Diagnostic Medical Sonography???

Has anyone ever taken this program at NAIT or SAIT? Is it a really hard program? Was it a long waiting list to get in? I have to upgrade my highscool chem/math first; how much math/chem/bio are you expected to know right off the bat when you start this program?

How are the job opportunities after graduation? I'm not looking for make 6 figures, but is the pay decent?

Thanks!

You're asking some great questions, but it is really hard to be specific, because there are so many different answers which depend on several different things. But, generally, I'll try to answer your question.

Any program is going to be different, depending on whether you are trying to achieve a license or a certificate; or what school you are attending. Certificates are much easier to get, because you only have to take a few classes, but the job prospect is much less (think the difference between a nursing assistant who is certified and nurse who is licensed).

For licensure, that is determined by the state that you want to practice in. For most states, in order to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer you have to be licensed. In order to obtain a license you have to meet the requirements that the state established for that license. For the most part, this means getting the required education or degree in a program offered by a school.

In order to achieve a degree, you have to have the basics that all degrees offer, such writing, math, and some science. But, since you are entering into a medical career you will probably also need to take medical classes, such as anatomy & physiology or medical terminology.

When you are taking classes, such as anatomy, you'll need to know some math, because there are mathematical equations that you'll need to figure out in order to understand how the body works. A teacher cannot spend time teaching basic math, because their purpose is anatomy so they expect you to come in already being able to know how to do these formulas.

As far as the job prospects go, it depends on where you are living, what state you reside in, and what opportunities are available as it varies from area to area. Most large cities have opportunities available for Sonography, but if you are living in a small town, the job prospect may be much smaller.

The best place to start would be contacting the local hospitals and see if they have job openings. Or, look in the classified ads.