AAS degree | 15-months♦ | CAAHEP accredited | Palm Harbor & Orlando
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a highly-skilled healthcare profession on the forefront of modern medicine. Sonographers gather and record patient histories, process and analyze diagnostic sonographic data, and provide a summary of findings to physicians for diagnosis. As an Sonographer, you will be there when expectant parents experience the miracle of seeing their baby for the first time, or to help with the early detection of a life-threatening illness.
Program Description
Central Florida Institute (CFI) offers specialized sonography courses that train students to become professional sonographers or Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. CFI's specialized classes train students to use equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. These ultrasound images are then used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.
CFI's specialized training focuses on ultrasound physics and instrumentation along with abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric, and superficial structures. Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Central Florida Institute in Tampa and Orlando, FL are highly trained professionals that are qualified to perform in the following specializations:
- Abdominal Sonography: Abdominal Ultrasound Techs focus on a patient’s abdominal cavity primarily involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen.
- Obstetric-Gynecological Sonography: Obstetric-Gynecological Sonographers specialize in the evaluation of the female reproductive system.
Sonography students are required to complete *79.5 credit hours (approximately 60 weeks or 1800 clock hours). Graduates of the DMS program receive an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) degree and can complete the program in 15 months♦.
*The listing of credits is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.
♦Students can complete in as few as 15 months; some may take longer to complete.
Certification & CAAHEP Accreditation
Orlando: The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Central Florida Institute in Orlando, Florida is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Palm Harbor: The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Central Florida Institute is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The Palm Harbor program has been placed on Probationary Accreditation as of March 15, 2013. From Section 301 of the CAAHEP Regulations: “CAAHEP considers a program that has probationary accreditation to retain its status as an accredited program, and includes the name of the program in official listings.”
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates may obtain the following national credential by passing the certification examination:
*This program prepares students for certification testing, although there is no guarantee of passing the certification test and passing the test is not a graduation requirement.
Employment & Earnings
The U.S. Department of Labor lists the mean annual wages of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in 2010 were $64,750 in offices of physicians and $65,010 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
According to the United States Department of Labor, Florida has the second highest published employment level for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the country! The United States Department of Labor indicates that employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018—faster than the average for all occupations.
There is demand for qualified Sonographers to work in the following areas:
Prerequisites
Students enrolling in Associate of Applied Science Programs will take the CPAt Scholastic Level Exam, which is recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Please call our admissions department for a copy of the application process. 1-888-831-8303
A criminal background search may be conducted on students enrolling at Central Florida Institute.
CFI Graduate Stories
"When I came to visit the school for the first time, I was very pleased that the Admissions Advisor was truly concerned about my future and my success. They were not focused on making a sale but truly cared about me as a person. I think that says a lot about the schools focus and integrity. As I continue on here in my studies I see many new and exciting things happening with the school. We just moved into our new building for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program and it is wonderful. We have a lot more room and it is a lovely facility. I just wanted to thank C.F.I. for giving me the opportunity to build on my medical education and for always being professional and honest in their treatment of us students." -P. Reed, DMS graduate
"I hope my experience here helps me become a better person and helps me succeed at the next level in my life with a new career. I appreciate your time in allowing me to be here to learn the skills I need to succeed in this program. Thanks." -V. Milian, CFI graduate
Additional Program Information
The course is made up of the fundamentals of ultrasound, abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric, and superficial structures seen via ultrasound. The program also incorporates scanning techniques and patient care strategies vital to the sonographer's ability to perform diagnostic scans as member of the medical team.
Sonography is a vibrant profession that has grown significantly over the last 20 years. New technologies are rapidly growing, and there is an increased use for diagnostic ultrasound procedures. It is an attractive alternative to radiological procedures, as patients are seeking safer treatment methods that do not involve radiation and its harmful side effects. Growth within this industry is projected to continue with expanded employment opportunities for qualified Sonographers nationwide. Taking part in our specialized Tampa and Orlando Ultrasound programs is the ideal way to further your career and become the person you were meant to be!
