UPDATE: Life of a Sonography Student- Spring 2018

[@YesImBudgeting]

congratulations on everything.. Im starting my pre-reqs soon to get into the D.M.S program.. best wishes to you.. TFS :)

[@KristyDMS]

good luck!

[@Judyytv]

OnlyGirlShan sameeeeee im so excited

[@arshiamohd2902]

I just got accepted to a DMS program! I am so excited :) keep us updated

[@lenapauline8634]

Arshia Mohd congrats!!!!

[@YesImBudgeting]

congratulations. I look forward for me starting D.M.S program also.. best wishes to you :)

[@arshiamohd2902]

thank you!

[@KristyDMS]

i love it! congrats! where are you going?! im so excited for you! good luck! work hard! tell me how it goes!

[@lourdeflores9815]

Congrats 🎉🎈

[@Logan.Ross17]

Hi your videos are great! I’m just starting to look into this as a career.

[@KristyDMS]

Coffee With Christy oh good! Good luck !

[@veanne]

Because of your videos, I became interested in sonography. I'm officially taking my prerequisites in May!! Hopefully I can get through this, accepted to a program, graduate, and start working :)

[@erykadominguez9410]

Congrats! I’m starting my program January, I am very excited to start. Keep updated us on your your journey and I hope you pass your exam!😁

[@KristyDMS]

Eryka Dominguez good luck girl! And thank you so much ! More videos coming soon! You keep me updated too!

[@briana8721]

I love these videos!! I'm 21 and have been out of school for 3 years and for that 3 years just couldn't find anything to do that I would love, I'm starting school in the spring and I like watching these videos to help me get prepared for what I'm about to go through for the following 2 years. Please keep making them lol

[@KristyDMS]

Aww I’m so glad to hear how much it helped ! Don’t forget there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do with your schooling. Let me know if you have specific questions or request for videos !

[@imanxious275]

so i just graduated high school and this is a field i'm interested in ! but i don't know ANYTHING on how to get there. Can you please make a video of the basics ?

[@KristyDMS]

AshleyJ I sure will soon! Do more research, see how you feel about ultrasound

[@cristalfigueroa571]

SAMEEE I’m graduating next year and my dad told me today they don’t earn anything and I shouldn’t do it

[@kenchrishell]

Cristal Figueroa I think you earn differently depend on where you live

[@Meep69295]

girl, do some reasearch! they make atleast 23$ an hour in starting

[@kaitlyn2342]

Cristal Figueroa for me, it says they make around 70,000 around my area

[@Diaaaaaaa.9]

You have really inspired me to go into this career ❣️

[@KristyDMS]

Diamond Rogers I’m so happy to hear that! 💕 please keep me updated !

[@lonestarr1707]

@@KristyDMS what would you say to a 33 year old who wants to get into this career ( Vascular) with only a high school diploma

[@torilyncommet9032]

These videos are awesome!! I am finishing up my pre requisites and then applying for the general sonography program!! I hope it pays off !

[@KristyDMS]

good luck to you!!

[@veanne]

Hey! Are you in your program now?

[@DOMINOdoesHAIR]

Good luck on everything! Thank you for sharing your experiences .. I will soon be starting my journey to becoming a sonographer and I hope to help others through it too ☺️👍🏽

[@KristyDMS]

oh good luck!

[@molovesmusic567]

this is so helpful, i've been sort of off and on with if I should become a sonographer, even though it seems a tad bit stressful, i've always been wanting to help people. i feel this would be a wonderful career!

[@KristyDMS]

please look into it! maybe you'll love it!

[@nataliekhoo6635]

I have been working as a Sonographer for the last three years. Really enjoy how you shared about your sonography studies. Good luck and hoped you pass all the exams. 🙂

[@KristyDMS]

thank you so much! have any tips for a student sonographer?

[@nidianoguera6129]

Hey girly did you get a job in this field ? Update plz

[@doricelaroche0320]

Welcome back sis I am a student at Montgomery college and I love your videos so so much. Please keep on posting video because this will really help me next year. Love😍

[@saraka5917]

Good luck😊 quick question, by the end of the program will you earn an associate degree or a certificate? I’m trying to get into a program but I’m not sure if it’s better to join a 2 year program (associate degree) or a 12 month program (certificate)

[@KristyDMS]

I try my best to keep you all updated!

[@KristyDMS]

associates and certification. some programs do strictly one. mine does both! :)

[@tina1ii1a.41]

Loving your thorough videos! 😊

[@taylor3233]

Love that I found your videos! Super informative and encouraging. I am about to decide if I will be taking sonography classes in the fall. I just turned 23, and I am very nervous to decide what to do. My local community college (St. Petersburg College) offers everything BUT sonography... radiology, x-ray...of course. If I choose sonography I would have to drive to the next county ( Tampa , FL ) to be exact... which hey if I really want it, then it is worth it in the midst of all the horrible traffic right? lol. It really does interest me though. I have always loved photography...and was going to go to art school for it, glad I saved money and DID'NT do that lol . Gaining a solid career as a photographer really isn't practical to rely on. Getting Ultrasounds done from fattling ovarian cysts and gynecological issues, and echocardiograms my whole life with a heart condition I was born with..one day it just clicked. Medical Imaging is absolutely the way to go. Long story short... I am so nervous about deciding on what to do. How do you like it so far... do you feel happy with deciding on going along with this career path?

[@KristyDMS]

i have a best friend who does the photography in florida! but as sonographers, we are photographers for doctors if that helps! im so gladd you have a back story to motivate you into the scareer. dont be nervous. i love my career path right now i truly do. i wouldn't have it any other way. it was a right decision

[@ltaldoraine7305]

Thank you for putting together another video, Kristy!

[@KristyDMS]

Of course!

[@fadimadiallo3524]

Just came accross your Chanel and I’m planning on going into the program in 2020 . I really love your videos thanks for sharing

[@nicoleboncic1137]

i just started my program today! we only have 12 students and im the youngest like you in ur program! We haven't started scanning but im so nervous i wont get it, do some students just never get it? Idk! I think im being hard on myself but! Im nervous!

[@KristyDMS]

congrats on getting in! i hope all 12 of you make it through! some students simply dont get it or dont like it. its not their fault. work hard! you'll know eventually if it is the right field for you! keep me updated

[@Meep69295]

I love this video, thanks for the advice and just the experience!

[@lenapauline8634]

good luck!!!! thank u so much for all the info u shared in ur last two videos. i cant wait to see more. ur such a huge help to me. 💕💖

[@KristyDMS]

aww i love it! i will be posting more soon. just been busy with clinical

[@FNAFxCC8884]

do you have to be good at math.?

[@KristyDMS]

no, not at all

[@anechoicsoul]

Starting DMS in 19 days! So excited. Nervous. Can’t wait!

[@user-tm27651]

Congratulations on all your hard work. I am transitioning from nursing school to sonography. After many job shadow hours, I have realized sonography is something I would much rather do. I will be taking non-calculus based Physics next spring. So nervous ...so if you any tips on how to study for physics please share! haha Also, I appreciate all your sonography videos. There are not many videos on here and its always refreshing and nice to know about different experiences students may go through. And yes girl, pathophysiology is NO joke.

[@KristyDMS]

check out my physics review video! gives all the tips to physics!! i appreciate the love with the videos. i wanted to help out as much as i can cuz there aren't many videos at all. good luck to your schooling!

[@fuckkkkt33]

Kristina Glad I am not the only one on switching from nursing to sonography.

[@keepcrumpn]

So informational!! Thank you!!

[@KristyDMS]

thanks for the love! :)

[@Meep69295]

I'm doing my sonography clinical observations, and I wish I can see you do your thing!

[@KristyDMS]

omg how do you love it?!?!

[@selennaaaa7256]

Congrats for pushing through! Inspiring! Thanks for the insight I’m pursuing ob sonography

[@KristyDMS]

good luck!

[@TWood-bq3jj]

Thanks so much for this info! I’m interested in this program. I hope you did well on your exam. 🤗

[@KristyDMS]

[@shimmer4771]

I was curious about the medical field (I wanted to be a nurse when I was in 2nd grade, pretend nurse, working on stuffed animal patients), but now have grown interested in sonography. Is this a hard major, how will you know it's for you, hard pre requisites?

[@tidalwave510]

14 students !!!!???? wow. Im still so interested though...hope you passed the exam. Keep it up!!! I wonder if there are adult students...like older?

[@KristyDMS]

tidalwave510 most of the people in the program are older. In there 20-30. Some even 40. I’m the youngest

[@tidalwave510]

That would be me, 40....thats good news. And congratulations, your ambition is out of this world. Thank you for the reply and for making these. Appreciate your genuine insight.

[@KristyDMS]

tidalwave510 I appreciate the love. Thank you. There are plenty of older people in the program or go into this field. You’re never too old to learn

[@tidalwave510]

Thank you for the encouragement and of course. Much love and continued success!!!

[@emilyb5423]

I’m currently working as a sonographer and just came across your videos! I loved hearing about your experiences as a student and can definitely relate to everything you were talking about. The stress was unreal. You really did a great job of explaining what it’s all about. A lot of people think our job is easy but it’s sooo far from it! Good luck with everything, you seem like you’re going to be an amazing tech!

[@KristyDMS]

omg thank you so much! i feel like people dont know too much abut our field. and i know i needed help getting through it all! god luck to you! thanks!

[@NjckiTran]

MC is it in MD? I just got accepted to The DMS in NOVA and will be starting in August! So excited but also nervous now hearing you said 14 students dropped out

[@KristyDMS]

Njcki Tran yes it’s in MD. Good luck at NOVA. If you work hard then you should exceed!

[@KristyDMS]

Yes it is in MD! Goodluck at NOVA! dont be nervous, work hard and you'll do great !!! keep me updated

[@nicolebetancourt4337]

I start college soon and your sonography videos would be extremely helpful!!

[@KristyDMS]

Nicole Betancourt love it! Good luck girl

[@tessakay6640]

Thank you for the video, im also in a DMS program. My school course work is a little different from yours. I'll be taking my SPI exam end of June or early july, then I'll be going into abdomen, obgyn, and vascular. Then off to 6months of externship. GOOD LUCK ON THE SPI EXAM! I need the luck as well lol

[@lenapauline8634]

Tessa Kay good luck!!! u got this.

[@KristyDMS]

Good luck to you!!!

[@leftyloose8576]

Im applying to NOVA's program in May. thanks you so much for your insight!

[@KristyDMS]

good luck to you!

[@alexbella99]

How is the program ? At nova

[@xxyourstruuly]

Kristy, love your videos! Would you say you need a strong math/physics background for the ultrasound program?

[@KristyDMS]

no math or strong physics. you need to know the basic of physics. check out my SPI physics video for more

[@yeseniahernandez9251]

Hello Kristy, I got accepted to a DMS program and i'm really excited. I wanted to ask you about the physics I'm really nervous about it and I am wondering if math is a big part of ultrasound and how you managed to study for it.

[@Naomi-nj9iz]

id like to know to! what pre-reqs did you have to take?

[@yeseniahernandez9251]

Princess for the pre-reqs depends on the school because every school requires different pre-reqs you have to ask them.

[@KristyDMS]

posting a video now on my physics experience!

[@juliel6460]

thank you for making this video, Kristy! During your studies, are you working at a job at a clinic or hospital that is helping you get your foot in the door and experience? thank you for your time!

[@KristyDMS]

im not working. but my clinical is a hospital and doctors office. i do not have a job job. each clinical site you are assigned is like a internship but also you treat it like a job interview :)

[@itsmaya1079]

Did you did the Bachelor in Sonography ?

[@jennaholt5293]

In clinicals or in your actual job as an ultrasound tech, do you HAVE to preform trans vaginal and scrotum exams? Because I really don’t want to do that... would you say this program isn’t for me if I’m not comfortable with that?

[@jaderittenhouse5577]

Heyy! I would love to get in contact with you! Im a senior in high school and I’m wanting to become an ultrasound tec! I have several questions, like how did you know you wanted to do that? And how you went in to become one? How did you find a school? Did you just graduate from high school then go to ultrasound training? I have tons of questions! Thank you! I love watching your videos!

[@KristyDMS]

feel free to shoot me a message. my life story of how i got into this is long. id love to share it, just can't type too much lol.

[@nellytoure251]

Hi I'm in the very same situation as you jade! If those questions were answered in an email thread of sorts I'd be very grateful if you were to send them to me.

[@carlita456790]

Hey Kristy! I’m actually about to begin the application process for the US program at my school. My question is: did you have to take the psb exam and if so, how did you prepare for it? I’m so nervous about the exam since I’m horrible at math but I wanted to see if maybe you had any tips. Love your videos! They’re so informative and helped me decide on pursuing this career!

[@KristyDMS]

I actually have no idea what that exam is! my program required me to take the TEAS test. im sorry sorry i couldn't be more helpful. the TEAS was basically like the SAT with science. Im so glad my videos helped you out! keep me updated!

[@Naomi-nj9iz]

Kristy, I live in Maryland and will be applying to MC. 2 questions, how much was the entire program (how much did you pay) and what days/times were you going to school?

[@KristyDMS]

The entire program? I haven’t finished yet. But for in county on average I pay $1,000-2,000 a semester MAYBE. I’m just guesstimating. And the program is online and offline. Each semester is different. Usually once or twice EVERY OTHER week. And the other days you will be at clinicals.

[@Naomi-nj9iz]

was it very competitive to get in? any tips before I apply? sorry i have so many questions before i meet with an advisor!!

[@KristyDMS]

Princess from my understanding the only thing they look at seems to be GPA, your TEAS score , and how many prerequisite you have finished. There’s not much more you can do to stand out, I think the more requirements you get the more they will pick you. But it’s not guarantee. Many people apply but many people don’t do the requirement

[@KristyDMS]

Princess it’s pretty competitive. Only 30 get in. 16 in general 8 in echo and 8 in vascular.

[@Naomi-nj9iz]

Kristy Le please make a vlog when you graduate/ceremonys!!

[@bumblemage5392]

I'm really really interested in sonography and I'm wondering if I can continue working full time while going to school. That's really the only way I could pay for it, but idk how hard it would be to maintain both.

[@KristyDMS]

it is mostly difficult to balance work and going to clinicals. You need to be at clinical for 8.5 hours days like you would at work. There isn't too much wiggle room to work unless you did nights or weekends tbh... im sorry! it is possible though

[@bumblemage5392]

@@KristyDMS Thanks for the info! Definitely still going to try to make it work since my current job is open 24 hours

[@KristyDMS]

good luck!!!@@bumblemage5392

[@kristen65481]

I’m working towards getting into the Sonography program. I was told I need a 2 year or 4 year degree first (I chose Radiology) to be accepted into the sonography program. Just out of curiosity, is this what you had to do as well? If so, did you get a 2 year degree or 4 year degree to be accepted into the program? I live in Colorado.

[@KristyDMS]

I did not need a degree to get into the program. no prior degrees were important the applying. i do not have a degree but when i graduate i will get one with the RDMS certification

[@jessicaolaughlin515]

I'm in Missouri and pursuing Sonography too. I did a ton of research and consulted with my school and was told i needed at least an Associate's degree (2 year degree) to be able to apply for the Sonography Program (2 year program) (all together 4 years of school). Kind of wondering how you were able to get into the Program without a previous degree 🤔

[@Asdfghj12345h]

I go to MC Germantown and I’m applying to DMS program this March. I’m studying for the TEAS and I’m stressing :( school is so hard

[@KristyDMS]

good luck!

[@Taijahyoung]

I just graduated high school this may and i started off as cna, my original plans were to do Lpn program in January but i just feel like its not me and i want to take another route within the medical field and this interested me After i researched it a bit im scared to do medical sonography because math isn’t my subject at all but i cannot allow that to stop me

[@KristyDMS]

please dont let math hold you back! when you graduate from high school, college courses are so much different. dont let one subject scare you a way from a future. there isn't too much math involved anyway... very basic stuff. no more algebra i promise !

[@sean02345]

Can I ask what your thoughts are on going the certificate route for DMS? Rather then the associates or bachelor's? Will your salery be a lot less or just slightly less once you land a job? Thank you!

[@shimmer4771]

SEAN SCHMIDT Many places prefer you to be certified registered... Also, Associates gets you farther.

[@KristyDMS]

tbh, as long as you have tat certification it is fine. some places look for degree if you are just going to be a tech working. degrees are more for furthering your career, like into imaging management or something. some people prefer it. i dont think the pay helps too much?? idk

[@MariaSuarez-je3pk]

Do you have to be good in physics?

[@sierrahanson2578]

Can you specialize in one type of ultrasound like obgyn . If so would you still have to take all the classes or just the classes related to the obgyn.

[@KristyDMS]

you would still need to take the course a long with abdomen if going into ob. you will learn everything and you can choose to JUSTtake ob board exams and go into that field. but you have to learn it all!

[@Ingredientboss]

Hi ! I am looking into going this career, I am so into the medical field only problem is that I get a syncope with blood and body injury. Do you guys deal with situation where things are bloody?

[@KristyDMS]

no generally. the only blood i see is vaginal bleeding but it is very minimal

[@alisha1339]

how do you study for pathology? in terms of memorising or like how do you remember

[@isabelespinosa2031]

Hi can you explain what's the difference between diagnostic medical sonography and noninvasive cardiovascular sonography!

[@KristyDMS]

Im kind of confused-on your question. There are different tracks you can go in to as a sonographer. I believe you are thinking of a RDMS vs RVT vs RCS. RDMS is registered diagnostic medical sonography - deals with general sonography including abdomen, small parts, ob/gyn. RVT is vascular. RCS is cardiaology sonography which is strictly hearts. and cardivascular system

[@jabbedcrab]

I haven’t done much research, but do ultrasound techs work with all sorts of stuff? Like ranging from babies to diseases, or is there separate types? Sorry if this is a dumb question 😅

[@KristyDMS]

no dumb questions. i am in the general track so we do deal with more than just babies. it involves abdomen and ob. everything included in abdomen is diseases in the liver, pancreas, kidney , spleen, we also do pelvis ultrasounds and scrotals and thyroids. with OB that is the so you see on tv ultrasound kinds. we do those as well depending on wha boards you take. i will qualify for both after graduating

[@jabbedcrab]

Kristy Le oh! Thanks, and that’s awesome!

[@KachowShots]

Hi I was wondering. Do you think it will be doable to be a full time student and work full time 3 days a week. I’m a cna and would be able to do (3) 12 hour shift a week.

[@KristyDMS]

mmm probably not in your second year.as a first year maybe. you need to go to clinical everyday like a normal job, you prob won't have timre to do 12 hours tbh... im sorry

[@sarahfowler8908]

I’m interested in this career, but I’m also interested in Neonatal nursing. Is it possible to just be a obstetric sonographer once you graduate?

[@KristyDMS]

you need to go in the "general" track of RDMS. you can jut sit for your OB boards but you'd still need to learn abdomen. you can't ignore it going into sonographer

[@SunshineGirly588]

Do you work as well as going to school to become a DMS? Or, are you strictly just going to school and completing your externship?

[@KristyDMS]

i do not work. strictly school and clinical. i quit my job before i started my program

[@tatianamartinez9848]

Im looking into this career. Do you think its too much with a 9 month old being realistic. My husband is also in school and we both have full time jobs. Just need some advice

[@KristyDMS]

i honestly think that is a lot to balance. The career would be great for your situation but the going through school part may be a big challenge. I couldn't even work when i was in the program. idk how else to get around it. most of the classmates who have kids had to drop the program. some stayed.

[@TheKmartin266]

I am a mom of a 2.5 year old and a 8 month old and in a sonography program🙂 its a lot to balance but it will be worth it in the end!

[@MDdelgado23]

damn 78 percent pass for each course or overall grade :'( . Also, Thanks this vid was extremely helpful. Is this program/career dominated by females?

[@KristyDMS]

it is mostly females but there are PLENTY of males in this field. dont like gender hold you back

[@cindybesitos8933]

What's your schedule like for school? How many hours a day do you go? M-f? 4/5 hours? How long is the Program for?

[@KristyDMS]

first year i went to school once every other week. clinicals 1 day a week. i am currently in my second year and go to clinical about 4-5 days a week and still classes every other week

[@ruthless0585]

Did you do school full time or did you have a job at any semester?

[@KristyDMS]

Ruth Fuentes I had a job in the first semester. School was full time !

[@KristyDMS]

full time schooling. i did have a job my first semester, but quite afterwards. i know some people who work part-time on the weekends throughout the whole program

[@crisc1818]

Is this really a good career to get into? Do a lot of men enter this career ?

[@KristyDMS]

yes, there are men who also go into this career

[@sindystales2911]

Hello Kristy please i just satrted DMS can i get some helpful books

[@mandiebooth6133]

What is the starting pay, I start my classes in the summer.

[@KristyDMS]

where i am from around 60,000 maybe?

[@azucenasaavedra2327]

Can you tell me if your test are with a open book

[@KristyDMS]

of course they are not. my school test?- no. neither are the board exams. no open book. study study study s the key

[@matyosgebrezgabhier463]

Hi Kristy, I am interested in this career and was wondering if it is a problem that I am a guy? Some people try to discourage me by suggesting that its a female dominant area and that hospitals won't hire me because they would rather have females Sonographer. Is there any truth to it?

[@KristyDMS]

boy! i feel like any person, gender whatever is able to go into any field. that should not stop you at all!!! there are PLENTY of male sonographersin the world. i do know as a male they can tend to get denied to do some exams like transvginal or scotum, but that is just dependent on the patient and their comfort. please dont let it discourage you! i have a male classmate now and he's doing great!

[@Pinkcandy1966]

Great video How much sonographer get paid?

[@KristyDMS]

varies from state to state. i wanna say here in md is 64,000

[@MrJbee1982]

I'm in OTA school but wish I went into sonography instead...

[@KristyDMS]

you can always go back!! :)

[@Tessfukai]

Is acoustic physics hard?

[@KristyDMS]

it is a straight forward concept. its either really hard or really easy to people. i dont think its too hard. if you can read and comphrehend concepts, like if this factor changes then this will too, you will get it.

[@laurenjackson845]

Do you have to be good in anatomy

[@KristyDMS]

omg yes! all you are looking at is anatomy in the body

[@lellag995]

Honey i am indecisive weather I should do radiography or sonography. Please advise me.

[@clm21]

Lella McGee I would choose radiology because if you want to do sonography after it will be a lot easier!

[@KristyDMS]

its whatever you think you can handle! i personally wasn't interested in other fields of radiology and did just ultrasound.

[@KristyDMS]

all fields of imaging are different. i would say with other radiology fields you are really maneuvering the patient ad pushing buttons , i feel ultrasound is more difficulting considering you are maneuvering a transducer yourself. no machine help

[@Istayready]

I was tooooo 😩 but I ended up choosing sonography because they make more money

[@zaraqkhan6138]

Do you think males do sonography or is it a female dominated career?

[@KristyDMS]

it i s pretty female dominate but there are a lot of males who go in to this field. it shouldn't stop you! i have a male in my program and theres plenty that work in the hospitals that are male

[@julened6604]

Can I be able to work full time and full time student while in school? What is the pay rate? Cost of schooling to do this and do I have to pay instantly as soon as I start school? Sorry I’m new to all this I still have not signed up for school

[@selfdaringmike4169]

Julene E i like to know that to

[@danielle7651]

i’m currently in school for sonography, & no one in my class works full time. my professor told us right from the beginning this is your full time job, and that she’s personally never had a student that could work and study at the same time. Since you’ll have clinicals for 5 days a week for 10 hours. For pay rate it depends where you go whether it’s a hospital or doctors office etc. for cost of schooling it depends if you go to a community college or university which depends where you live. google about ultrasound technician and it will answer almost all your questions.

[@julened6604]

Danielle ! Thank you!

[@KristyDMS]

the beginning of the program it is possible to work. once you're pass your first year it will be a challenge cuz right now i go to clinical 4 days a week. so it'll be a challenge. the pay varies state. and you do have to pay when you register for classes.thats just for my school though.

[@bossbabefawn]

How did you decide what Sonography classes at each time? They want me to take 6 classes in the last two semesters which seem insane?! How many classes did you take each semester to get done in 2 years and was it the whole 90 credits?

[@KristyDMS]

my program provided the classes for us each semester! its in the curriculum!

[@Istayready]

You have me super scared 😩😩

[@heathersmithson3782]

nina simmone same! I’m finishing up my bachelors now and getting all the prerequisites out of the way. Hoping to be in the Sonography program locally by 2021 🤞🏻

[@Istayready]

Heather Smithson I know right I have to do my prerequisites as well 😩😩 & you’ve got this!

[@KristyDMS]

dont be scared!! be confident! working hard is worth it!

[@veanne]

I'm starting my prerequisites this year!! I'm so nervous as well... What are your Instagrams so I could follow you guys? I'm trying to prepare myself :)