Sonography
Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of internal organs, tissue, and blood flow.
Sonographers assist physicians with making a medical diagnosis by providing technical images and findings. Elmhurst University has a partnership Northwestern Memorial HealthCare (NMHC) for both the diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) and cardiovascular sonography (CVS) tracks. After enrolling at Elmhurst, students can apply to NMHC to gain additional education and valuable hands-on experience in sonography.
If accepted to the DMS or CVS track by NMHC, students will major in health science technology at Elmhurst University and spend three years on campus and an additional16 months in the final phase of their academic and clinical training at NMHC.
Diagnostic medical sonographers work with physicians and patients to create high-quality diagnostic images. Here are just some of the things you’ll do as a DMS:
- Obtain and record an accurate patient history
- Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain appropriate sonographic images
- Analyze technical information
- Use independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings
- Provide oral or written summary of technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team
Cardiovascular sonography uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of the heart, blood vessels, and surrounding tissue. Cardiac sonographers work closely with physicians by providing diagnostic images and a summary of technical findings to aid in reaching a medical diagnosis. This imaging modality may be used on patients from prenatal to geriatric age.
Students applying on the 3 years + 1.5 year pathway for either the DMS or CVS track at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare must major in health science technology. Students applying after graduation can major in anything they like as long as they complete the prerequisite courses for the program or track.
If accepted by NMHC, students will complete three years of courses on site at Elmhurst University, and then spend the final phase of clinical/academic education (16 months) on site at NMHC. Upon successful completion of the DMS or CVS courses and training, students will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take national certifying examinations through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree.
Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation. Their timeline may vary from the traditional one. Transfer students are required to attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted by them. Most transfer students will attend Elmhurst for 2 years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted.
Students who are accepted to either track will pay Elmhurst tuition rates for courses while attending Elmhurst and NMHC. Tuition is paid to Elmhurst. Applicable fees or other costs for either Elmhurst or NMHC are paid directly to that organization (DMS fees, CVS fees). NMHC is located at 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Suite 950 in Chicago, Illinois 60611.
You will meet with the health professions advisor to discuss your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, giving expert guidance.
After successfully completing the DMS or CVS academic and clinical courses, you’ll be eligible to take national certifying examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Any student interested in applying is responsible for learning about all the requirements for the program. Admission to Elmhurst University does not guarantee acceptance into any affiliate program or track.