Thinking of becoming a Sonographer. Any advice?

Hi all. I have had a wide variety of jobs and after hearing about sonography and the possibilities of money, traveling, and the opportunity to work anywhere, I am starting to start the process of school. I don't want to sit at a desk all day and see the same people everyday. I love the idea of doing a skilled craft. I'm just very particular about my environment at work. Case in point: I work as a paralegal for a while and it was pretty rough. I could not stand the people, especially the egomaniac lawyers. I felt like I was sort of trapped and honestly felt like a slave to them when I know that my smarts were not being used or commended.

I have a B.A. in Psychology and know that I will not have a problem getting into a community college in my area. I am aware of the cost and that I need to be in an accredited program. Got all of that.

I just have some basic questions that I am hoping to get answered from those who already work in this position.

What is the typical day like?

What is the schedule? Can you work a full 40 in 3 or 4 days? What about overtime/on-call?

What specialty makes the most money? I think that I would like to go into cardiac as that seems to interest me the most. But are the job prospects slim for that? What specialty has the most opportunity?

Can I specialize in more than 1 area? Or is that something I can conquer down the road?

Because I have a B.A., can I just go for the accredited certificate or will I need to do the 1.5 year Associates?

Is an accredited online degree a bad decision?

What level of patient interaction do you have?

Do you need to interpret the results or does the doctor do that?

What is working with the doctors like? Is it like any other job?

What is the stress level like?

What are the positive/negatives of working in a private practice as opposed to a hospital?

What is working in a hospital like? What type of person is best for that environment?

Any and all help would be great.

I am dying to know the answers to these questions too. I am leaving teaching after a long battle with, "What do I want to do with my life" syndrome. I anticipate applying for the program NEXT fall.

I am scared to make the move to another profession, particularly since my current one turned out to be such a disaster. It makes me scared that I will hate every other job I will encounter.

I will be observing soon, but would love to know from people on this board what THEY FEEL about their jobs as sonographers!

Hey Sheena, don't you feel like everyone in America deals with this?? I refuse to "settle" in a job that pays the bills!

Yes, please...anyone tell us your thoughts!!

Hey guys..... I have been dealing with the question "what do i do with my life"? on the professional aspect of it for quite a while too... and now i thought about this program as well, can't wait to see the answers to all of paperspray's questions....

I am sure everyone feels that way! I want something better than what I already have, but the fear of unknown is what truly scares me. I truly can't imagine being anymore miserable in my profession that I am now, but I know there is worse out there...I just can't risk taking another bad career move!

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT PROGRAM IS ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN FALL UNDER I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND EVERYTIME I TRY TO LOOK IT UP AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITIES NOTHING COMES UP THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I FEEL I'LL LOVE DOING.

NUNU2MICKEY in Taylor, Michigan said: CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT PROGRAM IS ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN FALL UNDER I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND EVERYTIME I TRY TO LOOK IT UP AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITIES NOTHING COMES UP THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I FEEL I'LL LOVE DOING.

Are you applying for a BS or Associates program? Please visit CAAHEPs website (www.caahep.org/), then look at "accredited programs." You should be able to find a school that way...

It all depends on the doctor that you work for. Some are wonder and some only know who
to yell and belittle!

A typical day you will have scheduled patients and will have work ins ( this is in a hosp or clinic). You have one on one time with the patient- you will be the only one with them during the exam.
Perks of an office? No holidays, weekends, call, or vent pts!
Cons of office? Usually tge only tech, other duties besides what tou went to school for, and lack of acute pathologies.

Echo/vascular is my fav but im also registered im general. It is best to be a "super tech" esp. With all the layoffs.

Umm... I forgot your other questions

NUNU2MICKEY in Taylor, Michigan said: CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT PROGRAM IS ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN FALL UNDER I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND EVERYTIME I TRY TO LOOK IT UP AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITIES NOTHING COMES UP THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I FEEL I'LL LOVE DOING.

Did you ever find one?

SJS in Huntsville, Texas said: I am trying to find out the same info.i am a health major psych minor and sam houston state university and I have recently developed an interest in sonography.I know that is what I want to do but qith me having a bachelor in a couple of months I am so confused about what to do from here. Lonestar (cyfair location) is the closest accredited schoool to my area.SBI is also accredited but after researching info about that school i am not sure about going there, and besides theya re very expensive!I would love to just get my certificate instead of spending time getting an associates because that means more money, and after earning my bachelors I am no longer qualified for financial aide.

sorry about all my errors, I was rushing to type this message!

Kaitlin in Taylor, Michigan said: I'm trying to find schools around taylor michigan for this program and cannot seem to find any!! If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated!

Hello! You might look into Lansing Community College. The only reason I suggest this is that they have accreditation and they have a clinical site in Taylor. So even if you have to drive to Lansing once a week for class at least you will be near your clinical site.

The Harris County Hospital District in Houston ultrasound program is now fully accredited by CAAHEP. Their students rotate through BEN Taub and LBJ.

They have also dropped the bachelors degree or healthcare associates degree requirements for admissions. You can now apply with a year and a half of college credit.

Website: hchdonline.com

Kaitlin in Taylor, Michigan said: I'm trying to find schools around taylor michigan for this program and cannot seem to find any!! If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated!

I am going to Jackson Community College and u can take all the classes online before the clincials! They have a lot of different sites to choose from plus they offer general, vascular or cardio!

hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

echo tech in Lucerne, California said: hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

Hi Lucerne,
Thanks for your posting! I am in Miami,FL. I finished my pre-requisites in December 2010 for the Ultrasound program in an accredited school. I should start the program in August 2011. But I do have doubts about finding employment. I am 37 years old, this is my second career, and I do not want to waste time and money. If I pursue the program in August 2011, I will end up with an Associate degree, and will be able to sit for the registry. But all my concerns is to find a job. I've heard that Florida is saturated, and new grads are not being hired. Sad situation. What would be your thoughts about it. Thanks in advance for your input.

echo tech in Lucerne, California said: hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

I really want to go back to school and have waited for my husband to be done for the last couple years. He finished in August and now I would like to go. I want to be a sonographer and only have about 30 hrs. under my belt from my first year and a half in college but it has been about 10 years since I have been to school. I am not sure where to start but I have been set on doing this for over 2 years. I am a military spouse and really need to find out where to start. DO i just need to find a program and get in. Please give me any tips or advice you can. Thanks.

anewcomb03 in Groton, Connecticut said: I really want to go back to school and have waited for my husband to be done for the last couple years. He finished in August and now I would like to go. I want to be a sonographer and only have about 30 hrs. under my belt from my first year and a half in college but it has been about 10 years since I have been to school. I am not sure where to start but I have been set on doing this for over 2 years. I am a military spouse and really need to find out where to start. DO i just need to find a program and get in. Please give me any tips or advice you can. Thanks.

Hello, my advice is go for something else. Even though it can be a rewarding career but it is so satuated. I would recommend going for nursing, there is always a need. It is hard dinding a job as a sonographer. Hospitals, Dr.'s office,clinics and Mobile companys want experiece even if you are register. Maybe you will get lucky and find a place that will hire new grads. I have been searching for almost a yr and still no luck but if being a sonographer is you passion then I say go for it. Good Luck!!!

anewcomb03 in Groton, Connecticut said: I really want to go back to school and have waited for my husband to be done for the last couple years. He finished in August and now I would like to go. I want to be a sonographer and only have about 30 hrs. under my belt from my first year and a half in college but it has been about 10 years since I have been to school. I am not sure where to start but I have been set on doing this for over 2 years. I am a military spouse and really need to find out where to start. DO i just need to find a program and get in. Please give me any tips or advice you can. Thanks.

If you decide to go back to school DO NOT go for sonography I graduated in 2008 and I just recieved a job offer last summer (2010) my advice would be to go for nursing or Xray.

arie2010 in Taylor, Michigan said: If you decide to go back to school DO NOT go for sonography I graduated in 2008 and I just recieved a job offer last summer (2010) my advice would be to go for nursing or Xray.

It's not just sonographers that are having difficulty finding jobs...x-ray techs AND nurses are having a hard time finding work in this economy....especially new grads!

hello in Gurnee, Illinois said: It's not just sonographers that are having difficulty finding jobs...x-ray techs AND nurses are having a hard time finding work in this economy....especially new grads!

Exactly! THe x-ray field is so saturated, and there seems to be a nursing school on every corner of town-New grads are having such a hard time getting hired. I would say, even is this economy, no job is for certain.

Thanks for posting. Did you go to a school for echo or did you learn on the job and get certified. I am attending an accredited school for General but they do teach echo, although no certificate. Would love to hear from you.

Sorry, I was asking Echo Tech in Lucerne Calif.

jvc in Merced, California said: Sorry, I was asking Echo Tech in Lucerne Calif.

I went an accredited school that only teaches vascular and ech.each modality is one year. Often you will see sonographers 40+yrs of age in the field with stable jobs. They sat for seminar for a day or two, or watched another tech for about a week and consider themselves sonographers( they are called " Old School"). I do not belive in this becauce there are so graduates who spent a lot of time, money and sacrifice to actually learn the proper way. J.O.A.P. will cause all the Old School to get laid off because insurance companies won't pay for the test unless the tech is the real deal

echo tech in Mira Loma, California said: I went an accredited school that only teaches vascular and ech.each modality is one year. Often you will see sonographers 40+yrs of age in the field with stable jobs. They sat for seminar for a day or two, or watched another tech for about a week and consider themselves sonographers( they are called " Old School"). I do not belive in this becauce there are so graduates who spent a lot of time, money and sacrifice to actually learn the proper way. J.O.A.P. will cause all the Old School to get laid off because insurance companies won't pay for the test unless the tech is the real deal

Okay, so if I get trained at school for echo I am guessing I will be able to take test for cert. or whatever you need for echo? Again my school is accredited for General Sono. Thanks for your response.

Iif your school is acredited then you should be able to sit for the registry exam,(such will basically be mandatory in the future----2 or 3 yrs. Forgive my bad typing. I'm actually driving back from l.a. your school should explain all of this unless they are hiding something. Nobody will now if they will get a job.but we all have to take a chance. I plan on going back to school for vascular but first I have to downsize my lifestyle,move etc to save up money to live on for one year. The G.I.Bill from the military will pay my tuition. I,m in a small little town in north california with no hope of every having a family so I,ll probably be leaving I n 1 year back to Mobile,Alabama.

Gramace Nine in Sacramento, California said: Exactly! THe x-ray field is so saturated, and there seems to be a nursing school on every corner of town-New grads are having such a hard time getting hired. I would say, even is this economy, no job is for certain.

Are there any jobs that are still in demand?

echo tech in Mira Loma, California said: Iif your school is acredited then you should be able to sit for the registry exam,(such will basically be mandatory in the future----2 or 3 yrs. Forgive my bad typing. I'm actually driving back from l.a. your school should explain all of this unless they are hiding something. Nobody will now if they will get a job.but we all have to take a chance. I plan on going back to school for vascular but first I have to downsize my lifestyle,move etc to save up money to live on for one year. The G.I.Bill from the military will pay my tuition. I,m in a small little town in north california with no hope of every having a family so I,ll probably be leaving I n 1 year back to Mobile,Alabama.

Thanks echo and good luck to you. I am familiar with Lucerne. It is a beautiful area but very small.

I am a writer for a website that is focused on health care occupations. We are seeking to interview people who is actually trained as an ultrasound technician and who currently works in the field. My client feels as some of you do here that it is helpful to really know what this profession is like.

I am also seeking to interview a surgical technician who is currently working in Florida.

The questions are very general and the only reason you would need to identify yourself to me is if you were to want a small gift from my client for your time. I would expect the interview process to be about 40 minutes maximum. Please contact me via email at KStewart6@gmail.com. I will provide more information if you are interested. I interview by telephone.

Thanks.

I will say if you are thinking abouut sonography don't do it. The job sucks if you can even find on. I have been doing it for four years and am sick and tired of it already.

echo tech in Lucerne, California said: hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

I live in San Diego, California and I am very interested in becoming an ultrasonic tech. I'm having trouble finding an accredited school for this specific study. Do you know of any schools? I would like to start off with an Associates degree, then maybe later on get my BA. Hopefully you can reply back. Also, the different types of sonography would help me out.

Thank you.

The school I went to was "cardiac and Vascular institute of ultrasound" it is located in Mobile,Alabama. The prerequisites were 62 credit he's+ plus interview with the dean Dr.Hooper. I would not go for general ultrasound. That is kinda like being a jack of all trades but master of nothing. Just keep looking online for a good schools then go online and look for somebody needing a roomate and relocate becauce you will have to anyways to get employment. Its a great job but they are far and few between. I,m only working 2 days a week but I get full benefits due to cutbacks so I,m going to probably get my cdl license and become a driver just for the heck of it. To have extra money. Gotta do what I have to do to survive

echo tech in Lucerne, California said: hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

Hello. I DO have a question for you. I am a 32 year old adult female wanting to go back to school to further my education. My lack of education has made it difficult for me to earn a good, consistent living. My background is sales, although for approx 1.5 years, I worked as an Ophthalmic Assistant and learned hands on, how to use 4 different types of diagnostic testing equiptment. I was never taught many of the "why's" but I DID learn the "how to's" and did my best to study up on the "why I was doing certain things," for my OWN knowledge as those teaching me the equiptment really werent qualified to do so. I did fairly well considering the (pardon my language) "half-assed" direction. I am seriously considering Sonography. Anyways, the bottom line is that I am really drawn to careers pertaining to the medical field. My conern is the fact that I am 32, have never been to college and I am not that great in math. How much math is involved? What are my chances of being successful? I fear failure. Thanks for your help!

NUNU2MICKEY in Taylor, Michigan said: CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT PROGRAM IS ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN FALL UNDER I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND EVERYTIME I TRY TO LOOK IT UP AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITIES NOTHING COMES UP THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I FEEL I'LL LOVE DOING.

I go to Ferris State Univerity and they have a great program. Very knowledgable professors and lots of scanning time. Its very challenging but I love it. I would recommend ferris over any other college in MI for sono.

Hello everyone.

There are some mixed reviews on here!! I am currently in an Ultrasound program and will answer the first post as best I can.

What is the typical day like?
From what I understand the "typical day" varies from site to site (hospital site vs clinical site). Depending on how busy your site is, and what specialty you choose, you could work an 8-12 hour shift with anywhere from 20 minute to hour long appointments.

What is the schedule? Can you work a full 40 in 3 or 4 days? What about overtime/on-call?
Again - this depends on what type of setting you choose, a hospital (open 24 hours) would obviously have more flexibility.

What specialty makes the most money? I think that I would like to go into cardiac as that seems to interest me the most. But are the job prospects slim for that? What specialty has the most opportunity?
For Echo - there are less jobs, but in general less echocardiographers so that's a tricky question to answer. Echo is a very technical field and you have to really enjoy a highly detail oriented work environment.

Can I specialize in more than 1 area? Or is that something I can conquer down the road?
You can - but usually there is so much to know about one field most people just stick to one area, echo, vascular, or general.

Because I have a B.A., can I just go for the accredited certificate or will I need to do the 1.5 year Associates?
What ever you do - go to an accredited program.

Is an accredited online degree a bad decision?
YES - I would be really surprised if those exist. How would you get the clinical experience you need to graduate?

What level of patient interaction do you have?
A high level! Your job is to document anatomy - and make sure you are welcoming, receptive, etc.

Do you need to interpret the results or does the doctor do that?
You will work for a Radiologist that will interpret the findings.

What is working with the doctors like? Is it like any other job?
You will mostly work for a Radiologist. Since they have to sign off on everything you do, they can be very critical of your work, but I don't see how that's different from any other boss.

What is the stress level like?
It depends, as a student, clinical student, and new sonographer I think the stress level is high because there is a lot of information to learn, and it takes awhile to build up your technical scanning skills.

What are the positive/negatives of working in a private practice as opposed to a hospital?
Not sure yet! I know that hospitals do have more flexible hours - they're open all night and the weekends too. :)

What is working in a hospital like? What type of person is best for that environment?
I've heard working in a hospital straight away is good for new techs so they can see the most pathology and they can usually get a job that other more senior sonographers don's want - like nights and weekends.

Any and all help would be great.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Don't be discouraged!

Sheena in Raleigh, North Carolina said: I am dying to know the answers to these questions too. I am leaving teaching after a long battle with, "What do I want to do with my life" syndrome. I anticipate applying for the program NEXT fall.

I am scared to make the move to another profession, particularly since my current one turned out to be such a disaster. It makes me scared that I will hate every other job I will encounter.

I will be observing soon, but would love to know from people on this board what THEY FEEL about their jobs as sonographers!

Hi Sheena,

I am from Raleigh N.C....just graduated from Saint Augustines College downtown but made a move to NJ to be closer to my bf while i battle with the "what do i want to do with my life syndrome"....I am thinking of going into sonography and just wondered how things went with you and were you able to find a good job easily in raleigh? I plan on coming back in about 9 months.

Radiology- Allied Health

I am attending a Medical Sonography program in Ft.Lauderdale, Fl right now. I was wondering if I will ever be able to find a job in this economy. I am going for general (specializing in breast or OBGYN) but think about venturing on to get certified in Vascular as well. Would I be ok either way? Are the job prospects better for a paticular general specialty, or all the same. What are the perks of a hospital or doctors office? which pays better?
I was originally considering nursing, but decided it is not for me. Is Sonography extremely stressful? Do you encounter many who hate their jobs?
Thanks for your time, I know there are alot of questions here!
Diane

spbiskup in Clarkston, Michigan said: I will say if you are thinking abouut sonography don't do it. The job sucks if you can even find on. I have been doing it for four years and am sick and tired of it already.

I did vascular ultrasound for 10 years. And I have to agree with you about getting sick of it. Out of the two states I worked, Texas was the worst. You were not compensated well for call basically abused. At one hospital I was the only tech and I had to do all the ERs, inpatients and outpatients. The scheduling department were morons. They would schedule me patients every hour on the hour. Ummmm so that leaves how much time to do inpatients and bring my machine to their room or bring my machine to the er. Then again worked in Georgia with numerous other techs in the department and it was not bad. Compensated better for call as well even though I still didn't love it.

echo tech in Lucerne, California said: hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

Have you heard of WCIU school in Beverly Hills CA. I was thinking about going there but they are not accredidtion with CAAHEP.

jACKSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN KACKSON mICHIGAN

Kaitlin in Taylor, Michigan said: I'm trying to find schools around taylor michigan for this program and cannot seem to find any!! If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated!

KelsyCreek or anyone else who knows about the field - I'm an allied health major at Texas A&M university and have been considering either diagnostic sonography or nursing for years now. How is the job market for sonography, are people able to find jobs? I know you won't be able to tell us exactly, but in your experience what do you think? Thanks a lot!

Oh, what schools have you guys attended for those of you who are from Texas? Extra advice is welcome as well!!

echo tech in Lucerne, California said: hello? This is my first time on this forum an I love my job as an echocardiographer. I,m typically give 1 hr per pt. 8 to 10 studies a day at an office setting but they usually only take 15 mins, the pay is great. Only go to an accredited school becauce it will be difficult to get a job; unless you have a "hook up". I consider it a very unique profession that most people haven't the slightest idea about. If anybody has any questions please e-mail me and I,ll get into the details. P.S. I hope this remark was posted.

Hello! I would love to get into detail with you about your job! I have an interview with Bellevue College and if it goes well I will be accepted into their program. I want this so much!! Any information you could give me about the field would be great! I would email you but I dont have your email address

KelsyCreek in Bellevue, Washington said: What is working with the doctors like? Is it like any other job?
You will mostly work for a Radiologist. Since they have to sign off on everything you do, they can be very critical of your work, but I don't see how that's different from any other boss.

What is the stress level like?
It depends, as a student, clinical student, and new sonographer I think the stress level is high because there is a lot of information to learn, and it takes awhile to build up your technical scanning skills.

What are the positive/negatives of working in a private practice as opposed to a hospital?
Not sure yet! I know that hospitals do have more flexible hours - they're open all night and the weekends too. :)

What is working in a hospital like? What type of person is best for that environment?
I've heard working in a hospital straight away is good for new techs so they can see the most pathology and they can usually get a job that other more senior sonographers don's want - like nights and weekends.

Any and all help would be great.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Don't be discouraged!

Hello! Thank you for providing so much information! I am guessing that you attend Bellevue College. I have an interview there on Thursday and I am stressing out about it. Any advice?

I can't speak on nursing.... but I'll give it a shot as far as US goes. The job market is tricky... With most accredited programs you attend a year of classes and labs on campus. The second year of the program is comprised of two aprox. 6 month internships. We were told to view the internships as a 6 month job interview. If you're a good fit for the site, and someone quits, gets sick, has a baby (whatever) then you would obviously be someone they'd call first to get a job. That's one of the benefits of the program you choose having a good recommendation in the community - usually your professors will try and get you to a site they think will benefit you the most personally. Does that help?

hmadden12 in College Station, Texas said: KelsyCreek or anyone else who knows about the field - I'm an allied health major at Texas A&M university and have been considering either diagnostic sonography or nursing for years now. How is the job market for sonography, are people able to find jobs? I know you won't be able to tell us exactly, but in your experience what do you think? Thanks a lot!

Oh, what schools have you guys attended for those of you who are from Texas? Extra advice is welcome as well!!

Chelsey,
Congratulations! You're past the first hurdle - it's not easy so pat yourself on the back! I am a senior this year in the program. :)

Advice: Dress nicely (business attire) - a suit wouldn't hurt if you've got one. If not, dress slacks, or a knee length skirt etc. would be great too. Make sure you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll be more confident. Go over some basic job interview questions like, "describe a difficult situation you've had at work and how you handled it" just to get your brain geared up. The interview is not unlike a regular job interview. The most important thing is to be confident, and be yourself. This is a way for them to see what type of a person you are and how you think on your feet. Stay positive and you'll do great!

Good luck!

Chelsey in Renton, Washington said: Hello! Thank you for providing so much information! I am guessing that you attend Bellevue College. I have an interview there on Thursday and I am stressing out about it. Any advice?

Thank you very much! I appreciate the advice and words of encouragement :)

KelsyCreek in Bellevue, Washington said: Chelsey,
Congratulations! You're past the first hurdle - it's not easy so pat yourself on the back! I am a senior this year in the program. :)

Advice: Dress nicely (business attire) - a suit wouldn't hurt if you've got one. If not, dress slacks, or a knee length skirt etc. would be great too. Make sure you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll be more confident. Go over some basic job interview questions like, "describe a difficult situation you've had at work and how you handled it" just to get your brain geared up. The interview is not unlike a regular job interview. The most important thing is to be confident, and be yourself. This is a way for them to see what type of a person you are and how you think on your feet. Stay positive and you'll do great!

Good luck!

KelsyCreek in Bellevue, Washington said: Chelsey,
Congratulations! You're past the first hurdle - it's not easy so pat yourself on the back! I am a senior this year in the program. :)

Advice: Dress nicely (business attire) - a suit wouldn't hurt if you've got one. If not, dress slacks, or a knee length skirt etc. would be great too. Make sure you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll be more confident. Go over some basic job interview questions like, "describe a difficult situation you've had at work and how you handled it" just to get your brain geared up. The interview is not unlike a regular job interview. The most important thing is to be confident, and be yourself. This is a way for them to see what type of a person you are and how you think on your feet. Stay positive and you'll do great!

Good luck!

Thank you for the advice and words of encouragement! I really appreciate it :)

SO CONFUSED!!
I graduated with a BS in Applied Mathematics and would like to get into a Sonography program. Do I really have to work in a hospital setting for a year or more to be qualified for the program?? I'll be finished with my pre-requisites after this summer,BUT with NO hospital setting experience. How long would I need to be working/volunteering in a hospital setting to be qualified. I mean, could I just volunteer at a hospital setting for at least 7 months? Please help me before I send in my Sonography program application and application fees.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

iMedical -

What program specifically are you applying for? Bellevue college has a point system break down which is defined on their web site. There are many factors that go into the amount of points you have when applying - such as writing strength, grades, and experience. To answer your specific concerns- volunteering (no matter the amount of hours) might be worth 1 point, whereas working in a medical setting could be worth 2 points, finally experienced work in a related field (like x-ray) could be worth 3 points. See how that works?

I would recommend calling someone at the school you're interested in applying to, and ask them if they have a point system and how it works. Another thing to weigh in on is if you gain points each time you apply. At Bellevue, you gain a point each year you applied and didn't get in. For example, the first year I applied - I didn't get in. After getting my non-acceptance letter I applied to a bunch of different medical offices and finally got a records position. The next year when I applied I had an additional three points added to my application (1 for the previous application the year before, and 2 for work in a medical setting).

So basically if you really want this - it's worth applying this year even if you don't have medical work experience. If you have the same experience I did, you might get in the second or third application. Some people in my class got in after their 3rd or 4th try.