Sonography Program

Specialize in Sonography

Sanford Medical Center Fargo provides a CAAHEP accredited sonography training option in North Dakota. 

Sanford Medical Center Fargo offers certification in either echocardiography or general/vascular sonography through extensive didactic and clinical instruction developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful registered sonographer. It is a full-time program with a schedule of 40 hours per week.

The Sonography Program is affiliated with North Dakota State University to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences with tracks in echocardiography or diagnostic medical sonography. Students complete prerequisite coursework followed by the 21-month sonography program. Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, students receive a certificate of completion from Sanford Fargo Medical Center and a baccalaureate degree from NDSU.

• Prerequisite academic coursework —all applicants must demonstrate successful completion of prerequisite college-level courses prior to the start of the program. Prerequisite coursework includes human anatomy and physiology, physics, statistics, communications, medical terminology, and psychology.
• Program-specific coursework — extensive coursework and scanning labs offered at School of Sonography and coordinated with clinical rotations at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, Broadway Medical Center, Southpointe Clinic and Moorhead Clinic.
• Choose from two programs:
  • Echocardiography — coursework and clinical experience in adult echocardiography (sonography of the heart) with pediatric and stress echocardiography rotations.
  • Diagnostic medical sonography — coursework and clinical experience in the specialty areas of abdomen, OB/GYN, small parts, pediatric and vascular sonography.

What is sonography and how do I know if it’s right for me?

Sonography, also known as ultrasound, utilizes high-frequency sound waves to examine internal body structures and organs. A safe, cost-effective alternative to other imaging modalities, ultrasound imaging does not utilize radiation. Sonographers obtain images helpful in discerning between healthy and diseased areas of the body. They work collaboratively with physicians in a variety of health care settings and may work closely with interventionalists or surgeons before, during and after procedures. 

Registered sonographers can work in a variety of different settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Private physicians
• Mobile service units

Upon program completion, students will take the appropriate professional certification examinations to become registered sonographers. For additional certification information, visit the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

A career in sonography is a great choice for detail-oriented people interested in medicine who are good communicators and enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking.

Demand for sonographers continues to grow at a much faster rate than the national average for occupations overall. For the most current information regarding earning potential, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.