Something is always happening in the world of medical diagnostic sonography. In Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Jorge Gonzalez of the Orthopedic Specialty Institute was recently featured in a Local 10 News segment about stenosing tenosynovitis, a condition more commonly known as “trigger finger.” Patients who suffer from this painful condition have to live with the fear of being unable to straighten their fingers after they bend and locked into place. Guided by ultrasound equipment, Dr. Gonzalez is actually able to see the inflamed nodules that lock fingers into place, thus enabling him to use a small-gauge needle to correct the issue.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology is one of the various healthcare careers offered by Florida National University (FNU), and it is also one of the most dynamic. FNU is not only dedicated to helping our students succeed, but we also have the compassion to help our community in the South Florida area.
One of the ways we try to help our community is by giving the public the opportunity to take advantage of the state-of-the-art medical equipment used to teach our students how to become exceptional healthcare professionals. Offering free ultrasound exams is a great opportunity for the South Florida community to receive a free medical service that might otherwise cost them hundreds and in some cases thousands, of dollars. This community outreach effort gives FNU sonography students valuable experience, thus providing them with the opportunity to apply the practical concepts of this profession into real-life scenarios.
Before talking about the free ultrasound exams offered by FNU to the South Florida community, it is important to fully understand the role and duties of a diagnostic medical sonographer technician.
What is a Medical Sonography Technician?
An ultrasound technician is a professional qualified to provide diagnostic patient care services using sonography equipment and other related diagnostic procedures. This is a career that calls for a certain amount of education into clinical procedures and processes permitted by law. Before any of our sonography students are allowed to give free ultrasounds to the general public, they must first demonstrate a high standard of competency that must be approved by the Division Head of this degree program and monitored by clinical coordinators and professors.
About FNU Sonography Students
All FNU ultrasound students work towards earning an Associate of Science degree as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer; this is a degree program that takes about 26 months for full-time students. A total of 87 credit hours are needed to complete the program. While this program is not currently offered online, it is possible to enroll on a part-time basis; however, students need to be aware that a few core courses require following a specific sequence under full time enrollment. If you are interested in this program, consult with one of our admissions advisers for assistance in scheduling the classes that will best fit your academic goals as well as your work and family schedule. It should be noted that this FNU program, along with the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology, is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. FNU also offers scholarship and financial aid programs to qualified students.
What You Need to Know about FNU’s Free Ultrasound Services
To obtain free ultrasound services from FNU’s Medical Sonographer Technology program, you must volunteer and sign a disclosure form that clearly states that you understand this is a free service, and that healthcare students who have been thoroughly trained to operate diagnostic equipment will be conducting the procedure. It is also understood that these ultrasounds are not diagnostic services; however, volunteers can keep a digital image if they bring their own USB flash drives.
With the state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment operated by FNU, volunteers have the opportunity to see a developing fetus if they are pregnant. Volunteers can also have other parts of their anatomy scanned, including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid, and other organs. For pregnant volunteers who are interested in getting an ultrasound of their baby, FNU has the capabilities to provide 3D or 4D images.
More About the FNU Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
FNU is a regionally accredited institution that holds all of its students to a high standard of excellence when it comes to applying the skills they have acquired. Every course within the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology degree program is essential to a student’s success. A few of the courses that students are required to complete include:
– Physics for Ultrasound
– Equipment Operation
– Artifacts and Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Volunteers can take confidence in knowing that they are in good hands with FNU’s ultrasound students. Our students are fully knowledgeable in a variety of subjects such as Abdominal Sonography, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Small Parts, Vascular Technology, Echocardiography, Neonatal Applications, and others that can give them a competitive edge in the job market.
The Mission of FNU’s Medical Sonographer Technology Program
The academic staff of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is fully committed to students’ success. Our overall mission is to provide students with quality education delivered by qualified professionals in the field. Graduates of this program can expect to gain sufficient knowledge and skills to apply for entry-level sonographer positions in a variety of healthcare environments such as hospitals, private practices, outpatient centers, diagnostic centers, and others.
Continuing Education
With the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology degree, FNU students will be eligible to take their respective registry or specialty examination, thus solidifying their expertise in the field.
Once students have graduated and completed the required procedures, they are able to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for an ultrasound. Once they complete that process, they’ll be able to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) specialty tests. Furthermore, FNU students will also able to take the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination from the ARDMS once they have completed their Physics and ultrasound courses and pass with at least a “C” grade. Once a student is registered, he or she must maintain 32 continuing education credits on a biannual basis to keep the registry active. Graduates can do this by enrolling in online classes or by participating in local society meetings and annual conferences.
How to Schedule Your Free 3D Ultrasound
FNU ultrasound students are more than able to conduct a professional diagnostic procedure. Volunteers in the community can feel that they are in capable hands thanks to the dedication of the administrative and faculty members of this degree program.
If you are interested in volunteering for a free ultrasound, simply call any of our FNU campuses to request an appointment. Please let us know about the type of ultrasound that you’re volunteering for, and don’t forget to bring your USB flash drive so that you can keep a copy of the image.
If you’re interested in enrolling in our Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology degree program, please contact one of our advisers to discuss financial aid options and begin the admissions process today.
