Students choosing to become Diagnostic Medical Sonographers have decided they want to help people who have a range of medical conditions. To do a good job it is important to learn how to care for people and not just assist with the diagnosis of diseases or physical problems. While in school, students develop core beliefs. Making the most of the time spent in the ultrasound program is important and there are many ways to enhance learning.
Volunteer
Students attending the CAAHEP accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program of choice is guaranteed to have a full schedule of classroom and clinical training. The program staff recommend that students not work while attending school. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to volunteer short amounts of time to activities that supplement the ultrasound program and offer opportunities to work with real patients.
Volunteer to:
- Act as a patient model for other sonography students
- Work in student labs to assist other students
- Work at local association or medical society meetings to get opportunities to mingle with professionals in the field
- Participate in community health fairs
- Assist ARDMS registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who are donating time to foundations focused on assisting the underserved
Read Discipline Sonographer Related Journals
Peer-reviewed journals offer students insights into the latest research concerning ultrasound technology. They also give students opportunities to read about real world patient cases involving ultrasound imaging applications, giving them valuable information about what to expect during their careers. Medical journals share the expertise of medical professionals and scientists in the ultrasound field.
Following are just a few of the major journals available in school libraries or online.
- Ultrasound Clinics
- Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine
- Journal of Ultrasound
- Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography
- JACC Cardiovascular Imaging
- Clinical Imaging
- American Journal of Cardiology
- Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
The journals will also have articles on managing careers, pursuing new specialties, and the state of the health care industry and new imaging technology.
Join Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associations
The most prestigious Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Ultrasound and Echocardiography professional associations also offer student memberships. The membership fees are lower than the fees charged to professionals. Students get opportunities to contribute material to the association journals, enter competitions and attend annual conferences. Membership in the association also provides plenty of networking opportunities with health care professionals.
Read Online Articles and Professional Blogs
There are numerous websites that offer access to articles and blogs on a variety of sonography related topics. Millions of the articles are open access, meaning anyone can access and read them. There are also articles that can be purchased or accessed through the school library which has paid subscription fees for student access.
Read Websites
The wealth of information available on the internet is remarkable. Sonography students can browse articles, summaries, news reports, research reports and government publications. The websites discuss the latest research, state-of-the-art technologies, new ultrasound applications and a host of other topics.
Develop Emotional Maturity
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work with a variety of patients who are concerned about their health. While in school, it is important to work on developing the emotional maturity needed to pursue a successful career as a sonographer. It is also important to take the time to develop greater self-awareness of interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, the ability to collaborate and so on.
- Discuss what you are learning with professionals to reinforce new information, and ask them questions that address the mental, emotional and physical aspects of patient care
- Reflect on career goals and how the learning applies to the desire to serve others
- Strengthen cultural sensitivities to prepare for working in a multicultural healthcare environment
Students should enjoy their learning experience while attending a sonography program. Supplementing the sonography program curriculum with other activities can deepen the experience. It is important to ensure that the chosen activities blend well with the program requirements and available time. A student who puts the extra effort into immersing him or herself in the sonography discipline are more prepared to embrace a great career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.