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| Herman Celestine is the only MSK-registered sonographer in Missouri who isn’t a physician. |
Herman Celestine hadn’t taken physics in 30 years.
But to earn certification as a registered musculoskeletal (MSK) sonographer, the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital employee had to pass a physics test. So he hit the books, just like he had when he passed the first part of the registry test, even though that meant again waking up at 4:30 a.m. each day to study.
His hard work paid off. Celestine recently found out he is the only MSK-registered sonographer in Missouri who isn’t a physician.
MSK Ultrasound and Procedures
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that can affect muscles, bones and joints. MSK ultrasound is rapidly evolving as a non-invasive tool in diagnosis and assessment for managing joint and soft tissue disorders. MSK ultrasound images are used to help diagnose:
- tendon tears, such as rotator cuff or Achilles tendon tears
- muscle abnormalities like soft-tissue masses
- bleeding or other fluid collections with muscles and joints
Celestine has been a sonographer for 30 years. “I enjoy ultrasound — it has been my life,” he says. “Technology has really changed the field. You can do so much with ultrasound, so many more exams.”
Over the years he has been influenced by many physicians, including MSK radiologists. One of those radiologists encouraged him to become a registered MSK sonographer.
Celestine bought books and started reviewing, waking up at 4:30 a.m. for a year and half to study. He also worked with the radiologists. The MSK examination contains 200 questions to test knowledge and abilities in the areas of muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and soft tissues. He took the registry test in November 2016 and found out in February 2017 that he passed. The second step involved the physics test. After more study, he took the physics test in July and passed.
Dedicated Barnes-Jewish West County Employee for 20 Years
“Herman is kind and compassionate, and a true representation of our ICARE standards.” says Steve Wirth, radiology supervisor. “He is dedicated and dependable. He is an inspiration to continuous learning, and we’re proud of him for achieving his MSK registry. Herman takes pride in the service he provides to patients and is a wonderful teacher.”
Celestine enjoys sharing his knowledge. “The certification has given me more confidence in what I do,” he says. “I enjoy teaching co-workers and residents how to find different parts of anatomy using ultrasound.”
He also enjoys Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and has worked at the hospital 20 years. “At Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, every patient is treated special,” he says. “The people I work with are a great crew of doctors, co-workers, fellow sonographers — they are excellent.”
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Imaging
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a radiologist, call Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital at 314.996.8080.
We are conveniently located just one mile west of I-270 on Olive Blvd., at Olive and Mason in Creve Coeur, Missouri - a west county suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Get directions to our Imaging Locations.