A lot of time and effort goes into training to become a sonographer. Students who graduate from high school or have gotten their GEDs can choose to start their training in a sonography undergraduate program. However, allied health professionals, particularly midwives, can also get further education to become specialist sonographers. In the US, there are three online ultrasound technician schools available, out of a total of 211 accredited by the CAAHEP in 2014.
Ultrasonography in OB-GYNE
Ultrasounds were first introduced to obstetrics and gynecology by Dr. Ian Donald. It was in 1958 that B mode scanning was used to describe the appearances of a normal fetus of 34 weeks, a fetus with polyhydramnios, and twins of 37 weeks. Midwives were also involved in its first use in Ireland in the 1970s. Because sonography is very valuable as a diagnostic tool in OB-GYNE, midwives have been acquiring specialist skills for a career as a sonographer.
Midwives and sonography training
On the road to becoming a specialist, the midwife trains in a sonography program that teaches him or her how to perform a variety of ultrasound techniques for OB-GYNE cases. Schools that have sonography training programs offer them in three ways, one certificate and two degrees. The certificate course is 12 months long, the associate degree course 2 years long, and the baccalaureate course 4 years long to complete. These programs are offered by CAAHEP accredited and ARRT recognized schools.
Training from home
A few schools, three to be exact, have distance education as an option for midwives who want to study at home. Accredited online ultrasound technician schools and the online classes they offer students allow midwives who have day jobs to study at their own time and pace. Online classes are completely conducted through the internet, with students sending in requirements and taking tests through the internet as well.
Even continuing education programs are also offered online so be sure to inquire about them when you enroll. You can find a complete list of online ultrasound technician schools through the link.
Even continuing education programs are also offered online so be sure to inquire about them when you enroll. You can find a complete list of online ultrasound technician schools through the link.
The role of the midwife-sonographer
Midwives, especially those who are nurse-midwives, are typically the primary caregivers of an OB-GYNE case, as part of the healthcare team. They specialize in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the reproductive system and are quite capable of handling the management of the patient. Because a midwife who has trained in sonography can analyze the results of the diagnostic exam, they can also intervene in real time once the procedure is completed. This saves a lot of time and can improve patient outcomes.
Sonography in antenatal care
Sonography is very important in managing a pregnancy. The procedure is able to tell if the pregnancy is viable and normal, and if there any abnormalities in the child’s growth and development or problems that the parents have to prepare for. The benefits of this diagnostic procedure go both ways – for both the mother and the child – because their health statuses are monitored quite closely and interventions are done timely and adequately.
Midwives who are looking for continuing education or want to become specialists can have a great career as a sonographer specialist. Online ultrasound technician schools are the best choice for working midwives so if you are looking for a good training program, use the links provided to look for the one that you need.
Midwives who are looking for continuing education or want to become specialists can have a great career as a sonographer specialist. Online ultrasound technician schools are the best choice for working midwives so if you are looking for a good training program, use the links provided to look for the one that you need.