~ Sabrina Tucker  & Kacey Morrison ~

    What is Ultrasound (Sonography)?

• Ultrasound is an imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to evaluate specific internal organs, tissues, and blood flow.
• Ultrasound helps in the diagnosis of many diseases.
• Ultrasound is also used during invasive procedures to help guide radiologists.

   How is ultrasound utilized?

•  A transducer or probe is placed against the patient's skin surface over the area of interest.  The transducer transmits and receives high frequency sound waves. 
• The sound waves are translated into a two-dimensional image on the monitor.
• The image is a depiction of a specific organ, tissue, or blood flow.
• **Sonography does not use ionizing radiation.

   Specialty Areas:

• Abdomen- evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas,  bladder, and abdominal vasculature
• Obstetrics/Gynecology- evaluation of the female reproductive system and the developing fetus from 5 weeks until birth
• Small Parts- evaluation of testicles and thyroid    
• Breast- evaluation of breast abnormalities such as lumps found by the patient or physician and abnormal areas found on other screening techniques
• Vascular- evaluation of the blood flow of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels
• Echocardiography- evaluation of anatomy and blood flow of the heart, its valves, and related blood vessels

   Professional Responsibilities

• Acquiring an accurate patient history
• Obtaining required diagnostic images and assisting radiologists with diagnostic procedures
• Recognizing disease and taking the appropriate amount of images to help the radiologists make a diagnosis
• Providing quality patient care
• Working with physicians and other healthcare individuals to make a quick and thorough diagnosis.

   What does Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) offer?

• AASU offers a baccalaureate degree in radiologic sciences specializing in diagnostic medical sonography. 
• It takes four years to complete the program.  The first two years consist of core curriculum that is required to become accepted into the program.  Once accepted, the last two years prepare you to become a highly skilled diagnostic medical sonographer. 
• The ultrasound program offers education on the specialty areas of abdomen, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular. 
• A combination of lecture courses and clinical experience is offered to ensure that students graduate from the program with the highest level of education and professionalism.
• AASU allows students to sit for the national credentialing certification exams (registry) after passing the exit examinations offered throughout the senior year.  A student can sit for the registry as early as the fall semester of his/her senior year. 
• An ultrasound student is allowed to sit for the physics, abdomen, and obstetrics/gynecology registries.

   How do I apply?

• Applicants are required to submit a formal application and transcripts of all college and technical school course work to the department.  Participation in an interview may be necessary. 
• The deadline for submission of all application items is November 1st. 
• A new class begins in June (summer semester) each year. 
• Applications will be considered on a competitive basis and written notification of acceptance will begin March 1st.  The amount of completed course work, GPA, and the interview (if needed) determine competitiveness. 
• Students are encouraged to begin taking related core courses (specifically the sciences) as soon as possible.