10 TIPS to getting into that Competitive Sonography Program you desire

Sonography Programs are extremely competitive because there are only a limited amount of spots available. Hence, making a great first impression is crucial to be accepted into the program.

One of my last blogs was about How to Choose The Sonography Program That's RIGHT FOR YOU.

Now that you have selected the sonography program you want to attend and submitted your application, here are some tips on how to ace that interview!

Before the Interview

Tip 1: Maintain a good GPA

I recommend a 3.0 or higher. However, I believe the cutoff is 2.75 in most schools.

Tip 2: Provide a strong resume

Strong resumes are crucial for both school and job interviews. The formatting is similar but, the information the interviewer needs from you is completely different. Do some research online or let me help you by booking a resume revision session or interview preparation 😊

Tip 3: Obtain great letters of recommendation

Some schools will ask for two to three letters of recommendation. Try to reach out to your health sciences professors, your supervisor, and/or any sonographer you shadowed. You want to show them that you are able to build positive relationships in any type of setting: clinical, academic, or otherwise.

Tip 4: Do your research about the school and the program

During the interview, they will ask you why you chose their school/program. They want to see if you took the time to do your research and came prepared for the interview.

Tip 5: Obtain a shadowing/volunteering opportunity in a clinical setting.

Shadowing a sonographer will truly take your application up a notch, as the interviewers will see that you took that extra step to truly get to know what the sonography profession is all about.

The day of the interview

Tip 6: Arrive Early

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time that morning to get ready and practice a few of the possible questions they might ask you. Also, leave your house early in case you get lost trying to find the location.

Tip 7: Dress business-casual

More business than casual. Treat this just like you would any job interview.

Tip 8: Be prepared to answer career choice and scenario-type questions.

As a Sonographer, you have to deal with patients that are dealing with a lot: physically, emotionally, and mentally. During the interview, you might be asked different scenario-type questions for the interviewer to see how you would handle certain situations that will likely arise in the profession. When answering these simply think of a family member, someone dear to you, or even yourself. How would I want to be treated if I were them, if it was someone I cared for dearly, and trust me you will answer it correctly.

Some questions they might ask:

• What made you choose sonography?

• What do you know about the profession and what it entails?

• Do you have any experience in healthcare?

• Have you shadowed a sonographer? What did you learn from this experience?

Tip 9: Demonstrate good interpersonal skills

A Sonographers deals with a countless amount of patients that are at different stages in their life. Due to this having good interpersonal skills/emotional intelligence is necessary.

Tip 10: Have some questions prepared to ask the interviewers at the end.

FOR EXAMPLE:

• How are the clinical rotations assigned?

• How much scan time will I receive throughout the courses?

• Do they teach students how to write worksheets?

  • If they do not have the questions below on their website then ask them in the interview:

  • Are they CAAHEP Accredited?

  • What is their attrition rate?

  • What is their credential success rate?

  • What is their job placement rate?

The interview process will vary from program to program. Prepare yourself accordingly by scheduling an appointment with an academic advisor to make sure you are on track and ask any additional questions you might have about the application process.

I hope this blog helps you prepare for your sonography program interview!

Feel free to comment below any additional questions that you may have about this,

Daryan