Applications are now being accepted by Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences for its new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The first class of 10 students will begin studies in fall of this year.
Medical sonography is a field within radiology. It uses soundwaves to produce images of internal organs and blood vessels. Its specific uses include pregnancy monitoring, and imaging of the abdomen, heart and vascular and musculoskeletal systems.
“A Sonography program has been highly sought after in this region for some time, and the program has already seen a significant amount of interest,” said Erin Dickhut, MHA, RDMS, RVT, RT(R)(ARRT), Medical Sonography program director, Blessing-Rieman College.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% increase in demand for medical sonographers through 2033. The Bureau calls that growth rate “much faster” than the average of all occupations.
At graduation, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. In addition to being Blessing-Rieman students, traditional freshman and transfer students will earn their degree through their choice of Blessing-Rieman’s partner institutions, Culver-Stockton College and Quincy University, for their pre-requisite courses. Radiology classes and clinical experience with Blessing-Rieman begin in a student’s sophomore year. Transfer students who have completed the required pre-requisite courses can enter directly into the sophomore year and earn their degree in 3-years.
In addition to their degree, graduates will earn more than 1,200 hours of hands-on experience in the clinical setting and be eligible to take the national Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credentialing examination.
To apply to this program, contact admissions@brcn.edu or go to brcn.edu. Prospective students with questions may call 217-228-5520.