Simone Europe, BA, RDMS, RVT

Simone: I had a Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field and, unlike many other programs in the area that require applicants to have already completed the necessary prerequisite coursework, CAHE's program integrates the prerequisite coursework into the program, providing all students with an opportunity to gain the foundation necessary to succeed in the field. Another important factor was that the didactic and clinical components are integrated and simultaneous, unlike other programs that conduct their clinical rotations at the very end of the program.

Simone: I can only say that it was "AMAZING." The program faculty, clinical preceptors and my fellow students were phenomenal. I am fortunate to have developed lifelong friendships while building my professional network.

Simone: To never hesitate to ask questions. From the very beginning, we were encouraged to ask questions whenever we were unsure of something or needed additional clarification. I also learned to make use of the valuable resources available to us, which helped ease the burden.

Simone: I consider myself incredibly lucky to have rotated through a variety of clinical sites with wonderful supervisors,preceptors and staff, many of whom I continue to maintain contact with. I feel fortunate to have completed my General rotations at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center and The Mount Sinai Hospital, my OB/GYN rotation at Center for Allied Health Education, and my Echocardiography and Vascular rotations at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.

Simone: I really enjoyed scanning lab sessions, especially during my second year when everything was more familiar and becoming second nature. Students were separated into groups and allowed to practice on each other. It was also a great opportunity to review the material that was being covered in our clinical experience at the time.

Simone: Have patience and perseverance. Everything is new and unfamiliar in the beginning. However, as time goes on, you will begin to develop a deeper passion for the field.

Simone: I am currently working at a private outpatient practice with several locations, covering multiple specialties, but focusing primarily on Vascular and Echocardiography. I love the environment which I am presently in where I encounter mostly common cases, and my goal is to advance to an environment where I would have the opportunity to encounter some of the less common scenarios. Simone concludes reiterating how wonderful her experience in the program was and how it exceeded all expectations. She is grateful for the people that she met and the relationships which were developed. She adds that sonographers, along with many other healthcare professionals, are often times underappreciated and do not receive the full recognition which they deserve. Simone states that the job is mentally and physically demanding, but has absolutely loved her experience and journey thus far. CAHE wishes Simone the best of luck and she continues to grow and prosper in the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.