Why Accreditation Is Important

“In the early years of echocardiography, it was not uncommon for sonographers to receive only on-the-job training. Today, education at an accredited school is essential,” says Linda Gillam in a 2004 presidential message for The American Society of Echocardiography. Three years later, the same statement holds true. As machines become more technologically advanced, doctors need sonographers who can run the complicated equipment and provide optimal images—images used to diagnose patients.

But it’s the accreditation statement that caught our eyes. Ms. Gillam didn’t state “graduation at any school offering sonography courses” she specifically said, “accredited school”.

What makes accreditation so important?

Accreditation means the school has undergone rigorous evaluation by its peers to make sure it’s offering the best education. Accreditation also means the school meets certain criteria and industry standards so that graduates are qualified to work in the real world as sonographers.

To make sure your school of choice has been properly accredited follow these tips:

• Ask the school who it is accredited by.
  
• Research the accrediting institution.
  Make sure it has the authority to accredit schools and that it actually checks out the schools, and not just the curriculum.
  

Come back on Friday as we discuss career changes.