Diagnostic Medical Sonography News April 2019 | Page 2

Harry Holdorf
Program Manager
Thinking of
Ultrasound as a Career?
What does it take to be a successful student in any Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program?
• When at your clinical site, be sure to speak up so you can have as much “transducer time” as possible.
• Be ready to take criticism, (sometimes harsh) about something you are proud of.
• Be ready to spend many hours every night and weekend (at least 15-20) studying course materials.
• Do not be discouraged by negativity from staff sonographers at your clinical sites.
• Do not get drawn into any politics within your clinical sites; it isbest to stay neutral.
• Be sure your family and friends are ready to support your endeavor.
• Be ready to adapt and to be flexible with each new clinical assignment.
• Be ready to refine (or develop) excellent organizational skills.
• Be ready to handle the high stress and fast pace of the program.
• Be ready to consider the time required for the program (drive time, class time and study time).
• Do you work? How much? Can you fit a full-time day program into your weekly schedule?
• This time issue keeps popping up. Wonder why? Do you think it’s important?
• Be ready to practice, practice and then practice some more. The technique of scanning is much more
difficult than the in-class work.
• Be ready to use every muscle in your body. Can you stand and push and pull for 8 hours straight?
• Be sure to be very patient.
• Be ready to give attention to fine detail.
• Be sure to have a high level of motivation and self-direction.
• Be ready for a rigorous, extensive program.
ASK YOURSELF:
• DO I REALLY KNOW WHAT A DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER DOES?
• AM I READY FOR THIS CHALLENGE?
• DO I HAVE THE INITIATIVE TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE?
Diagnostic
Medical
Sonography
If you answer YES to all of the above, then you know what to
expect when applying to our program.