Sonography School 101 – Intro to Ultrasound

History of Cardiovascular Sonography

Medical Sonography or Ultrasound technology allows for patients, technicians and doctors to see inside of the human body using sound waves. Today’s Sonography technology was achieved only by centuries of work by prominent scientists throughout the world. From the discovery of light phase shifting by Thomas Young in 1801 to the development of the world’s first compact Sonography machine in the 1960’s, ultrasound has evolved into one of the most crucial modern healthcare technology fields by building upon revolutionary research.

The scientists who made modern ultrasound possible likely had no idea what their work would eventually be used for centuries later. From war games to imaging, ultrasound technology changed the world before it became a mainstay at your local hospital or doctor’s office. For example, fetal monitoring was made possible due to research conducted during World War 1 to detect submarines underwater. That’s right. Radar technology eventually led to the development of ultrasound technology. Considering its relative safety, Sonography is a marvel that allows expecting mothers, fathers and their doctors to closely monitor the human development process.

The global medical community began to rapidly adopt the technology during the 1960’s as the race to build the most compact commercial machine reached a fever pitch. Scientists and medical doctors in Austria, Japan, Australia and the United States raced to develop the most cost-effective device the world had ever seen. By the end of the 1960’s a German-owned company successfully dominated the compact ultrasound machine market in Europe. In the1980’s, Christian Doppler’s research into the stars was adapted to develop vibrant color-rich images using ultrasound technology. Sonography continued its growth as a science while ultrasound technology rapidly evolved the way medical doctors and researchers approached healthcare.

Ultrasound Technology Applications

Ultrasound technology today works for patients across multiple medical fields. In urology, ultrasound is sometimes used to pass sound waves through the gallbladder. If there are stones present, the ultrasound wave hits them and bounces back instead of passing straight through. In cardiovascular ultrasound, sound waves pass through the heart and blood until they hit a valve or tissue. The wave bounces back to the machine and helps produce an image for doctors and patients to see in order to diagnose health issues or derive insights. Echocardiograms (ECG) use the Doppler effect to visualize and measure blood flow as well as tissue movement in an effort to better understand circulatory systems. Ultrasound machines are used in emergency medical situations to assess traumatic injuries and monitor blood loss. The medical applications for patient care using Sonography are seemingly endless.

The Future of Sonography

The United States Food & Drug Administration recently approved new ultrasound technology that aims to visualize the brain-blood barrier. This highly sensitive network of blood vessels in the brain represents the untapped potential for ultrasound technicians moving into the future. Economists expect the ultrasound market to surpass the three billion dollar mark in the US by 2021. Successfully starting a career in Sonography begins with the right school and training.

Working as a technician in a hospital or private healthcare practice can be rewarding and challenging in exciting ways. Career opportunities as an Ultrasound Technician or Medical Imaging Specialist exist as the field continues to grow following the emergence of new research. MedQuest College students recently discussed the challenges and rewards they have met in the video below. Hear their stories and see for yourself how the journey to becoming a certified Ultrasound Technician rewards our Kentucky students.

Ultrasound Technician Training at MedQuest

MedQuest College in Lexington, Kentucky offers area students a two-year program that will have them working with modern ultrasound machines in pursuit of an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Students can choose to study cardio or vascular sonography at the newly expanded campus on Winchester Rd. in the heart of Kentucky. MedQuest Lexington students spend more than half of their program in the Sonography lab, where they will train with career professionals in pursuit of professional certification as an Ultrasound Technician.

Kentucky is home to some of the leading medical research hospitals in the Midwest and MedQuest College is here to prepare students to meet the hiring standards in this highly competitive, but expanding, career field. MedQuest students are placed with trusted and approved medical partners prior to graduation. During this Externship portion of their program, students train in real offices alongside career technicians who live and breath ultrasound technology and its application. Hands-on experience is what will set MedQuest students apart from others entering the workforce following graduation. Sonography students at MedQuest College study arterial disease, abdominal vasculature and heart disease among other branches of cardiovascular health.

Following a successful graduation and completion of their certification exams, MedQuest College Sonography students can apply to the Cardiovascular Credentialing Institution as either a Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or Cardiac Sonographer (RCS). MedQuest students holding a Bachelor’s Degree prior to their program completion are eligible for application into the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). There they can apply as either a Vascular Sonographer (RVT) or Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).

MedQuest College is here to help Kentucky students realize their career goals in the Cardiovascular Sonography field of work. MedQuest College has provided high-quality instruction to students in Kentucky and Indiana since 1999. We are proud to say that our programs have consistently employed hundreds of students in southern Indiana, Louisville, Lexington and other area cities. We are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a nationally recognized accrediting body. Call us today and schedule a tour before beginning your comprehensive education at MedQuest College.