Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments. Besides the familiar x ray, another common diagnostic imaging method is ultrasound. Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Many people associate sonography with obstetrics and the viewing of the fetus in the womb, but this technology has many other applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasonographers , use special equipment to direct nonionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient`s body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.

Sonographers begin by explaining the procedure to the patient and recording any medical history that may be relevant to the condition being viewed. They then select appropriate equipment settings and direct the patient to move into positions that will provide the best view. To perform the exam, sonographers use a transducer, which transmits sound waves in a cone- or rectangle-shaped beam. Although techniques vary with the area being examined, sonographers usually spread a special gel on the skin to aid the transmission of sound waves.

Viewing the screen during the scan, sonographers look for subtle visual cues that contrast healthy areas with unhealthy ones. They decide whether the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and select which ones to show to the physician.

Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in obstetric and gynecologic sonography (the female reproductive system), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (the brain), or ophthalmologic sonography (the eyes). In addition, sonographers may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography.

Opportunities for employment are very favorable because sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods.

The general program is 9 months (or more) approximately in length, and it includes abdominal, gynecological, obstetrical, and vascular sonography. Students may elect to learn Echocardiography upon completion of the general program.

Healthcare Labs

We have just finished a very exciting upgrade to our facilities, and that is the addition of Healthcare Labs. Students may now enjoy the labs dedicated exclusively to Ultrasound scanning, EKG, Phlebotomy, and more to come. Our Labs are located at both locations in Oak Brook and Chicago and are available to students during the school hours of operation.

We Have:

• New GE Logiq Pro 5 Ultrasound
• Acuson 128/XP Ultrasound
• Marquette 8 EKG Equipment
• New! Nicolet VersaLab Vascular Doppler System




The GE Logiq 5 Pro is a Color Doppler ultrasound machine. PCCTI now offers State of the Art Equipment that is not provided by majority of schools or even hospitals!

Register for our Ultrasound Program and have access to the BEST!

Anatomy and Physiology:

• Teaches the gross and microscopic anatomy of abdomen examined during clinical practice.
• Teaches the gross and microscopic anatomy of pelvic organs examined during clinical practice.
• Examines relational and sectional anatomy of these organs.
• Includes normal fetal development and related obstetric and gynaecological topics.
• Discusses normal physiology of the abdominal and pelvic organs and the physiological interactions between organs.

Pathophysiology:

• Examines the pathophysiology of abdominal and pelvic organs normally examined during clinical sonography practice.
• Discusses abnormal fetal development and related obstetric and gynaecological pathophysiology topics.
• Correlates clinical findings and diagnostic procedures with the pathophysiology of the abdominal and pelvic organs and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Introduces physical principles of ultrasound including acoustic waves, transducers, beam formation, artifacts, pulse echo instrumentation and real time systems.
• Emphasizes integration of theory with application.
• Includes image storage and display, hemodynamics, Doppler principles and instrumentation, acoustic power measurements, and biological effects and safety.

Abdominal Sonography:

• Provides normal anatomy and sonographic imaging techniques of the abdomen.
• Provides normal anatomy and sonographic imaging techniques of the neck, breast, scrotum, liver, pancreas, spleen, urinary system (ureters or urinary bladders and kidney), biliary system (gallblader).
• Emphasizes identification of normal anatomy in standard and non-standard sonographic scan planes.
• Introduces blood flow patterns and variations as seen in the normal abdomen, and clinical problem solving by correlating clinical history with areas of greatest importance in each scan.
• Emphasizes abdominal pathology as identified and documented with sonography.
• Describes techniques to document abnormalities.
• Correlates clinical history with normal and abnormal findings.

Small Organs Sonography:

• Provides normal anatomy and sonographic imaging techniques of the male pelvis, neck, breast, scrotum.
• Emphasizes thyroid, kidneys, breast and scrotal pathology as identified and documented with sonography.
• Describes techniques to document abnormalities in small organs, and correlates history with normal or abnormal findings.

Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography:

• Provides normal anatomy and sonographic imaging techniques of the gravid (including fetal anatomy) and non-gravid pelvis.
• Pays specific attention to identification of normal anatomy in standard and non-standard sonographic scan planes.
• Correlates sonographic patterns with menstrual cycle, stage of pregnancy and patient age.
• Gives particular attention to the unique role of sonography in pregnancy.
• Emphasizes abnormal findings in the gravid (including fetal) and non-gravid pelvis.
• Describes techniques to document abnormalities.
• Correlates clinical history with normal and abnormal findings.

Vascular Sonography:

• Provides normal anatomy and hemodynamic principles of the vascular tree.
• Correlates patterns of blood flow in arteries and veins with changes in pressure, cardiac performance, peripheral resistance, respiration and disease.
• Emphasizes use of gray scale imaging and Doppler in the identification and documentation of vascular disease.
  

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
• High School GPA of 2.25 or higher on a 4.00 scale
• Students without the Bachelors or 2 year Allied Health Associates Degree are required to have college level Anatomy and Physiology with the grade level of "C" or better, or current enrollment in Anatomy and Physiology at PCCTI
• Please review the prerequisites for national registration from ARDMS and CCI