Apr 20, 2024  
2020-21 College Catalog 
    
2020-21 College Catalog [ARCHIVED]

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I enroll in the certificate if I have previous medical experience in another specialty?

The Sonography certificate is designed specifically for Sonographers who desire additional credentialing. The college offers Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Sonography programs for students who have no previous experience in the field of Sonography.

How long will it take to complete the certificate?

For currently enrolled Owens Sonography students, the certificate will take five semesters to complete. For returning graduates or registered Sonographers, the certificate will take three semesters to complete. The certificate is set up to allow for additional Directed Practice courses to meet competency requirements, if needed.

Will I be able to work while completing the certificate? Is the program offered in the evenings or weekends?

Students enrolled in the certificate have found that having a part-time job is manageable, but does require excellent time management skills. The students must consider that during the clinical course, students will be in clinic for an average of 32 hours per week. Clinical Education is usually conducted on four weekdays, from approximately 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, so it is important to take that into consideration when making a decision about working. There may be some flexibility depending on the clinical site and special situations may be approved as long as the student is meeting the requirements of the course.

Courses are offered during the day and evening hours may be required in those courses that offer a laboratory component. There are no weekend course offerings. Sonography courses are sequenced to provide one annual offering of each course.

What are the career opportunities?

Sonographers who are multi-credentialed may have more job opportunities in the Sonography field. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.