The successful program graduate will be able to perform appropriate ultrasound scanning examinations and procedures, and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician. The graduate will also be able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results. In addition, the graduate will be prepared to exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic diagnostic services, provide appropriate and compassionate patient care for patients undergoing ultrasound examinations, demonstrate excellent communication skills with patients and other health care professionals, and act in an ethical and professional manner. Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at National Polytechnic College will be qualified to work as an entry-level general sonographer in a hospital or medical center, a medical clinic, a radiology imaging center, a physician’s office, a mobile ultrasound service, as a free lance sonographer, as a traveling sonographer, or as an applications specialist for an ultrasound manufacturing company.

Duties
    Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data
    Perform appropriate ultrasound scanning procedures
    Record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician
    Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic diagnostic services
    Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues

Career Opportunities
According to the statistics of US Labor Deportment, Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Opportunities should be favorable because sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods.

Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic medical sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2012 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.

NPC’s excellent Placement Center is here to help you to discover your many employment opportunities.