Do you want a career in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography field? If so, you need to understand and embrace the JRC DMS.
What is the JRC-DMS and what is its importance? The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) is an American non-profit organization which aims to sustain and endorse high standards in the educational field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The organization was established in 1983 and ever since then it strives to offer accreditation for top qualitative educational programs across the county. The main purpose of the JRC-DMS is to help students enter the fascinating world of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and acquire the necessary level of knowledge in all DMS related disciplines.
Also, the organization is a full member of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest accreditation provider nationwide.
What Fields of Study Can Qualify For JRC-DMS Accreditation?
There are currently around 200 programs nationwide that have received the JRC-DMS accreditation; meaning, they have proven that they can and do provide high quality education as well as create generations of professionals across the nation. Currently, some of the programs that are eligible for accreditation through the JRC-DMS include:
- Abdomen And Gynecological Ultrasound
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Orthotics And Cardiac Sonography
However, new accreditations are added once they pass the rigorous guidelines established by the JRC-DMS. Thus, you might want to look for new accreditations on a regular basis.
That stated, if you want to make sure you will receive your sonography accreditation within the JRC-DMS accredited schools, here is what you should look for.
Seek An Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography School
Although they may be more expensive than other schools specializing in this field, prestigious educational institutions often hold a JRC-DMS accreditation and offer full support to their students throughout their studies.
This also includes access to high quality medical equipment as well as plenty of hours of practice, which are vital. Moreover, educational institutions accredited by JRC-DMS will offer an easier path for your future employment.
Be An Active Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student
Remember that any type of educational institution is based on competition in the classroom. This unspoken competitiveness is designed to bring out the best of all students. Stay actively involved in the classroom discussions. .
Since sonography is essentially a developing branch of medical science, it is ok for you to not be familiar with certain terminology. Ask questions whenever you encounter a term you do not understand. Always do your homework as if your life depended on you getting an A+ or scoring 100. Never skip classes or training sessions.
Part of the JRC DMS accreditation is evaluating the ability of a program to be interactive and practical for students; meaning a good sonography program will provide many hours of practice for all students.
There are other activities you can engage in that will serve to expedite your educational process. You can record the classes; this gives you the ability to go back and review points you may have missed.
Want to dramatically reduce your learning curve? Join or form a study group. Study groups make learning fun, when the right students participate. Study groups also create a synergistic learning effect that rouses creativity, productivity and educational success.
Prepare For Job Interviews While In School
Whenever choosing an accredited sonography program, it is best to take into consideration your future career options. You should never decide on a course of study haphazardly. You must understand the job market behind your specialization.
Start by researching potential job opportunities online. Learn about the hiring tendencies and how you can build on them. Talk to recruiters to get a fill for the hot specialties versus the not so hot ones.
It is important to find a niche and exploit it to your benefit. Take your time to observe the job market and do not jump on the first program you find interesting or appealing.
Become a Great Ultrasound Student
You should also be supportive of other fellow students and offer to help them in their studies. After all, you would also want to be helped should you require it.
Last but not least, you should take part in program events such as medical conferences, networking opportunities and clinical time. Practice makes it perfect and in this field you cannot succeed without lots of practice.
How To Get a Job In Medical Sonography?
Becoming a specialist in sonography takes time and practice but, above all, a good theoretical prerequisite.
However, with the right school accreditation and sufficient hours of practice you will be able to obtain a highly paid job in the medical field of sonography.
