Isabel Montiel

Triton College student Isabel Montiel refuses to let anything stand in the way of her dream to become an ultrasound technician. Fueled by motivation, Montiel commutes almost an hour from her hometown of Lockport to attend Triton College’s highly regarded, accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.

“It’s a struggle, but at the end of the day my goal is to be an ultrasound technician,” said Montiel. “I like that Triton is an accredited school. I am happy to be here and start this career.”

Montiel’s hard work and determination is paying off, since she is set to graduate this spring. Currently completing her clinicals at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, she has gained hands-on experience performing scans on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, neonatal heads, vessels and soft tissue.

“One aspect I love about being an ultrasound technician is that I’m really helping the doctors save people’s lives,” she said.

Montiel credits her success to the support she has received from Triton’s instructors and the coursework. She said she wouldn’t feel as prepared for clinicals as she is now, acknowledging that her instructors are “always” there for their students, ready to answer emails or any questions.

Her passion for health care started when she was a child. In high school, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and worked in the field for eight years. After discovering that the role wasn’t the right fit, she decided to pivot to become an ultrasound technician, where she could combine her interest in medicine with cutting-edge technology. “This job is very rewarding and I like being a part of it,” she said.

“Isabel brings unparalleled dedication and precision to her studies and clinical practice in diagnostic medical sonography,” said Heather Amwoza, chairperson for Triton’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. “Her commitment to continuous learning, keen attention to detail and compassionate approach to patient care reflect the highest standards of health care. Every day, Isabel exemplifies the qualities that make the field of sonography so impactful, demonstrating a work ethic matched only by her drive to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives and the broader health care community.”

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program at Triton College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org), based on the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Graduates of the program are well prepared to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Certification Exams in the specialty areas of Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), Abdomen (ABD), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN).

Through her hard work and passion, Montiel is well on her way to a rewarding career, exemplifying the excellence and opportunity that Triton College provides its students.

For more information about DMS, click here and view a video about the program here.