Northwestern College has launched a sonography program to train students for careers as ultrasound technicians, school officials announced.

The school's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program was designed to ensure academic success as well as offer hands on training. Sonographers are diagnostic medical professionals who specialize in the use of ultrasound and "work with the latest medical imaging equipment and technology to perform a wide variety of exams and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries," The Chicago Tribune reported.

"There's a lot of excitement at Northwestern College as we admit our first class of students in sonography!" Sothea Nhem, who was recently named director of the program, said in a statement. "There is a growing need for sonographers, and we're anxious to begin training men and women in the Chicagoland area to take on these positions."

Nhem is a licensed sonographer from two of the biggest credentialing agencies in the nation - the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and the Cardiovascular Credentialing International. She comes to Northwestern College from the Aquarius Institute in Des Plaines where she served as their Ultrasound Program Director for five years.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Nhem came to Northwestern College with the goal of launching a sonography program and "furthering it to be regarded as one of the most prestigious programs in the Chicagoland area."

"My experience as a Sonographer working with patients and physicians has been so rewarding that I wanted to share my skills and success with others," Nhem said. "It is important that sonographers are well trained in the field to ensure that we provide patients with the utmost care. I look forward to sharing my passion for sonography with Northwestern College students, utilizing my own experiences, struggles and opportunities which have brought me success, in hopes of preparing each student for a successful career in sonography."

Students are being enrolled in the program now, with classes to commence on Sept. 22.