Lake Superior College News Releases

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, a new program through Lake Superior College, will be offered Fall Semester 2007.

“We’re pleased to now offer a comprehensive program in this vital field,”? said Pam Elstad, Dean of LSC’s Allied Health and Nursing Division. “The work of ultrasound professionals in the medical field is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment of patients.”?

The job market for ultrasound technicians is experiencing strong demand. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), five-year employment for ultrasound technicians in the state is projected to grow at approximately 25 percent.

Sonography, commonly called ultrasound, is a diagnostic medical procedure which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of the human body. The technology can be used to examine many parts of the body such as the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostrate, and heart and blood vessels.

LSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will provide the student with educational experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical facilities. Program graduates will be able to record, analyze, and integrate diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the medical ultrasound or other non-invasive diagnostic procedures for presentation to an interpreting physician. The ultrasound technician will also provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and other non-invasive diagnostic services.

Upon completion of the program and twelve months of full-time clinical ultrasound work experience, graduates will be eligible to take national registry exams in Ultrasound Physics, Abdominal Ultrasound, and Obstetrical and Gynecological Ultrasound following the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) prerequisite guidelines. Lake Superior College plans to seek accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs for this program. Students completing the program will receive an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The program, including all required courses and clinical experience is 72 credits in length.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 4,500 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is Northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also the leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.