A Challenging Career in Sonography
Sonography is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. This procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound scan. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.
Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart, and blood vessels. It is used in the detection and treatment of heart disease, heart attack, and vascular disease that can lead to stroke.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis' School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers two programs in Sonography; General/Vascular concentration and Cardiac/Vascular concentration. Each is designed to provide the skills to enter the rewarding field of sonography.
Program History
In 1980, St. Francis organized its program in diagnostic medical sonography in response to the need for qualified personnel in a rapidly emerging imaging modality. Since that time we have been graduating sonographers in the general concentration (abdominal and OB/Gyn) to meet the rapidly growing needs of our community. Now, because these needs persist, the program has restructured and now offers separate programs in General/Vascular and Cardiac/Vascular.
Program Goals
- To prepare competent entry-level general, vascular and cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
- To meet the needs of Southeastern Wisconsin and the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare system for entry-level sonographers.
- To further the mission of Wheaton Franciscan- St. Francis by incorporation of the core values of respect, integrity, development, excellence, and stewardship. This will be exhibited by our students being recognized for their superior knowledge, compassionate patient care, and clinical excellence
The faculty believes that the clinical and didactic education must be coordinated with the personal development of the student. Confidence in patient care communication is important to the instructors and is incorporated into classroom and clinical settings. The student will be exposed to a wide variety of sites, technology, learning opportunities, and patients. Our students can expect to develop self-confidence and resourcefulness in providing quality patient care.
General Information
Cardiac sonography is the imaging of the human heart with ultrasound. The cardiac sonographer independently obtains transthoracic echocardiograms and assists cardiologists in performing stress tests and transesophageal echocardiograms. Our program has access to the latest technology including 3 and 4D imaging.
The general sonographer independently performs abdominal, obstetric, pelvic and superficial ultrasound. They also assist radiologists and other specialties in performing invasive procedures including biopsies and drainage. Our program has access to 3D and 4D ultrasound machines
Vascular sonography is the imaging and measurement of blood flow throughout the body. The vascular sonographer independently performs images and Doppler measurements.
The General/Vascular concentration is a 20 month, full-time, hospital based program. The program is divided into two types of education: didactic (classroom) and clinical (hands-on). It requires an on-site commitment of about 40 hours per week.
The Cardiac/Vascular concentration is an eighteen-month, full-time, hospital-based program. It is also divided into didactic (classroom) and clinical (hand-on) sections and requires an on-site 40 hours per week commitment on the part of the student.
The didactic components relate to the field of ultrasound and are based on the educational guidelines approved by the JRC-DMS. All aspects of ultrasound are covered as they relate to the physics of sound, human anatomy, physiology and pathology. Classes are held throughout the week.
During the clinical portion of the program, students are assigned to various clinical sites to work with registered sonographers for hands-on training to enhance your skills. The clinical requirement will require a commitment of 24 to 32 hours per week.
Graduation and Certification
Students who complete the General/Vascular concentration will receive a Certificate of Completion from St. Francis School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Successful completion of the program will make you eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams in
- Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI),
- Abdominal sonography (AB)
- Breast Sonography (BR)
- OB/GYN sonography (OB)
- Vascular Sonography (VT)
Students who complete the Cardiac/Vascular concentration will receive a Certificate of Completion from St. Francis School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Successful completion of the program will make you eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams in
- Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
- Adult Echocardiography
- Vascular Sonography
Students may also apply to take the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) exams for
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer
- Registered Vascular Sonographer
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted from January 1st through March 1st. All information required for admission must be postmarked or personally delivered on or before March 1st (6 months prior to the start of the next class). It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure all the required paperwork is submitted.
The next class is scheduled to begin September 2011.
Tuition
Tuition is $7,500 with $500 payable upon acceptance into the program, $2,500 payable when school begins, and $2,500 payable after completion of the initial three-month probationary period and $2,000 payable at six months. This does not include books, supplies or uniforms. Tuition is subject to change.
Specific General/Vascular Program Information:
- View/print our Admission Prerequisites document (in PDF Format)
- View/print our Application and Selection Process document (in PDF format)
- View/print our Curriculum document (in PDF format)
- View/print our Tuition and Fees document (in PDF format)
- View/print our Application for Admission (in PDF Format)
Specific Cardiac/Vascular Program Information:
- View/print our Admission Prerequisites document (in PDF Format)
- View/print our Application and Selection Process document (in PDF format)
- View/print our Curriculum document (in PDF format)
- View/print our Tuition and Fees document (in PDF format)
- View/print ourApplication for Admission (in PDF Format)
Please Note:
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School Accreditation for all Concentrations
Upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) the program is accredited by in the General, Vascular and Cardiac concentration by:
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
Email: mail@caahep.org
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- St. Francis is accredited by:
The Joint Commission of the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
One Renaissance Blvd.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: 630-792-5000
Applicants are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin or disability. No dorm facilities are available. Out-of-town students must secure private housing. There is no financial aid available for this program and the program does not have a FAFSA number. Students are required to maintain a health insurance policy during the program.
For more information on The St. Francis School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, please call Marc Wojciechowski at (414) 647-5711 or email