In the states of New Mexico and Colorado, aspiring sonographers can choose among a wide range of accredited local academic institutions that offer sonography courses. The Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) and the University of Colorado (CU) – School of Medicine, in particular, are among the top choices, primarily in terms of program quality.
Program Description and Details
Under its School of Health, Wellness, and Public Safety (HWPS), CNM offers a four-term Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program. First-term courses are offered during the fall term only, so the program start date may vary. The DMS program provides not only didactic instruction but clinical education as well, thereby ensuring that students will be equipped with both knowledge and skills.
Similarly, CU’s DMS program also provides both clinical and didactic education specifically four class days for the former and one for the latter every week. In addition, it is a twelve-month couse, which runs from September to August.
Those who have successfully completed either of the DMS programs at CNM and CU will be awarded a certificate that qualifies them to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exams.
Program Prerequisites
Both DMS programs at CNM and CU expect their enrollees to be already equipped with knowledge in the field of science, health, and medicine.
CU specifically requires applicants to have received any of the following: a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, an Associate degree or at least a certificate from an accredited allied health program. Completed coursework must consist of Medical Terminology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, Communications, and at least College Algebra.
The same goes for CNM which requires enrollees in the DMS program to have completed specific credit hours in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Interpersonal Communication Studies, College Algebra, Physics, College Writing, and Introduction to Computers.
Advantages
CU and CNM each possess their own unique strength that makes them an excellent choice for aspiring ultrasound technicians.
For instance, students enrolled in the DMS program of Denver are given the privilege to experience the University of Colorado Hospital for the entire duration of the course. Employing top-notch instructors, the facility is renowned as one of the best healthcare firms nationwide.
CNM’s advantage over other institutions is its very affordable tuition rates. In addition, the community college boasts of over 40 solid years of providing top-quality education. Students of CNM are thereby guaranteed to receive reliable and high caliber instruction without the financial burden.
Lastly, they are both accredited through the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Truly, CNM and CU’s DMS programs prove to be promising and practical choices for aspiring sonographers.
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