Message from Externship Coordinator
Jessica Dennis, Externship Coordinator
As a previous student, working sonographer, instructor, and now your externship coordinator,
I have had the privilege to work with many students as well as many different facilities. It humbles me that all of our externship sites
always have very positive reviews of our students.
Our students are more than fully equipped to be able to find a job once they have graduated. In fact, recently 3 students were hired within days
after graduation!
The most important thing to do as a student is to pass your SPI as soon as possible. There are two parts to the ARDMS exams- the Sonography
Principles and Instrumentation Exam (SPI) and the Specialty Exams (Abdomen, Breast, OB/GYN, Vascular Technology, Adult Echocardiography,
Fetal Echocardiology, and Pediatric Echocardiology). An individual must
pass both exams (SPI plus one Specialty) to become an ARDMS credentialed Sonographer. As of 2021, licensure is not required in the state of
California to work as a sonographer. However, many employers prefer to hire individuals who have or will acquire credentials from the ARDMS. So as soon as you pass your Physics ARDMS, you become “ARDMS Eligible” which opens the doors to many opportunities!!
Take the appropriate time to study for your SPI while you are still in school.
I recommend studying for at least 6-12 weeks before taking your exam.
Studying never stops once you become a Certified Diagnostic Sonographer, so remember to always be persistent in your learning. The ultrasound field
is constantly changing, and pathology will always be a challenging subject that you have to focus on. Keep your flame for sonography, as it
only grows stronger once you set these goals and reach them. I know the job-search process can seem daunting,
but with persistence, enthusiasm, and your passion for sonography, obtaining your dream job in ultrasound is well within your reach!
Employers often receive multiple
applications and the ideal resume should stand out and leave a lasting impression that earns you an interview.
I am always here to help with anything you may need, including resume tips and mock interviews, so always reach out to me if you have any
questions or if you need help.
To make connections in the ultrasound field,
I recommend using iHireRadiology.com,
UltrasoundJOBS by ARDMS, signing up for Job Alerts from Google and
Indeed, creating a LinkedIn account, or signing up as a traveling technician through Medtravelers.com. Use all of these as your go-to career resources to get started in your search. Most importantly, you should apply every week to as many jobs as possible. The more times you apply, the more likely you are to get an opportunity to interview and eventually land a job. Good Luck to each and every one of you!
Alumni’s Testimony
Karina Noriega, 2022 graduates
School for me was always very emotionally challenging. However, Ms. Mary was always there, even after school hours, to answer all my questions as needed. I am very happy with my decision to join ATI College and am now
working thankfully.
Anatomy of Female Pelvis
Commonly Used Quadrant Terminology
RUQ – Right Upper Quadrant
RLQ – Right Lower Quadrant
LUQ – Left Upper Quadrant
LLQ – Left Lower Quadrant
*** Abdomen divided by sagittal plane crossing through midline at umbilicus and a transverse plane crossing through the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus.
Addison’s Nine Regions:
Right Hypochondrium – liver, GB, hepatic flexure of colon
Epigastric – pancreas, stomach, transverse colon
Left Hypochondrium – spleen stomach, left kidney (upper pole)
Umbilical – Transverse colon, small bowel
Left Lumbar – left kidney (mid/lower poles)
Right iliac – ovary, seminal vesicle
Hypogastric – bladder, uterus, prostate, rectum, sigmoid
Left iliac-ovary, seminal vesicle
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