The delta college career center

My genuine pursuit of a career as an ultrasound technologist only began recently, which is why returned to Delta College. I wanted a career that suited my skill set, while also Hellenizing me, and allowing me to be Of service to other people. I enjoy studying the different fields of science, and the medical field has always intrigued me. After a little research, I chose to become an ultrasound technologist. The research for this paper has only affirm my decision and presented me with a better perspective of my future career.

The main sources I used to do my research are: Delta College Career Center, Kaiser Permanent School of Allied Health Sciences Pamphlet, Diane Fence’s transfer presentation, and my interview with Tiffany Gammier, an ultrasound technician at Load Memorial Hospital. The Delta College Career Center is an excellent source for students to research and collect information on their aspiring careers. During my visit, I learned that ultrasound technologists go by many names, including: “ diagnostic medical oceanographer, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, echo ultrasound technologist’ (EUREKA 1 Some correspond with a specialty, and the others are just another way to refer to ultrasound technologists. According to Eureka, the only computerized California based career information system, “ Diagnostic Medical Oceanographers use high frequency sound waves to get a two-dimensional stricture recording of the human body’ (1). Diagnostic medical oceanographers must be able to operate ultrasound equipment as well as assist the physician in diagnosing diseases and failures of the organs. The person desiring to become a medical diagnostic oceanographer should be detail oriented, possess good interpersonal skills, and communicate well with patients and other health professionals (The U. S. Department of Labor 381).

As far as education is concerned, there are many different iconography programs offered in both colleges and universities. There are both associates and bachelor’s degree orgasm, ranging from one to four years. My second source was Diane Fence’s presentation on transferring to a four-year college. In her presentation, Diane provided me with all the necessary tools to successfully move on in furthering my education. She listed three key points to focus on to ensure that success: know the GE requirements of the chosen school, know the admission requirements of said school, and, most importantly, choose and prepare for chosen major. Although a degree in iconography does not require me to go to a four-year university, her recommendation to research and prepare for my chosen field is very applicable. During the entire presentation, Diane frequently recommended meeting with a counselor to assist in creating your GE map. GE map simply refers to laying out courses needed to fulfill those GE requirements.

She stressed that discovering what courses are needed to fulfill these requirements can be grueling and complicated, and the presence of a counselor is almost always necessary. The prerequisites that must be completed prior to submitting an application to the iconography program are: human anatomy & physiology with a lab, college algebra, written communication, oral communication, general physics, medical terminology, ND introduction to computers (Kaiser Permanent School of Allied Health Sciences Pamphlet 34). She also implored all students to investigate all the possibilities of getting financial aid, even adding that all college students should apply for FAST each year. Subsequently, my research led me to find a school where I might be able to finish my education and become a certified ultrasound technologist. Sought out professionals in the field at the hospital work at for information. Out of the list of recommended schools, the one that attracted me most was the Kaiser Permanent School of Allied Health Sciences. Kaiser has a iconography program that is 18 months long, and very competitive. Selection is based off of grades and experience in the field (both work and volunteer).

In order to even submit an application, students must: 1 . Be graduates of an accredited 18-24 month Allied Health program With current certification/registration in their health specialties. Allied health occupations include, but are not limited to: Radiological Technology, Medical Technology, Nursing, and Respiratory Therapy.

-OR. 2. Have a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter college credits with a cumulative minimum grade point average of 2. 75 or higher. (Kaiser Permanent School of Allied Health Sciences Pamphlet 34) Additionally, applicants must pass all prerequisite courses with a “ C” or better. My goal is to meet these requirements through Delta College.

I need to be focused on attending the correct classes at the correct times, as well as keeping my GAP high. My last and best source of all was an interview with Tiffany Gammier on October 3rd, in Load Memorial Hospital’s outpatient service center. My interview with Tiffany was my greatest opportunity to see what a typical day as an ultrasound technologist looks like, while also trying to establish a connection for future shadowing prospects. She agreed to meet with me after my shift at the hospital, so the situation could not have been better.

I first asked Tiffany to describe her typical shift. She told me she usually works eight-hour shifts, from eight to five, with some overtime and being on-call time as well. “ I usually see anywhere from 8 to 20 patients,” Tiffany tells me. I asked her to walk me through seeing a patient. “ First, check orders to make sure the diagnosis is correct and its what the doctor wants.

I get the patient from the waiting area, verify they are who they are, and bring them back into the ultrasound room. I then position and prep them on the table appropriately and begin the scan. ” I asked her what the best and worst parts of her job are.

She told me the best part is the “ let’s figure it out” part. I liked that answer. I also enjoy seeing a problem and being in a position to help with that problem. She said the worst part of the job was the “ problem patients,” although she quickly pointed out that, most of the time, they are just nervous. Tiffany was very positive, and happy with her career choice, which was very important for me to see.

My research on the field Of diagnostic medical iconography has been very helpful and affirming. Although I have a long journey to go to reach my ultimate goal, the work I put in has shown me the path to success.