order to practice sonography, many medical facilities prefer to hire certified sonographers. Certified sonographers oftentimes also make more money than non-certified ones.
Resources
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