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Diagnostic Medical Sonography students examine an ultrasound image.

New York Methodist Hospital's (NYM) Center for Allied Health Education will open a School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in September of 2009. The program will entail two years of coursework, with learning concentrations in general sonography and cardiac sonography. Graduates will receive a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography.

Through several college affiliations with the NYM Center for Allied Health Education, students at the School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography can earn up to 63 college credits towards a Bachelor of Science degree. All graduates will also qualify to sit for the certification examination given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

"The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography represents the latest addition to New York Methodist Hospital's allied health educational offerings, said Jerry Rozenberg, director of NYM's Center for Allied Health Education. We are currently in the process of seeking nationally recognized accreditation and have affiliated with several colleges to ensure that graduates of our sonography school are immediately employable and have the ability to continue their education at the baccalaureate level."

Diagnostic medical sonography is a fast growing imaging discipline that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. The procedure is used to help diagnose and treat varying medical conditions. Unlike x-ray technology, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality. The non-physician professionals who perform these procedures are known as sonographers and vascular technologists (sonographers who specialize in imaging and tests of blood vessels).

"Sonography is a wonderful technology because it's painless and involves no radiation--yet it can provide vital information, said Errol Hankin, senior vice president at NYM.

Hospitals such as New York Methodist are the principal employers of sonographers and vascular technologists providing more than half of the jobs. In the State of New York, sonography is one of the top ten fastest growing occupations with salaries among the highest in the field of allied health professionals.

"I'm pleased that we've been able to add the School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography to our Center for Allied Health, Mr. Hankin said. "Trained sonographers are much needed at hospitals and other diagnostic facilities."

For additional information and an application, please contact New York Methodist Hospital's Center for Allied Health Education at 718 645-3500.