OSU-OKC digital sonography program recognized as among nation's best
OKLAHOMA CITY – The diagnostic medical sonography program at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City has been named the 11th best in the nation by CollegeChoice.
“It speaks to how committed we are to an intensive experience for students and how committed the students are,” said Penney Ridenour, head of the health science division at OSU-OKC.
Sonograms are used to diagnose a host of medical conditions from kidney stones to heart abnormalities. Medical sonography is a vital part of care in specialized fields that range from obstetrics to neurology to oncology, CollegeChoice noted.
CollegeChoice ranked the 20 best programs in medical sonography based on a number of metrics, paying particular attention to attrition levels, the percentage of students who pass their board exams, and placement in work after graduation. All ranked programs are accredited by CAAHEP, ensuring they meet the highest standards of academic quality and up-to-date clinical training.
OSU-OKC offers a program of study that leads to an associate in applied science degree in cardiovascular sonography. It is a 65-credit hour program, which includes classroom and laboratory instruction on campus and supervised clinical experience at affiliated health agencies.
Graduates learn how to scan the heart and blood vessels. After they become certified in both cardio and vascular sonography, they are very employable, said Karen Bubb, head of the diagnostic medical imaging department.
“Our graduates are working all over the country,” Bubb said.
Once they go to work in a hospitals or other clinical setting, they can continue to add certifications to advance their career.
“They already know how to use the machine and what ultrasound is. All they have to learn is a new body part,” Bubb said. “There are a lot of areas of ultrasound they can go into,”
CollegeChoice reports medical sonography is a growing career field with a median salary of $67,530. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 26% increase in jobs through 2024.
About Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.