Facts to Know When Considering Ultrasound School.

Embarking on a career in healthcare offers a myriad of paths, each with its unique challenges and rewards. Among these, the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography stands out as a rapidly evolving area, offering professionals the chance to be at the forefront of medical imaging technology. With its critical role in diagnosis and patient care, choosing the right sonography program becomes paramount for aspiring sonographers.

Regis College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program offers a comprehensive educational journey, tailored to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in this dynamic field. Through this guide, we aim to shed light on the key aspects of the DMS program at Regis, from the variety of concentrations available to the promising job market landscape for graduates, making your decision-making process as informed as possible.

So many different names/titles, which is appropriate?

  • Ultrasound "Tech" refers to an Ultrasound Technologist, not ultrasound technician.
  • Ultrasound Technologists are also called Ultrasonographers or Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who commonly perform Abdominal, OB/GYN and exams in other areas of sonography.
  • Vascular Technologists perform Vascular sonography. Cardiac Sonographers, also called Echocardiographers, perform Cardiac Sonography.

What type of sonography program does Regis offer?

There are many concentrations of sonography. The most common ones are Abdominal-Extended, OB/GYN, Vascular, and Cardiac sonography. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Regis offers concentrations in the first three: Abdominal-Extended, OB/GYN, and Vascular. It does not offer a Cardiac/Echocardiography concentration.

Out of the three concentrations, can I choose one to focus on?

No, once accepted into the program, students complete academic and clinical training in all three concentrations (Abdomen-extended, OB/GYN, and Vascular sonography). This prepares our students well for various career paths in medical sonography.

Do I need to complete a job shadow/day of observation to apply to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Regis?

Although job shadows are not a requirement to apply, they are highly recommended as they offer an inside view of the responsibilities of a sonographer and their role as a member of a healthcare team.

Many hospitals offer volunteer opportunities, allowing individuals to gain exposure to the various roles within the healthcare system.

What does the job market look like after graduation?

While sonography programs do not guarantee job placement upon graduation, graduates are often hired by their clinical site. Regis faculty assist students in preparing for and obtaining employment including resume building and guidance during your job search.

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the need for sonographers will increase by 10% between 2022-2032, which is much higher than the average for other occupations.
  • The BLS reported that in 2022, the median pay for sonographers exceeded $81,000 per year or approximately $38 per hour. Notably, hospitals in the Boston area often offer higher hourly rates, with new graduates earning an average of $40 or more per hour.

Why choose the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Regis College?

Regis College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is the only program in the area that offer three sonography concentrations (Abdominal, OB/GYN, and Vascular) in one bachelor’s degree, meeting the demands of the field. Other things to consider:

  • Regis has the only Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in Massachusetts offering the Vascular concentration.
  • DMS faculty at Regis have years of education and clinical experience spanning across diverse specialty areas and roles within the field.
  • Prior to starting clinical rotations, Regis students spend 10+ hours a week for two semesters in our simulation lab. Our low student to teacher ratio and dedicated hands-on training ensures students have a successful clinical experience.
  • All students gain clinical exposure to multiple specialty areas of ultrasound including general radiology, vascular, maternal fetal medicine and a pediatric rotation at Boston Children's Hospital.

How Can I Learn More?

Visit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program page to sign up for an informational session hosted by our Director, Cory Finn to ask questions and learn more about the program.

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