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Reflections in Real Time

The Information You Seek is Just a Few Clicks Away

Published January 28, 2008 8:22 AM by Daniel Merton

I frequently receive emails from sonographers, students in DMS programs and people who are interested in pursuing a career in sonography asking for advice. Sometimes I wonder if some of the people who contact me have done any internet searches at all because they ask such basic questions about the field that a quick look at Wikipedia would provide the answer. But in other cases they have gotten as much information from other sources as they can and just need some extra, more personal advice on a specific topic and I am (usually) more than happy to help. Please see a recent inquiry I received from a person that was considering a career change and my replies to her.

I get so many inquiries that I've developed an "information brochure" if you will, about our profession. There are similar brochures available from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS: http://www.sdms.org/ ), the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM; http://www.aium.org/ ) and other sources.  I developed mine primarily for high school students who are considering a career in sonography. In 2006 I received a grant from the AIUM's Endowment for Education and Research (EER) to develop a multimedia Outreach Program on Careers in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for students attending high schools in my area. But I've also sent the brochure to adults that are thinking about a career change as well as grandparents who want more information for their grand kids who don't seem to have a clue as to what to do with their lives after school.

Of course, there are other ways to get information and they are all just a few clicks of the keyboard awa--whether its finding a job, dealing with difficult cases on call or finding a sonography job in a specific region of the country. In addition to the web sites listed above there are several forums or listservs where you can post a question and sonographers or others will offer you their suggestions. While some are for "members only" others are open to the public. If this is something that you might like to look into I'd suggest you visit ADVANCE's web forum located here:  http://community.advanceweb.com/forums/34/ShowForum.aspx

If you don't find what you are looking for or don't get any replies to your post please consider posting to this Blog and if no one else responds you can be certain that I will be happy to help in any way I can.

1 comments

Hi Mr. Merton:

I have considered a career change and planning to attend a DMS school. However, the schools that are close to my home are non accrediated. I have checked with the ARDMS and ensure those programs will allow me to sit for exam upon graduation since I already have a bachelor degree. My concern is that will I have a hard time obtaining employment from an non-accrediated program??

Christina Cheng, Student July 29, 2008 1:13 PM
Sacramento CA

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About this Blog


    Daniel A. Merton, BS, RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM
    Occupation: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
    Setting: Academic healthcare facility
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