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The speed of ultrasound depends on the material it travels through not the frequency used. Ultrasound travels faster in dense materials. It travels more than twice as fast in bones compared with soft tissue, for example.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography — education

Diagnostic Medical Sonography As a fetus grows inside a mother’s uterus, more and more detail is visible on ultrasound images. The image on the left shows a fetus at 16 weeks. The image on the right is at 27 weeks. As a fetus grows inside a mother’s uterus, more and more detail is visible on ultrasound images. The image on the left shows a fetus at 16 weeks. The image on the right is at 27 weeks.

High school students interested in sonography and ultrasound technology should get a strong background in science, including biology, chemistry and physics classes. Math, both algebra and geometry, are important, too.

At Vol State, students receive classroom and clinical training. The 13-month program involves study of abdominal, obstetrical, gynecologic and small parts sonography.  Small parts sonography in this case involves imaging and analysis of the thyroid, breast, neck and gastro-intestinal tract.

The program takes four consecutive semesters. Vol State places Diagnostic Medical Sonography students at sites throughout Middle Tennessee for their clinical experience. The site map shows the diversity of VSCC’s clinical partners; once enrolled, students can request a specific site but placement it is not guaranteed.