Thanks to a generous donation from the Wauwatosa-based Eyewitness for Life, Concordia has added an ultrasound machine to its already impressive list of resources for budding sonographers.
Eyewitness for Life is a non-profit whose purpose is to educate pregnant women about their baby’s development by providing free ultrasound examinations. Executive Director Dottie Enters donated the machine to Concordia after deciding to upgrade the non-profit to a new system. Even second-hand, the ultrasound machine Concordia received is valued between $10-30 thousand.
The latest addition brings Concordia’s ultrasound system count up to five. Last year, seniors in Concordia’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Sonography program rallied faculty, staff, students, and supporters to help win a system for the university through a social media voting contest.
Altogether, Concordia now has one of the most enhanced and diverse educational scan labs in the state.
“The variety of vendors and models we’re able to offer is incredible because it allows students to diversify their knowledge, which helps them more readily transition into clinical rotations,” said Lisa Reimer, MS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R), chair of Concordia’s imaging department and director of diagnostic medical sonography.
During their first two semesters in the program, students spend at least eight dedicated hours per week on the systems. Students may also sign up for lab extensions of didactic instruction to enhance their skills.
These labs help develop students’ coordination and build foundational knowledge of normal sonographic anatomy and physiology.
“Learning to scan is not like any other skill,” said Reimer. “It requires a significant amount of hand-eye coordination. The right hand is scanning with the transducer, while the left hand is keying the specific system functions, and the eyes are on the monitor. All parts are working independently, yet in synchronicity.”
More machines ultimately means more students can be admitted to the CUW program. With its distinctly Christian approach to the curriculum, Concordia recently graduated six new sonographers. Three rising seniors and eight incoming juniors are currently enrolled.
The program also celebrates a 100-percent program completion rate, with 100 percent of candidates having successfully obtained credentialing within one year of graduation. The CUW program also has a history of all students receiving job placements within six months of graduation.
Learn more about Concordia’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Sonography program here.
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
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