Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

This course provides an introduction to the field of diagnostic medical sonography, building fundamental knowledge of sonographic imaging, equipment, and techniques. Topics include the role of the sonographer, basic ultrasound principles, image acquisition techniques, and an overview of sonographic applications in various medical specialties. Students will explore professional and ethical considerations in the field, as well as career pathways and certification requirements. A required job shadowing experience will offer hands-on exposure to real-world sonography practice, helping students gain insight into the profession and its clinical environment.

An introduction to sonography will be presented including the sonographer’s role in healthcare delivery. Principles, practices, and professional responsibilities will be covered including assessment, medical emergencies, communication, ergonomics, and knobology. A foundation of ethics and law related to the scope of practice of sonography will be explored.

This course gives an in-depth evaluation of the abdomen and associated abnormal and pathological conditions as seen on sonographic imaging. Sonographic technique and image evaluation of the abdomen, including organs and vasculature will be studied.

This course is an in-depth study of the female reproductive system through sonographic technique and evaluation and includes abnormal and pathological conditions. An introduction to sonographic technique used in obstetrics with focus on the first trimester will be included.

This course introduces the student to the practical portion of the sonography program, reinforcing the concepts covered in the first-semester courses. The student will observe and perform hands-on scanning in the sonography lab setting, as well as computerized simulation.

The focus of this course is to provide the student with an introduction and overview of the concepts of sonography physics and instrumentation. This course will include the study of sound waves, transducers, instrumentation, and image processing as well as an investigation of Doppler physics. The basic principles of patient safety and performance testing in sonography are explored.

As a continuation of DMS 311, this course gives an in-depth evaluation of the abdomen, superficial structures, additional sonographic procedures, and associated abnormal and pathological conditions as seen on sonographic imaging. Sonographic technique and image evaluation of the abdomen, superficial structures, and additional sonographic procedures will be studied.

As a continuation of DMS 320, this course is an in-depth study of obstetric sonography. Sonographic technique and image evaluation of the developing second and third trimester fetus and related disorders will be covered.

As a continuation of DMS 330, this course will practically reinforce the concepts covered in the second-semester courses. The student will observe and perform hands-on scanning in the sonography lab setting, as well as computerized simulation.

The purpose of clinical practicum is to apply the knowledge and techniques learned thus far in the program. Evaluation of the student’s sonographic technique, ergonomics, and patient rapport are included. The student will work one-on-one with a sonographer at designated clinical settings beginning in the observation phase and moving to more hands-on scanning throughout the course. Sonographic competency evaluations will be completed on select procedures.

The purpose of clinical practicum is to apply the knowledge and techniques learned thus far in the program. Evaluation of the student’s sonographic technique, ergonomics, and patient rapport are included. The student will work one-on-one with a sonographer at designated clinical settings. As a continuation of DMS 380, the student will move towards more hands-on scanning throughout the course in order to increase skill in eye-hand coordination. Sonographic competency evaluations will be completed on select procedures.

This capstone experience is a comprehensive approach to combining clinical history, diagnostic test results, and clinical findings to integrate a multitude of data in a case study presentation. Students will use information gained throughout their program along with additional clinical experiences in the final semester. This capstone project, with additional registry preparation activities, will prepare the student to take the national certification examination in diagnostic medical sonography.

The purpose of clinical practicum is to apply the knowledge and techniques learned thus far in the program. Evaluation of the student’s sonographic technique, ergonomics, and patient rapport are included. The student will work one-on-one with a sonographer at designated clinical settings. As a continuation of DMS 395, the student will perform most exams independently. The student will modify scanning protocol based upon clinical findings and differential diagnosis. Sonographic competency evaluations will be completed on remaining procedures.

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the principles of ultrasound and patient care as it pertains to breast sonography. An in-depth evaluation of the breast and associated abnormal and pathological conditions is explored. In addition, technique, protocols, and image evaluation of the breast, including normal and abnormal echotexture and vasculature will be studied. Pre-req: ARDMS registered, ARRT (M) registered, or student currently in the DMS or MAM program.

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the principles of ultrasound and patient care as it pertains to vascular sonography. An in-depth evaluation of the vascular system and associated abnormal and pathological conditions is explored. In addition, techniques, protocols, and image evaluation of the body’s vessels, including normal and abnormal echotexture and flow patterns, will be studied.