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Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S.
Explore the diagnostic medical sonography associate degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
UAA’s associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography prepares you for national certification exams from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which many health care employers require. Students get extensive hands-on training in the sonography and simulation laboratories on UAA’s campus, as well as through clinical experiences in hospital and outpatient settings.What is diagnostic medical sonography?
Sonography, or ultrasound, is a medical imaging specialty that uses advanced computerized technology to generate sound waves to produce diagnostic images and provide support for interventional procedures such as biopsies. Sonographers, also known as ultrasonographers and ultrasound technologists, help radiologists and other physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions such as blood clots and heart disease. Many health care employers require general sonographers, ultrasound technicians and diagnostic imaging workers to be certified.
Scholarships and financial aid
Learn how to get help paying for college from the UAA Office of Financial Aid.
Sonography schooling for specialized job skills
The preparedness, quality and consistency of students who graduate with a diagnostic medical sonography associate degree place UAA’s program among the best sonography schools in the country. As part of a health care team, you will learn to communicate with patients and physicians, perform clinical assessments, adapt medical procedures, identify normal and abnormal sonographic findings and record sonographic data.
UAA student clubs and activities
UAA offers 100 student clubs and activities on campus that fit any passion or interest. You’re encouraged to participate in health care activities, leadership programs, Greek organizations and more.
Did you know..
The diagnostic medical sonography program at UAA boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers’ Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation Exam, compared to the exam’s national pass rate of 72 percent.
What can you do with a sonography degree from UAA?
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS is your first step towards becoming a registered sonographer, which qualifies you for entry-level employment as a general sonographer in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals and medical centers, physicians’ offices, and medical and diagnostic labs. With additional education, many general sonographers continue on in vascular or cardiac sonography positions.Diagnostic medical sonography careers
UAA alumni are employed in health care facilities and organizations in Alaska and beyond. They include:
- Providence Alaska Medical Center
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Alaska Regional Hospital
- Advanced Sonograms
- Fairbanks Imaging and Breast Center/Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
By the numbers..
$70k
The median annual wage for sonographers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, May 2016
100%
UAA alumni who earn an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography and gain
employment as a sonographer.
UAA School of Allied Health
Diagnostic medical sonography associate degree program highlights
The University of Alaska Anchorage combines specialized education and training with advanced technology and resources to develop your knowledge and skills in diagnostic medical sonography.- Participate in clinical rotations for a breadth of experience in medical imaging. As a diagnostic medical sonography major, you’ll complete 1,680 hours of clinical training with several health care facilities in Anchorage and throughout Alaska.
- Work at clinical sites for first-hand experience. With an extensive list of partners, UAA offers a variety of learning opportunities in urban and rural Alaska communities.
- Get guidance on fulfilling admission and degree program requirements. Program faculty provide engaging classroom instruction, as well as student advising and support. They are all certified to perform obstetrics and gynecology, as well as abdomen exams. Plus, some have provided expertise in educational publications.
- Receive individualized instruction and attention. Program faculty work with students one-on-one in the classroom and labs.
- Work with some of the best special imaging equipment available only at top ultrasound technician schools. UAA’s program houses two General Electric LOGIQ E9 machines with nine different transducer types, a Nanosonics Trophon EPR ultrasound probe disinfecting unit, and SonoSim, an ultrasound training simulation for additional practice with imaging techniques, pathologic conditions, obstetrics and gynecology, and anatomy and physiology.
Diagnostic medical sonography associate degree program curriculum
Coursework in UAA’s associate diagnostic medical sonography program develops broad knowledge and skills in physics, anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, particularly as they relate to sonography.Gain first-hand experience in performing abdominal, gynecological, fetal, breast, vascular, small part and superficial exams using special imaging equipment.
Top classes for diagnostic medical sonography majors
- Practice ultrasound imaging utilizing advanced sonography technology in Clinical Practicum I and II.
- Explore the anatomy, physiology and pathologic conditions of breast tissue, along with sonographic findings and scanning protocols, in Breast Sonography.
- Examine neonatal and pediatric sonographic tests of anatomy, physiology and pathology in Pediatric Sonography.