Sonography is a diagnostic procedure that is performed typically by sonographers - allied health professionals who studied a diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) course in under or post-graduate studies. Currently, the CAAHEP has 211 accredited ultrasound technician schools in the United States. These schools accept both recent secondary schools graduates as well as graduates of other allied health courses as freshmen.
Sonography in the ER
Sonography is a common procedure done in the emergency room (ER), especially with the production and widespread use of portable sonograms that are as sensitive as their stationary counterparts. Aside from sonographers, physicians also routinely use the machine for real-time diagnosis and management. However, since sonography is primarily skill-based, an allied health professional with proper training could also perform the functions of a diagnostic medical sonographer. You can learn more about sonographers in Lisa’s articles through the link.
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NPs in the ER
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been managing ER cases since 1975 according to literature. Studies have shown that NPs are capable of performing a variety of procedures such as flourescein staining, removal of foreign bodies in the eye, ECG interpretations, simple laceration management, and many more. Further studies have shown very minor differences in patient outcomes for the treatment of non-emergent cases by either NPs or physicians.
Teaching NPs and follow-up training results
In a study done in Los Angeles, NPs who were stationed in the ER took a 16-hour guideline-based course on sonography, conducted over two days. There were two parts to training, the 2-day course followed by a year of supervised clinical experience. The second part of training was evaluation of the skills that the NPs learned in a span of 12 months, through observation and written examinations.
During observation, there was a result of 86% in overall adequacy of the images produced by the NPs. The sensitivity level in terms of diagnosis was high, at 93%, with a specificity level of 98%. These results showed that the training of NPs had been very effective in performing sonography, with a high degree of adequacy and accuracy. This saves a lot of time in the ER in terms of diagnosis and management of different cases.
During observation, there was a result of 86% in overall adequacy of the images produced by the NPs. The sensitivity level in terms of diagnosis was high, at 93%, with a specificity level of 98%. These results showed that the training of NPs had been very effective in performing sonography, with a high degree of adequacy and accuracy. This saves a lot of time in the ER in terms of diagnosis and management of different cases.
Sonography schools in the US
The 211 ultrasound technician universities accredited by the CAAHEP in 2014 are your best choices to learn sonography in. Accredited schools have undergone and passed a rigorous screening process by the organization, and has met the nationwide standards set for all the schools in the country. When you study in CAAHEP accredited ultrasound technician schools, you will receive the best preparation to become a certified sonographer.
When it comes to ranking, CAAHEP programs are the best and remain at the top. Out of the 211 schools, only 3 offer online programs. The rest offer a variety of DMS courses on cardiac, general, pediatric, and vascular sonography. So whether you are an NP or a high school graduate, you won’t have any difficulties finding an accredited ultrasound technician school near you.
When it comes to ranking, CAAHEP programs are the best and remain at the top. Out of the 211 schools, only 3 offer online programs. The rest offer a variety of DMS courses on cardiac, general, pediatric, and vascular sonography. So whether you are an NP or a high school graduate, you won’t have any difficulties finding an accredited ultrasound technician school near you.