Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate in Science

The program prepares graduates to work in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly skilled individual qualified by academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient services using ultrasound and related diagnostic techniques and is responsible for producing the best diagnostic information possible with the available resources. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer's acquire and evaluate data, while exercising discretion and judgment in performance of the clinical examination. Visit the program page for more details and how to apply.

Program Requirements

¹

Or any elective credit

Note: A grade of "C" or higher is necessary in each major and support course for progression and graduation.

Faculty suggested course sequence. Students should meet with an advisor for program enrollment guidance. 

Learning Outcomes: Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S.

1. Demonstrate positioning and scanning procedures for liver, kidneys, adrenals, retroperitoneum, prevertebral vessels, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and associated vascular structures seen on cross-section
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
2. Explain processes of the patient interview, obtaining health history, and performing physical assessment
   • Core Ability Supported: Model Ethical and Civic Responsibility
3. Summarize sonographic survey of the abdomen, breast, non-pregnant female, Obstetrical patient, superficial structures, and the vascular system
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
4. Identify internal and surface anatomy, size, and position of the normal gallbladder, cystic duct, hepatic ducts, common bile duct, vaterian system, and related arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems on a sonographic image
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
5. Differentiate between normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of the liver and gallbladder
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
6. Explain anatomy, physiology, and pathology of various stages of fetal development as related to ultrasound
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
7. Identify normal and abnormal conditions of the second and third trimesters
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
8. Identify anatomical structures of the female reproductive system
   • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
9. Identify anatomy of the thyroid, parathyroid, and surrounding vascular and muscular structures
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
10. Identify on sonograms: normal and congenital anatomy, normal versus abnormal sonographic patterns, and pathological conditions
    • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
11. Summarize indications for sonographic evaluation of the cerebrovascular system
    • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
12. Explain concepts of fundamental mathematical functions and algebraic equations utilized in sonographic physics and instrumentation
    • Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems
13. Summarize the roles of half-wavelength resonance, damping, and quarter-wavelength matching in the operation of a piezoelectric transducer.
    • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
14. Demonstrate professional behavior while in clinical setting
    • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
15. Utilize proper orientation and standard labeling of ultrasound images.
    • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
16. Execute positioning and scanning procedures for the gallbladder and biliary tract
    • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
17. Demonstrate professional behavior while in clinical setting
    • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
18. Distinguish gynecological pathology from normal gynecological anatomy
    • Core Ability Supported: Communicate Effectively
19. Utilize a specific transducer type based on the area being scanned.
    • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
20. Conduct performance tests using phantoms.
    • Core Ability Supported: Process Information