Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AAS Degree

Sonography is a medical specialty, which uses high frequency sound waves to create images of the human body such as various organs in the body, vessels, tissue, and the fetus. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must be well versed in human anatomy, pathology and skilled in the operation of specialized imaging equipment. The images obtained by the Sonographer helps the physician in assessing both disease processes and the state of well being.

Clinical Affiliation: Students will be placed in a clinical affiliation for 7 months in medical centers throughout the United States. If a student does not complete specialty DMS classes in three consecutive semesters, faculty and administration will determine whether courses must be repeated before enrolling in clinical. Clinical placement is determined only after the student has been observed safely and consistently performing all required procedures in specified time frames.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program. For more information please see Additional Program Requirements.

Please note that MATH 102T must be completed before taking PHYS 100. They cannot be taken at the same time.

Semester	Course Title	Credits
Prerequisites to DMS
HC 119 HC 119	Anatomy/Physiology	5
The study of the structure and function of the human body forms the foundation for course work in health-related professions. Students will be prepared to recognize normal anatomy and physiology while noting anatomical as well as physiologic deviations in patients. This course includes a rigorous study of medical terms/abbreviations, correlating with each body system, thus assisting the development of a vocabulary which is necessary for a successful career in allied health.
HC 119L	Anatomy/Physiology Lab
HC 117	Medical Terminology	1
MATH 102T MATH 102T	College Algebra	3
This is a first year, one semester College Algebra course. It begins with a review of the fundamental concepts of the real number system, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and complex numbers. It continues with linear equations and inequalities, graphs of functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions. Systems of equations, matrices and determinants, and probability will be covered as time allows. Throughout the course there is extensive use of the graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment
PHYS 100 PHYS 100	Applied Physics	3
A foundation to understanding physical processes in technical applications. A thorough overview of measurement systems, practices, and notations is presented. Energy transformation and transfer processes are developed using a "systems model." Physical processes are then described using the systems approach in a "micro-to-macro" sequence, including atomic/nuclear, molecular, electrical/magnetic, mechanical, thermal, fluid, wave/radiating, and optional astronomic/cosmic effects. Definitions and descriptions of the mass/energy interactions involved are given for each type of system, leading toward diagnosis and troubleshooting methods in technical applications.
12
First Semester
CIS 101 CIS 101	Computer Essentials	2
Designed to enable students with little or no computer experience to acquire a basic understanding of the personal computer. This course involves the study of computer basics such as hardware, operating systems, and file management, using the Internet for research, word processing, and spreadsheets.
DMS 100 DMS 100	Intro to Diagnostic Medical Sonography	1
An introduction into ultrasound including medical applications. Description of the roles, responsibilities and the rules of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer will be introduced. Also the indication and applications of the diagnostic procedures, safety, protection and imaging processing will be covered. Prerequisites: HC 111, Math 102T, PHYS 100
DMS 101 DMS 101	Cross Sectional Anatomy	3
Introduction to cross sectional anatomy as interpreted on diagnostic sonographic images. Anatomical scanning planes to include transverse, coronal, oblique and longitudinal planes. Lab will cover application of transducer manipulation, body mechanics and sonographic scanning techniques. Prerequisites: HC 111, Math 102T, PHYS 100
DMS 101L	Cross Sectional Anatomy Lab
ENGL 101T ENGL 101T	Composition	3
English Composition will help develop proficiency in writing concise, coherent essays, and in using correct English. Several modes of discourse will be explored and good grammar skills are required. This course will improve the student's critical thinking skills as it provides students with practice in all stages of the writing process: planning, supporting, rewriting, analyzing, proofreading, and editing. This course will also require critical reading and writing. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment
HC 121 HC 121	Patient Care Techniques I	3
HC 121L	Patient Care Techniques I Lab
12
Second Semester
CV 123 CV 123	Ultrasound Physics	3
Students will be introduced to the principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Emphasis will be placed on parameters of sound waves, interaction of sound and media, transducers, artifacts, safety, and quality assurance. Students will also become familiar with metric units, sound beams, types of resolution, display modes and scan converters. Prerequisite: PHYS 100
DMS 110 DMS 110	Abdominal Sonography I	3
Study of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the upper abdominal cavity, peritoneal cavity to include: aorta, celiac trunk, SMA, IVC, gastrointestinal, abdominal wall, pertoneum and diaphragm as visualized by ultrasound. Doppler and color Doppler applications will be applied to the anatomy. Prerequisite: DMS 110
DMS 110L	Abdominal Sonography I Lab
DMS 120 DMS 120	Abdominal Sonography II	3
Study of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the upper abdominal cavity, peritoneal cavity to include: liver, gallbladder and biliary system and pancreas visualized by ultrasound. Doppler and color Doppler applications will be applied to the anatomy. Prerequisite: DMS 110
DMS 120L	Abdominal Sonography II Lab
DMS 130 DMS 130	Abdominal Sonography III	3
Study of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the upper abdominal cavity, peritoneal cavity to include: urinary/renal system, adrenal glands, spleen and retroperitoreum as visualized by ultrasound. Doppler and color Doppler applications will be applied to the anatomy. Prerequisite: DMS 120
DMS 130L	Abdominal Sonography III Lab
SOC SOC	Social Science Elective	3
Social Science Electives Include: ECON 201T - Economics; SOC 150T - Social Problems; or SOC 250T - Marriage and the Family
15
Summer Session I
DMS 200 DMS 200	OB/Gyn Sonography I	4
Includes an in-depth study of the female pelvis with emphasis on the sonographic appearance of its structure and the numerous pathological processes that may affect it. This course will also include the study of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and sonographic appearance of the first trimester pregnancy of fetal development. Prerequisite: DMS 130
DMS 200L	OB/Gyn Sonography I Lab
PSYC 101T PSYC 101T	General Psychology	3
Provides the student with an introduction to the basic psychological processes underlying human behavior. Topics include the functions of the brain amd nervous system, the characteristics of sensation, perception and altered states of consciousness, learning and memory, the nature of thinking skills and intelligence, theories of motivation, emotion and personality, a survey of psychological disorders and approaches to therapy, social/interpersonal relations, and practical applications.
SPCM 101T SPCM 101T	Fundamentals of Speech	3
Based on the study of communication theory as applied to public speaking. The goals are to improve the student's public speaking and listening skills. Experiences in the class range from developing speech outlines, researching topics, and practicing delivery techniques for an informative, persuasive, interviewing techniques and panel discussion assignment.
10
Third Semester
DMS 201 DMS 201	Asepsis for the Sonographer	1
Covers a range of procedures from "clean" to "full" sterility and their application to the operating room, procedure room, to exam room setting as associated with medical sonography. The student will also gain knowledge of aseptic techniques and procedural requirements in caring for patients with a variety of wounds.
DMS 210 DMS 210	Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation	2
A continuation of CV 123, which is the study of the properties of diagnostic ultrasound and their application to Doppler, color flow imaging, artifacts and quality assurance as they relate to abdominal/OB/Gyn ultrasound. Prerequisites: DMS 200, CV 123
DMS 210L	Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation Lab
DMS 220 DMS 220	OB/Gyn Sonography II	5
A continuation of DMS 200, which includes the sonographic evaluation of pregnancy and related complications. Emphasis is placed on the detection of fetal anomalies, pathology, and the scanning planes necessary for appropriate imaging. Prerequisite: DMS 200
DMS 220L	OB/Gyn Sonography II Lab
DMS 230 DMS 230	Clinical Sonography I	1
A supervised clinical observation rotation in an OB/Gyn lab. Emphasis is placed on the professional interaction and observation of performance of sonographic procedures dealing with the OB/Gyn patient. Prerequisite: DMS 200
DMS 240 DMS 240	Abdominal Sonography IV	4
Study of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the abdominal cavity and superficial structures/small parts to include but not limited to: thyroid, parathyroid, breast, prostate, scrotum and penis visualized by ultrasound. Includes the study of ultrasound applications in the pediatric patient. Doppler and color Doppler applications will be applied to the anatomy. Prerequisite: DMS 200
DMS 240L	Abdominal Sonography IV Lab
HC 114 HC 114	Health Care/Human Relations	3
Discussions and activities will center around the topic of respect. This course introduces students to health care issues and assists them in developing personal and employability success skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: accountability, professionalism, communication, confidentiality, patient rights, cultural bias and discrimination, effective interpersonal skills, dealing with difficult patients of all ages, and death and dying issues.
16
Fourth Semester
DMS 250 DMS 250	Clinical Sonography II	14
A full time clinical internship (40 hours/week) completed at an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital or clinic. Students will broaden and perfect their abdominal/OB/Gyn sonography skills. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills as related to exam performance and patient care settings. The student will also complete coursework and portfolios during the clinical internship. Prerequisites: DMS 210, DMS 220, DMS 230, DMS 240 and Permission of Program Chair
DMS 255 DMS 255	DMS Registry Review	2
This course is conducted on the STI campus during the week of spring graduation. Students will participate in review of program course content, clinical findings and expectations, and registry preparation testing and activities. Students will present current clinical case studies and share clinical experience summaries. Student clinical portfolio review and analysis will also be conducted. (Coreq. DMS 250)
16
Summer Session II
DMS 260 DMS 260	Clinical Sonography III	12
A continuation of DMS 250 which is a full time clinical internship (40 hours/week) completed at the same location. Students will broaden and perfect their abdominal/OB/Gyn sonography skills. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills as related to exam performance and patient care settings. The student will also complete coursework and portfolios during the clinical internship. Prerequisite: DMS 250 and Permission of Program Chair
12
Total Credits: 93