Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Merton on July 7, 2011 at 4:26pm

DMS is a great career option and it sounds like you are doing your due diligence re: researching it before moving forward - that is the best thing you can do!

 

There are many issues to consider when choosing a DMS school/program. I have written several columns on the topic in the trade magazine "Advance for Imaging and Radiation Oncology Professionals" (you can Google that or my name - Daniel A. Merton, BS, RDMS - to see the archives)

 

Here is  something I wrote in 2008 on the subject - hope it helps:

Students Beware

A recent on-line article described the experiences of several graduates of healthcare-related college programs who could not land jobs in their chosen fields even after successfully completing their educations.  In some cases students paid tens of thousands of dollars to attend schools (including diagnostic medical sonography programs) that promised them that they would be adequately trained and employable. However, when the new grads went to interviews they were told they could not be hired because they lacked the necessary certification. But the former students may not be eligible to sit for certification examinations because the program they attended did not meet the certifying body’s prerequisites. In many cases the graduates must work full time for a year before they are eligible to take the certifying examinations. This leaves the graduate in an unfortunate catch-22 of not being able to get a job because hey are not certified but they cannot get certified because they have not met the employment requirements.

These experiences illustrate the potential consequences of not adequately researching a school’s job placement record. Some school councilors will tell prospective students anything to get them to enroll in their programs, but students must do their own due-diligence when seeking an education. Unfortunately, too often students learn the hard way after spending lots of money, energy and precious time attending a program that fails to meet their objectives. 

In some instances lawsuits are the only recourse left for students who feel they have been misled. Several schools have had class action law suites lodged against them with students being awarded large sums of money when the fraudulent activities were revealed. But ideally prospective students will avoid attending inadequate educational programs in the first place.

 

Here are a few ideas to consider when selecting an educational program:

1. Get job placement records from the school but don’t rely on this information alone. Ask for the names of former students and talk to them about their experiences in landing a job after school. Reputable schools will likely be happy to provide you with the names of former students. If the school is reluctant to offer this information they may be trying to hide something.
2. Check the prerequisites of the sonography certifying bodies (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography [ARDMS] or Cardiovascular Credentialing International ) and make sure that the school’s curriculum and accreditation standing meet those prerequisites.

Take the time to investigate the school and the program you want to attend – it will be time well spent towards achieving your goals. The internet can be a great resource when investigating a school’s track record. Additional information can be found on the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography's website.(www.sdms.org )

 

Disclosure: I am on the Board of Directors of the ARDMS.

Permalink Reply by Paula Woletz on July 8, 2011 at 4:55pm

I think you're doing all the right things:  You plan on applying to a CAAHEP-accredited program (UMDNJ), and you're making yourself an ideal candidate by doing your best on all your pre-requisite courses and by familiarizing yourself with the field by volunteering in your local hospital.  

 

I, too, was over 30 and had two small kids when I went back to school for ultrasound training, and although it was intense and at times overwhelming, it was entirely worth the effort.  The students in my program formed study groups, and that helped tremendously.  Also, think of your current volunteer work and each of your clinical rotations as extended job interviews.  The more effort you put into them, the more likely they will be to think of you first when they have a job opening.

 

You're making a wonderful career decision!

Permalink Reply by Kathi Keaton Borok on July 8, 2011 at 5:54pm

I started an excellent, demanding ultrasound program when I was 30 and had 3 small children. Family support at that time was critical, and the close network my classmates and I formed was invaluable. But even with those advantages, completing the program required some stubborn determination at times.Some late nights, some missed family activity opportunities, but the career has been worth every bit of energy I invested. 

I agree with the comments Paula and Dan provided. Congratulations on an excellent career interest, Jaclyn. Best of luck to you!

 

Permalink Reply by Jim Pennington on July 8, 2011 at 5:56pm

Jaclyn, you are making all of the right decisions.  These other replies are from some of the best in the business and you can trust what they say.  This is also the reason I have nothing to really add other than what follows.

I started my education in ultrasound at the prime age of 43 with two young children and an ongoing career in another area. I received my clinical training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital system.  It was an incredible challenge at the time but now, following nearly 20 years in the field, I have not regretted the decision for an instant.

I am the Lead Perinatal Sonographer and Clinical Instructor of Obstetric Ultrasound at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and am Chair of this particular community committee.  I also sit on various other committees for the AIUM.

Good luck to you.  As I'm sure have noticed by now, this is a very good place to ask questions regarding your endeavors in Medical Ultrasound.  All of your inquiries will be answered by very experienced and well versed professionals in the field of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound.

Permalink Reply by Jaclyn Petrin on July 8, 2011 at 6:12pm

Thank you all so much! I don't have much time to respond to each of you, I hope to this weekend with more questions but want to let you know they are very much appreciated!

 

Jim- that would be my dream! I am a known go-getter and currently have a bachelor's in business and my MBA in Marketing so this is going to be quite a switch. I enjoy being a leader and working with people.

I just found out I will be in the file room at Princeton Hospital, I'm trying to stay motivated and hope to make good contacts so that I can move to a more patient driven volunteer position. I have a great relationship with my OB who offered to help me out and becoming good friends with other doctor's who work out of  the hospital, as we have children the same age.

 

I can't wait to apply to UMDNJ, Jefferson in Philadelphia is my 2nd choice however they will not accept my math and statistics from college because it was more than 10 years ago. I suppose if I don't get into UMDNJ I will spend the following year getting the additional prereqs for Jeff.

Thank you again, and it is nice to know I am in good company!

(I'll be honest, my only trepidation is the lack of my income for a year and a half, that scares me since we are a dual income family. My husband is also a pilot so he is gone 3-4 nights a week. How did you all do it with small kids? And without an income?)

Permalink Reply by Jaclyn Petrin on July 8, 2011 at 7:25pm

I meant to add, my ultimate goal is to become a maternal fetal sonographer, any advice on going that route would be appreciated! I realize that will take more on the job experience. Having had a poor prenatal diagnosis with our first pregnancy, I feel as if I am finally making the move towards a fulfilling and 'give-back' career.

Permalink Reply by Jaclyn Petrin on July 16, 2011 at 8:14pm

I finished my first week of volunteering in Radiology. I am in the file room, which is fine, but I was hoping for more exposure. My job is to take the radiology reports and fax them to the doctors and log them in our computer system (excel.) I kept asking for more work so I helped with films and preparing them for pick-up by patients. I was lucky to meet the manager (I think that's his title) of radiology, he oversees all technicians from x-ray, to sonography. I immediately expressed my desire to become a DMS and he offered to take me around next time I was in to see the sonography department. I hope he remembers! I have to remind myself that no matter what the work entails that I am doing, I am here to meet people and leave a good impression.

 

Dan- Thank you for your article! It seems you have a few others out there, right? That is a great web site, and yes, there are 2 accredited schools I plan on applying to: Jefferson (Philadelphia) and UMDNJ (North/Central New Jersey.)

 

Paula/Kathi- Thank you for the confidence to do this! Knowing other young moms have gone through this is very validating and comforting. My boys are 21 months and 3 1/2 right now, but will be almost 4 and almost 6 when I hope to get into a program. Today my parents offered to help when the time comes, I just hope they stay in good health to do so because that will be very helpful!

 

Jim- Your advice means so much to me, thank you! If you don't mind me asking how did  you achieve such a level in this field? Do you have a background in other areas?

 

Thank you again!

Permalink Reply by Diana McCormick Strickland on July 21, 2011 at 3:53pm

Hi Jaclyn - I would like to add to the excellent comments you have already received by "echoing" a congratulations on an excellent career choice. I attended Radiography training right out of high school and then did an additional year in imaging at Duke University. Sonography programs were few and far between some 30 years ago. Later in my career, with a child at home as well, I went back to school to obtain an additional degree so I can understand your concerns about juggling school, work, and small children at home. I would encourage you to stay the course through the tough times you'll surely have ahead as you try to balance your family life and school demands. There will be days you will think there is NO WAY you can do it all, but you can and when you reach the end of your goal you will have a career that will bring you great satisfaction for years to come. I am a Maternal Fetal Medicine Sonographer and I love what I do. I can't wait to get to work each day! REALLY! Good Luck - and as the others have said - you've made some good choices already!

Permalink Reply by Jaclyn Petrin on July 26, 2011 at 3:34pm

Thank you Diana! Can you tell me more about how you worked your way up to Maternal Fetal? How did you obtain any certifications necessary?

 

Yesterday we were in Philadelphia and did a quick outside tour of Jefferson Medical College, it appears very nice. I have a counseling orientation there on the 10th to learn more about the program.

The manager in Radiology offered for me to shadow ultrasound, hopefully that will happen in the next few weeks.

 

Permalink Reply by Jaclyn Petrin on January 20, 2012 at 9:58am

Hi everyone-

I just want to thank you again for your support and responses. I finished last semester with an A- in Anatomy and Physiology I and will start A&P II on Monday. I sent in my application the end of December and am anxiously awaiting any news. I do have one question. Is is appropriate to contact a school on your application status? (it was a paper application) I am nervous because they have not cashed my fee yet and I sent it nearly a month ago. I realize with the winter break, things may be slow but it has me concerned. I sent it certified mail so I know they received it. As you can see, I am very nervous and want so much for this to go well!

Jaclyn

Permalink Reply by Diana McCormick Strickland on January 20, 2012 at 11:13am

Hi Jaclyn - I don't think it would be inappropriate to contact the admissions office and ask them when you can expect to hear something. Congratulations on your excellent grades!

Diana

Permalink Reply by Jim Pennington on January 20, 2012 at 1:21pm

Hello Jaclyn,

If I can help answer more questions or be of help in any way, please write to jspennington@medicine.nevada.edu.  I will be happy to impart what wisdoms there are to impart to you during this challenging time for you.

Congratulations on your progress so far.

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