The Best Ultrasound Technology School in Texas is Using Mindray Ultrasound Solutions

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Since the inception of Weatherford College’s diagnostic medical sonography program in 2009, the program has been continually growing in both size and overall ranking. In July 2021, Nursing Process [1] named Weatherford College’s diagnostic medical sonography program the “best ultrasound technologist school in Texas” [2].

The joint venture is ramping up

Mindray NA has partnered with Weatherford College since 2017, helping them train the next generation of sonographers with the latest cutting-edge ultrasound technology. The program graduated its first class in 2011 and was awarded CAAHEP accreditation in January 2012. The program is accredited in abdomen, OB/GYN, and vascular tracts. Earlier this year, it went through its third site visit and had a perfect report.

Student scanning on Mindray Ultrasound Machine

Students learning in the sonography lab at Weatherford College

Bringing added value to future sonographers

A combination of clinicals and classes is designed throughout the five semesters. First-year students learn physics in order to take their SPI registry, normal anatomy of the abdomen, small parts, and obstetrics and gynecology. Second year students focus more on vascular and dive into the pathology of the abdomen.

Student under guidance

Student scanning on Mindray Ultrasound Machine

Many roads lead to a rewarding profession

The students are from all walks of life, for example, physicians in other countries, architects, vet techs, teachers, etc. Most of them have previously received their undergraduate degrees. By the time of graduation, a majority of them would have accepted a position through a clinical site they have rotated through during the program. The signed up clinical sites hospitals and outpatient centers provided facilities where students are able to expand knowledge and improve skills more and enroll in the echocardiography program. This makes them even more valuable in the field.

Weatherford College Sonography Program graduates in May 2019

Weatherford College Sonography Program graduates in May 2019

For advancement and for sustainability

Along the way, the students are taking actions to give back to the community by providing free 2D scans to OB patients, as long as they are under an OB physician’s care. Students have also participated in suicide prevention training and are currently organizing something for a battered women’s shelter.

For the future, the community forecasts the growing needs of cardiac sonographers. Thus the faculty is now working with the dean to put together a proposal to have a daytime cardiac and vascular program together. The plan with the echo program would be to have a portable unit that students could go out to, either churches, schools, or some other events where scanning, screening of stroke risk, and things like that are needed for the community.

Tessa Gray

MS, RDMS, RVT, Clinical Coordinator, Sonography

The majority of our students are passing three registries within 60 days, combined with our job placement rates, making our program stand out.
Kelly Staub

MS, RDMS, RVT, RT (R), Interim Director of Imaging, Sonography & Radiologic Technology

We are very proud of the 98% job placement rate. Employers have told us that they know they’re good when they see “Weatherford College” on an application.
Dr. Peter Klimo

RDMS, RDCS, RVT, Interim Assistant Program Director, Sonography

I truly believe that the Mindray units here affected students skills because they are very easy to use, the images are great, and it’s very versatile.

healthcare within reach

Indeed, this ongoing partnership with Weatherford College’s diagnostic medical sonography program provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the incredibly hard-working sonographers and educators. We believe that years of training and provision of outstanding patient care would tackle the challenges in a rapidly growing industry of increasing patient demand and evolving technologies.

At Mindray, we are not only dedicated to innovate advanced technologies, but also aiming to bridge the education gaps in ultrasound education, making an impact in the sonography industry and beyond.

Read the original interview here.

Disclaimers:

All images have been provided by Weatherford College.
This interview has been condensed to fit this blog.

References:

[1] https://www.nursingprocess.org/ultrasound-technician-programs/texas/
[2] https://www.community-news.com/2021/07/weatherford-college-sonography-program-ranked-best-in-texas/