How to enter the program

I was asked if I have any advice to someone applying to help them get in the program. I would like to respond. Ultimately, the number of applicants we accept for the program depends on how many clinical sites we have available for students. If we are given enough sites to send students, we will take everyone who applies if they have the prerequisites completed. If we do not have enough sites, we have to find a way to determine who gets in and who does not. Our clinical sites we currently work with have stated that they prefer to work with students who have a health care background.

So number one, get a health care background. Go to school, volunteer, learn about what is involved in taking care of people. The more hours spent in health care, the better.

Next, realize that showing your expertise as a health care provider is considered. If you have a health care credential, you are a professional health care provider. This weighs heavily for applicants who have credentials. If you can earn a credential, it shows that you are a professional and our clinical sites are more likely to accept you.

Finally, Apply! many people assume that it will be hard or impossible to enter the program so they do not apply. We will take someone else to fill that slot.

If you know of an imaging center which uses ultrasound and is not a current clinical site, ask them if they would consider becoming a site for us. We like working with a variety of sites as it allow our students to get the broadest education possible. Our goal is to have the best sonographers graduating from our school to serve our community.

New Class Starting

Well, we are starting a new class and for the first time it is starting before we graduate the senior class. Why? because last time we took off time to give our clinical sites a break, they dumped us and started using other schools. We just can't lose sites that way.

DMS 150 Lab 1

Physics DMS150: Lab I
Speed of Sound

Part I: Speed of sound in Air
This portion of the lab is to be done outside in the west parking lot (light-rail park-and-ride) between Washington and Van Buren.

Step One:
Divide into two teams and go to the parking lots on the west side of campus.
Team one takes air horn
Team two takes stopwatch and air horn
Move apart as far as you can (note you will need to know the distance between teams).
Team 1 visually signals as they sound the air horn (cell phones also work).
Team 2 will start the stopwatch when they see the visual cue, and stop the stopwatch when they hear the air horn.

Record:
The distance from the listener to the source. 180m
The time recorded for the sound to travel from source to listener. 0.34 sec
Make at least three measurements.

Step two:
This time we will record the round-trip time elapsed.
Team one takes the air horn and stopwatch
Using the same distance between teams
Team one visually signals and starts the stopwatch as they sound the air horn.
Team two signals when they hear the air horn and sounds the second air horn.
Team one stops the stopwatch when they hear the second air horn.

Record:
The distance between teams. 180m
Total time for sound to travel from team one to team two and back to team one. 1.44sec
Make at least three measurements.
Using the distance equation from your textbook, calculate the speed of sound in the air.

What is the speed of sound in air ________________?
Distance/time = rate 360m/1.44 sec = 250 m/s

Part II: Speed of sound in tissue and fluids
This portion of the lab can be done in the ultrasound lab
Cut a piece of tissue mimicking material at least 1.5cm thick and place in a container of water.
Measure the depth of the water and the tissue mimicking material using an ultrasound machine. Record this as the thickness of the slab or water.

Using a linear array probe, take a picture of the tissue mimicking material and water.
Measure the depth of the water and the tissue mimicking material on the ultrasound image.
Enter the measurement for water here __3.77cm____ this is D1
Enter the measurement for the tissue mimicking material as measured in the water _1.88cm_ This is D2
Enter the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured through the material ____1.53_ This is D3

What speed of sound does the machine assume? __1540m/s___
How much does the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured in the water differ from the measurement of the tissue mimicking material as measured through the material itself? 1.88cm – 1.53cm = .35cm This is D4

Numbers needed to calculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material.
Thickness of slab (2) = D2
Speed of sound in slab = VS
Assumed speed of sound = VA Use: 1540 m/s
Difference in depth = D4

The next section shows how to use this information to calculate the speed of sound in tissue mimicking material For the time interval “t”, the sound beam actual traveled:

t=D2/Vs
For the same time interval “t”, the machine calculated the sound beam to have traveled:
t=(D2-D3)/VA
Therefore:
t=(D2-D3)/VA= D2/Vs
Now you need to use algebra we can solve for t and then substitute to solve the equations for VS
VS=VA/(1-D3/D2 )
Using the above equation calculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material.VS=1540m/s÷(1-(.35cm)/(1.88cm))
VS=1540m/s÷(1-.186)
VS=1540m/s÷.8138
VS=1892m/s



Part III: BONUS – Speed of Sound in Tissue Mimicking Material

Recalculate the speed of sound in the tissue mimicking material using the actual speed of sound in water. (Note: this requires that the machine measurements be adjusted before calculating the speed of sound in the material.)

Recently from the AIUM...

AIUM Announces Ultrasound Practice Accreditation in Fetal Echocardiography
The AIUM recently announced that ultrasound practice accreditation is now available in fetal echocardiography. The program sets the standard for care in fetal echocardiography and builds on the development of AIUM guidelines aimed at fostering its safe and effective use.

"I am proud that the AIUM has designed a way for health care providers to show that they meet or exceed training and performance guidelines in this highly specialized exam," said AIUM President Harvey L Nisenbaum, MD

The announcement of ultrasound practice accreditation in fetal echocardiography builds on the recent publication of the AIUM Practice Guideline for the Performance of Fetal Echocardiography and on modifications made to the AIUM Training Guidelines for Physicians Who Evaluate and Interpret Diagnostic Ultrasound Examinations.

Under the updated training guidelines, completion of an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology- or American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists-approved fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine and a written description of experience in performance of fetal echocardiography may be accepted as proof of sufficient training in fetal echocardiography. Practitioners in other specialties, including pediatric cardiologists and radiologists, can demonstrate education and skills by submitting a narrative of their experience.
Ultrasound practice accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that measures practices against nationally accepted protocols in training, practice, and safety. Practices that achieve accreditation show that they meet or exceed these standards. It is anticipated that practices accredited in dedicated fetal echocardiography be more likely to receive payment for the examinations.
Fetal echocardiography uses ultrasound to examine the structure of a fetus' heart. A fetal echocardiogram offers greater detail than routine obstetric ultrasound. Women identified as being at high risk for delivering a baby with birth defects are often referred for fetal echocardiography.
Applying for accreditation or reaccreditation is now easier than ever, thanks to our new streamlined online application.

Additional Resources:

Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started Video (Earn a free CME credit after watching the video.)

Why Seek Ultrasound Practice Accreditation? Video

Semester Ends

Another semester is over.
All the students are away to clinicals
and grades are all posted to their chagrin
Many assumed it would be easy
A walk in the park
"I always made A's before"
but now they are trying to get perfection
while working, going to school, studying,
family concerns, new house, new spouse.
No wonder their life is changed and now
all this school stuff to boot
Nobody said learning was easy
Nobody said it was a hoot.

Posting pictures to the blog

Baby using middle finger over her shoulder

This posting is being created to show how to post pictures to the blog. My students will receive a brief on how to go through the PACS system and put up images. I'm taking screen captures of this post as I create it.

Worm Therapy

This is what I received from my inquiry about hookworm therapy for allergies:

Thank you for your inquiry. Our clinic has a three stage process. The first is a pre-treatment questionnaire to establish you as a good candidate for our therapy. The second is some blood tests to ensure you can use our organisms safely. The final stage is a trip to our clinic in Tijuana, Mexico for treatment.



Without knowing more about your condition it is impossible to give a precise estimate of cost. The average inoculation costs $2,200.00 USD. The blood tests cost between $150.00 USD to $200.00 USD depending on your health history (this is only an estimate and can vary).



Your doctor cannot order our therapy. You are required to travel to our clinic in Tijuana. We are responsible for getting you from San Diego to the clinic and back. Travel costs to and from San Diego are not included in our price.



I hope this information helps. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate.



Sincerely,



Garin Aglietti

www.wormtherapy.com

888-898-WORM



Wormtherapy makes no claim to medical authority and nothing in this document

should be interpreted as medical advice. Wormtherapy is an experimental therapy

that has not been approved by any governmental body, including the FDA, for the

diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease/condition.

ARDMS Recertification

Why is the ARDMS going to require recertification? Here is a statement from the ARDMS to help you understand.


Fast Facts About the ARDMS Recertification Assessment Program:


Log on to ARDMS.org/Recertification for the latest program updates. First Recertification examinations will be offered in 2019. There will be no charge for Registrants who pass the recertification examination(s) on the first attempt. The recertification examinations will be web based and available online (not at a testing center) for Registrants to take during the last three years of a 10-year recertification as-sessment period. Registrants may consult reference materials while taking the examinations and will have ample time to take and pass the examinations. Registrants will be required to take a recertification examination in each specialty area for which they hold active status. There will not be a separate physics recertification exami-nation. The recertification assessment program is being developed to meet a required standard of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Insti-tute* (ANSI), the accreditor of ARDMS. Visit and bookmark the Recertification Assessment section of the ARDMS website at ARDMS.org/Recertification.


*ARDMS has earned the prestigious ANSI-ISO 17024 accreditation for certifying bodies from the International Organi- zation for Standardization (ISO). Accreditation is granted through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Lab1

Posting images from lab 1:

I have no idea why this did not load from the classroom computer. There were no problems loading from home.

Why go to an accredited school?

One of the most common questions I am asked, is "why should I wait to go to your school? You have such high entry requirements it is difficult to get into."

The entry requirements are high because we simply do not have the resources to take everyone who is interested. We must be selective. An alternative many potential students decide to follow is to go to private schools that are expensive, but do not make anyone wait. The following forum discussion should be read by anyone thinking of going to ultrasound school:

http://www.indeed.com/forum/job/ultrasound-technician/DO-NOT-GO-ULTRASOUND-SCHOOL-UNACCREDITED-CAAHEP/t45937

GateWay Community College Sonography : Bringing Religion to Sonography

Post: Bringing Religion to Sonography Link: http://gatewayultrasound.blogspot.com/2010/07/bringing-religion-to-sonography...

Posted via email from sonography's posterous

Bringing Religion to Sonography

From an article I found on Facebooks "Sonographers" Jesus seen on ultrasound image!Posted by radRounds Radiology Network on July 10, 2010 at 10:09am View radRounds Radiology Network's blog .There have been numerous citings of Jesus Christ on numerous occasions ranging from artwork, clouds, food, you name it! Now it is radiology's turn - there has been citings of Jesus on ultrasound images! We knew we could pretty much see anything and anyone on ultrasound images--it is now again reinforced with a citing of Jesus. Check this image out - what do you think? This image was taken of a family's baby in the UK. They claim that instead of seeing the baby simply sucking his thumb, there is Jesus. They believe that Jesus is there to watch over their baby and as a result, the mom decided to name her son Joshua (from the BIble).

Jobs site with local jobs

I found a website with a lot of job possibilities. This one came from facebook’s Utrasound Technologists group. The link is http://radiologytechnologistjobs.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-Sonographer I have no idea how many of the positions are full time, but there are a lot of possibilities out there. It certainly looks like there are jobs out there. Now, it is up to you. Bryan Dodd

Jobs available

Larry Bonno is looking for help at Abrazo Health Care.

He is looking for a sonographer to work there at least temporarily during the summer.

Contact him at

Larry Bonno VP, Imaging Services Abrazo Health Care 8620 N. 22^nd Avenue, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85021 602) 674.6524 lbonno@abrazohealth.com

This is a great opportunity to get started on your career.

ARRT examination

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is offering 2010 graduates of sonography programs to take the sonography certification exam for free. The exam is available August 1 – October 31, 2010. Applications are accepted until September 30th. For more information and to apply visit www.arrt.org/SonographyPilot

Bryan Dodd

Graduates wanted

"The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is looking for a recent graduate of a CAAHEP program to serve as a commissioner. This position is a great opportunity for a new graduate to make a difference in their profession. If interested, see the links below. WANTED: Recent Graduate Commissioner CAAHEP is looking for a recent graduate of a CAAHEP accredited program to represent the students' interest on the Commission. A Recent Graduate Commissioner is someone who has graduated no more than three years prior to appointment. The candidate must be willing to represent the students' interest on the Commission, currently work in the health science field for which he/she was trained, and be a member of a professional organization representing his/her health science field. The Recent Graduate Commissioner must attend the CAAHEP Annuall Meeting, participate in the business of the Commission, including such activities as electing the CAAHEP Board of Directors, bring educational concerns that impact the accreditation of academic programs to the Commission, participate as an observer in a CAAHEP accreditation site visit, and address the Commision at the Annual Business Meeting on a topic of his/her choice. If you or someone you know is interested in serving the Commission in this capacity, please nominate yourself (or them) for the position. Use this form for nominations of this position. The CAAHEP Board hopes to select this new Commissioner at its meeting in July. Please submit your nomination by July 2, 2010. Should you have any questions on this position, please contact Kathy Megivern."

Graduates

May 14 we graduated 25 new sonographers. It is encouraging that they are all passing their SPI exam, and I expect them to all pass the Abdomen and OB/Gyn examinations. Good luck and God Bless to all of you.

Dexterity Tests: Minnesota Test, Purdue Pegboard Test

Dexterity Tests: Minnesota Test, Purdue Pegboard Test

Another Job opening

Ultrasound Specialties in Show Low, AZ has an opening. As a caveat, I neither support nor receive support from anyone asking me to post openings. I just move the information along. Here is the pertinent information: SONOGRAPHER POSITION OPEN IMMEDIATELY We have one position open for a qualified sonographer in our outpatient independent testing facility in Show Low, Arizona. Our office is located in the beautiful pine forested setting of the White Mountains in Northeastern Arizona. The position open is for a full-time sonographer. No on-call time with a flexible schedule. We are looking for a person who is RDMS and/or RVT (will consider those who are not registered, but are registry eligible). RDCS is not required, but would be a strong plus. We would appreciate the opportunity to share more information with interested individuals. There are many exciting and interesting points relating to this position and living in this community! Please call us at the number listed below. Ask for Jim Savage when calling, and state the call is related to the open position. Visit our website for more information about our business at www.ultrasoundspecialties.com

Slacker time

Okay, I admit I have not been on lately. My goal was to open this up to others to add onto as they see fit. Well, no one added anything; I guess I need to take ownership and do this myself. We will see if things progress.

interesting web site (like there are no others out there)

I found a wealth of information on this site pertaining to human pathophysiology. http://focosi.altervista.org/

Deer Valley Job

Phil is looking for someone with at least one year experience. Unfortunately for our GateWay students, he does not want new graduates. My own opinion is that a new grad should not work a shift where they are the only person in the ultrasound department, but you gotta take what's out there. So if you can find a position where you work with others its good. If you are on your own and you are putting food on the table, well may have to do that too. For any sonographer on their own, it helps to have a network of peers available. The new graduates will have each other, their former clinical instructors, and the school as resources. I am not worried about them taking a night shift. As long as they wait until morning to call with a question :)

Another Job Opportunity

From Phil Kinsey at JCL Deer Valley: Greetings all, I am pleased to announce a 32 hr Full-time weekend position has been created and I am currently interviewing. The hours are Friday 2p-10p, and Sat/Sun 6a-6p. Please let me know if anyone is interested or if you have any referrals. Thanks, Phil Phillip M. Kinsey,BSRT,(R),RDMS John C. Lincoln Hospital-DV Ultrasound Supervisor 623-879-5756 phil.kinsey@jcl.com

Job Posting

A private MD practice in central Phoenix and Ahwatukee is interviewing for full-time sonographer. For more information Fax at 602 274 9181 Attn: Mary Frazee. I will keep the posting in my office for a month if you need more information.

OB/GYN Ultrasound Conference

Fetal and Women's OB/GYN ULTRASOUND Conference Dr. Nyberg's conference is in Scottsdale again this year. March 28-30, 2008 are the dates. It is approved for 22.0 CME catagory 1 AMA credits. For those that have been to Dr. Nyberg's conferences in the past know this is one of the best OB/GYN meetings available anywhere. If you are interested in attending call 1-323-456-0166 or go to www.cmebyplaza.com

Sonographer Needed

Donna Gould contacted me looking for a sonographer with vascular experience. She is at SimonMed and can be contacted at 480-614-8555. The have offices in the East and West Valley. They are looking for someone immediately, but are also interested in any graduating students.

Mark, Set, ...Go!

Another semester is looming before us. This is the first week this year the school has been open. In order to make up for the holiday break, the administrators have scheduled meeting for almost every minute of the week. All the students are in clinicals at least two days a week right now. Without classes until the end of the month, this must seem like a well-deserved break for them.

Diagnostic Challenge

This week: Why does the IUD appear to be anterior to the endometrium?