North Central College’s Degree programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will prepare students for a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. Sonographers work closely with physicians by providing diagnostic images and a summary of technical findings to aid in reaching a medical diagnosis.
The first option is a 3 + 1.5 program with Northwestern Memorial School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students will spend three years at North Central College where they will complete their general education curriculum along with pre-requisite math, health science and science courses. The preferred pathway for obtaining these requirements is to complete the B.A. or B.S. in Health Science program in the 3-year accelerated pathway plan. This will be followed by an 18-month, 45-credit hour program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital which includes both didactic and clinical instruction.
Upon successful completion, the student will earn a certificate of completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and will be eligible to be certified through examination by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen and OB/GYN examinations. Also, after successful completion, the student will transfer the 45-credit hour coursework back to North Central College which will fulfill the major coursework requirements for the student to graduate with a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. If they previously had successfully completed the preferred pathway with the health science program coursework, they would graduate with a double major in health science and diagnostic medical sonography.
Admission to the final 18-months of the program is based upon successful application to the program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the fall of their junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the program at Northwestern is not guaranteed.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences .
