Curriculum DMS.DMS.AAS (C217E)
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures under the supervision of a physician. The sonographer collects essential patient data to aid in diagnosis. The program covers basic theory and clinical instruction in Sonography, which will provide an avenue for cross-training and multi-competency in allied health. This will make the individual more marketable in many health care agencies that call for multi-competent practitioners. Employment opportunities are excellent in hospitals, medical centers and other health care agencies.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs, 1361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756, in cooperation with the Joint Review Commission of Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS), 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043, (443) 973-3251, phone, (866) 738-3444, fax, www.jrcdms.org, website.
The program will graduate students prepared to pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonogrphy (ARDMS) exam in specialty areas of Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) Abdomen (ABD) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB).
Program prerequisites: (GEN.DMS.AGS)
- AHL 120◊ (Comprehensive Medical Terminology);
- BIS 240◊ (Human Anatomy & Physiology I);
- DMS 100◊ (Introduction to Imaging Physics), or PHY 100◊ (General Physics);
- MAT 085 (Algebra & Geometry I) or must meet current college Math requirement for completion of MAT 085; and
- RHT 101◊ (Freshman Rhetoric & Composition I).
Math and Science courses must not be more than five years old. To waive the Math requirement, the student may place at level 6 on the college's placement exam within the past two years.
NOTE: All program prerequisites must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Prerequisite general coursework in Science, Physics and AHL program requirements must not be taken more than five years prior to the start of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. The remainder of General Education requirements may be taken prior to entering or while enrolled in the program.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the successful completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program the graduate will be able to:
- pass the SPI exam with the ARDMS;
- pass the Abdomen Speciality with the ARDMS;
- pass the Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty with the ARDMS;
- practice safe and appropriate patient care aligned with the professional standards;
- demonstrate necessary skill for performance of general sonography exams in current practice;
- apply as Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles, while demonstrating proper instrumentation to optimize sonographic images;
- demonstrate proper ergonomics to ensure proper body mechanics;
- utilize effective oral communication skills with patients, staff and visitors in the clinical environment;
- formulate effective written communication skills to obtain patient histories;
- construct a sonographic impression to aid in the final diagnosis;
- present diagnostic images in the area of General Sonography proficient for diagnosis;
- problem solve situations with imaging or nontraditional patients to provide the highest level of patient care;
- explain the relevance of professional development in the field of sonography;
- list the advantages of continued professional development throughout their career; and
- develop a plan to maintain certification with the ARDMS by obtaining necessary 30 hours of professional development during each triennium.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| BIS 241 ◊ # Human Anatomy & Physiology II | | 4 credits |
| DMS 101 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics I | | 3 credits |
| DMS 106 ◊ # Introduction to Ultrasound Principles & Procedures | | 3 credits |
| DMS 121 ◊ # Cross Sectional Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging | | 4 credits |
| SPE 101 ◊ # Principles of Effective Speaking | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 17 |
| DMS 102 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics II | | 3 credits |
| DMS 110 # General Sonography and Applications | | 7 credits |
| MAT 110 ◊ # College Algebra | | 5 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
BIS 241◊ or MAT 110◊ meets the Mathematics and/or Science general education requirement.
| DMS 131 ◊ # Clinical Applications I | | 1 credit |
| DMS 135 ◊ # Ultrasound Film Critique | | 1 credit |
| DMS 136 ◊ # Principles & Procedures of Ultrasound Imagery | | 2 credits |
| DMS 200 ◊ # Principles of Computerized Sonography | | 2 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 6 |
| DMS 141 ◊ # Clinical Applications II | | 1-2 credits |
| DMS 144 # Sonography Seminar | | 1 credit |
| DMS 146 ◊ # Pathology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography | | 4 credits |
| DMS 210 # Introduction to Vascular Imaging Sonography | | 3 credits |
| General education/Social and Behavioral Science | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 13 |
| DMS 151 ◊ # Clinical Applications III | | 2 credits |
| DMS 201 ◊ # Sonographic Specialties | | 4 credits |
| RHT 102 ◊ # Freshman Rhetoric & Composition II | | 3 credits |
| General education/Humanities and Fine Arts | | 3 credits |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |