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Degrees

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY - GENERAL CONCENTRATION
Associate in Applied Science Degree

Objectives

Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Concentration will:

  1. Perform complete non-invasive abdominal, gynecological, obstetrical, small parts, carotid artery, and venous testing protocols.
  2. Apply the appropriate diagnostic criteria to each of the above listed testing protocols; Identify normal sonographic anatomy through the proper application of diagnostic testing.
  3. Modify the scanning protocol based on the sonographic findings and the differential diagnosis.
  4. Modify the scanning technique based on the patient body habitus and visual artifacts.
  5. Demonstrate appropriate scanning planes and patient positioning to obtain optimum images.
  6. Provide a complete and accurate assessment of all testing findings in a preliminary impression.
  7. Describe and/or demonstrate appropriate procedures for assuring the accurate and timely interpretation of studies.
  8. Develop a working knowledge of Ultrasound Careers and their related requirements.
  9. Students successfully completing the Ultrasound Program will be eligible to sit for the
  10. American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examination, and thereafter pursue an exciting career in Ultrasound technology.

Degree Information

This Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is a two-year Associate Degree in Applied Science. The General Ultrasound curriculum consists of 70 credits of didactic and clinical training. This program includes the specializations of abdominal sonography (liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen), obstetric and gynecologic sonography, neurosonography, small parts scanning and an introduction to vascular sonography.

The ultrasound technologist or sonographer utilizes nonionizing, high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques in an independent working environment. This health care profession requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of a health care team. The professional must produce, assess and evaluate sonographic images necessary to render an accurate medical diagnosis. Diagnostic medical sonography provides a service to a diverse population in hospital settings, clinics and physician’s offices.

Course Descriptions

DMS 105 - Introduction to Vascular Sonography

This course will introduce the student to vascular sonography. The student will learn the gross and cross-sectional anatomy of the vascular system. It will include an introduction to the hemodynamics, pathology and pathophysiology of the vascular system. The student will learn normal and abnormal vasculature and the differentiation between the venous and arterial systems. Discussion will include the clinical signs and symptoms and the appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment of various vascular diseases. An introduction to vascular scanning protocols will be covered. The students will be introduced to other diagnostic testing methods, therapeutic and surgical intervention and pharmacology related to these structures. Lecture, visual aides and hands-on classroom demonstrations will coincide appropriately to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and practical application. (3 credits)

DMS 110 - Abdominal Sonography and Lab

Students will learn the gross and cross-sectional anatomy of the abdomen. This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the abdomen and all related structures. Emphasis will be placed on the liver, gallbladder and biliary system, pancreas, spleen, urinary system, GI system, peritoneum and retroperitoneum, male pelvis and non-cardiac chest. The students will become familiar with physiology and pathology found in the abdomen. The students will be introduced to other diagnostic testing methods, therapeutic and surgical intervention, and pharmacology related to these structures. Coursework will include techniques for proper identification of the normal and abnormal anatomical structures. Lecture and laboratory experience will coincide appropriately to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and practical application. (3 credits)

DMS 115 - Pelvic Sonography and Lab

Students will learn the gross and cross-sectional anatomy of the female pelvis. This course introduces and relates the knowledge of gynecology anatomy, pathology and diagnostic sonography. This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the pelvis and adjacent structures. The student will become accustomed to the sonographic procedures used to properly image this anatomy. The students will become familiar with physiology and pathology of the pelvis. The students will be introduced to other diagnostic testing methods, therapeutic and surgical intervention, and pharmacology related to these structures. Coursework will include demonstrations and discussion on the proper scanning techniques, as well as patient preparations and positioning needed to obtain optimum diagnostic images. Lecture and classroom demonstrations will coincide appropriately to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and hands-on experience. (3 credits)

DMS 211 - Small Parts Sonography

The students will learn the gross and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the neck and thyroid, breast, scrotum, extremities and superficial structures. Coursework will familiarize the student with scanning protocols as well as normal and abnormal visualization using sonography. Techniques will include methods of applying the highest resolution and color flow Doppler. Discussion will include pertinent clinical history and symptoms. Correlation with clinical laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures will also be covered. The students will be introduced to other diagnostic testing methods, therapeutic and surgical intervention, and pharmacology related to these structures. Lecture and classroom demonstrations will coincide appropriately to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and hands-on experience. (3 credits)

DMS 220 - Obstetric Sonography and Lab

The students will learn the gross and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology as it relates to obstetrics in sonography. This course will familiarize the student with obstetrical imaging. Coursework will include the physiology of pregnancy, embryology, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and the development of the fetus. Fetal development will include the three trimesters of pregnancy. Coursework will include the fetal biophysical profile, Doppler application and multiple gestations in pregnancy. The students will be introduced to other diagnostic testing methods, therapeutic and surgical intervention, and pharmacology related to these structures.
Lecture and hands-on demonstrations will coincide appropriately to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and practical application. (3 credits)
Pre requisite: DMS 115 - Pelvic Sonography and Lab

DMS 225 - Fetal and Neonatal Anomalies

This course will introduce the student to fetal abnormalities visualized in the first, second and third trimesters. Emphasis will be placed on identification of the pathological processes with sonography associated with the clinical history. This course will also include the normal and abnormal anatomy of the neonatal brain. The students will review physiology and pathology of the newborn. This will include an overview of neurosonography, pyloric stenosis, neonatal hips and urinary system. The students will be introduced to other diagnostic testing methods, therapeutic and surgical intervention, and pharmacology related to these structures. Lecture, visual aides and limited hands-on classroom demonstrations will coincide appropriately to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and practical application. (1 credit)
Prerequisite or concurrent: DMS 220 – Obstetric Sonography and Lab

DCL 105 - Clinical Sonography I

This course will provide students with an observational experience in a hospital/clinical setting. Students will become exposed to all types of sonograms including abdomen, pelvic and small parts applications. The student will also be introduced to other important modalities useful in the correlation and treatment of sonographic findings. (2 credits)

DCL 110 - Clinical Sonography II

This course will provide continued hospital/clinic setting work experience. Students will continue to improve their clinical skills and gain more experience with limited hands on at their clinical sites. The student will be able to participate and assist in obtaining patient histories and vital signs. Any execution of sonographic examinations will be performed under direct supervision Refinement of equipment skills should occur as well as continued application of didactics and practical laboratory experience. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DCL 105 – Sonography Clinical I

DCL 205 - Clinical Sonography III

In this final semester, the students will undertake intensive clinical training utilizing all prior skills obtained in didactic and practical application. The student will refine scanning skills and gain experience. With this experience, the student’s comfort level will improve in equipment manipulation and patient interaction. Execution of sonographic examinations will be performed under direct and indirect supervision of the qualified clinical instructor. The student will be solely in the clinical environment preparing for their future career. (15 credits)
Prerequisite: DCL 110 – Sonography Clinical II