Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate in Applied Science

Pathway:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Certificate Type:

Associate in Applied Science

Curriculum Code:

DMS.DMS.AAS (C217E)

Total Program Credits: 60

The diagnostic medical sonographer provides patient services, using diagnostic ultrasound under the supervision of a physician responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. The sonographer assists in gathering sonographic data necessary to reach diagnostic decisions.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound) is one of the most recent and fastest-growing medical specialties. Graduates are employed in medical centers and hospitals. The goal of this program is to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

The General DMS Program sponsored by Triton College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The program will graduate students prepared to pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (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 110◊ (College Algebra) or MAT 111◊ (Pre-Calculus) or MAT 124◊ (Finite Mathematics) or MAT 131◊ (Calculus & Analytic Geometry I); and
  • RHT 101◊ (Freshman Rhetoric & Composition I).

Notes:

  • All program prerequisites must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Prerequisite general coursework in Math, Science, and AHL 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.

This is a selective admission program. Completion of prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission into the program. Students are evaluated based on courses completed, as well as academic performance in those courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program the graduate will be able to:
  1. Pass the SPI exam by obtaining a score of 555/700 with the ARDMS.
  2. Pass the Abdomen and Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialties by obtaining a score of 555/700 with the ARDMS.
  3. Demonstrate safe and appropriate patient care aligned with professional standards, using Apply as Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles.
  4. Demonstrate proper ergonomics to ensure proper body mechanics.
  5. Construct a sonographic impression to aid in the final diagnosis.
  6. Present diagnostic images in the area of General Sonography and Obstetrics and Gynecology proficient for  diagnosis.

(Reviewed Fall 2023)

Placement Measures

All plans should be created with an Academic Advisor. Plans can be modified with the Program Coordinator, an Academic Advisor, or Transfer Specialist to fit student schedule, placement, and career/transfer goals. Should a student modify or deviate from the plan, Program Coordinator review is recommended.

Program Map for Students

Semester One: Fall

CourseCategoryCredits
BIS 241 # Human Anatomy & Physiology II

Core Course

4

DMS 101 # Ultrasound Physics I

Core Course

3

DMS 106 # Introduction to Ultrasound Principles & Procedures

Core Course

3

DMS 121 # Cross Sectional Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging

Core Course

4

Total Semester Credits:14
Next StepsMeet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan. Explore transfer institutions and admissions requirements by attending transfer events (if intending to transfer).

BIS 241meets Triton's Mathematics and/or Science general education requirement.

Semester Two: Spring

CourseCategoryCredits
DMS 102 # Ultrasound Physics II

Core Course

4

DMS 110 # General Sonography and Applications

Core Course

7

SPE 101 # Principles of Effective Speaking

Communications Gen-ed

3

Total Semester Credits:14
Next StepsMeet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer). If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop.

Note: Grade of ‘C’ or high is an IAI requirement for RHT 101 and RHT 102. Students must complete RHT 101, with SPE 101, or RHT 101 with RHT 102. Students intending to transfer are encouraged to complete all three courses: RHT 101, RHT 102 and SPE 101 to meet university requirements.

Semester Three: Summer

CourseCategoryCredits
DMS 131 # Clinical Applications I

Core Course

1

DMS 135 # Ultrasound Film Critique

Core Course

1

DMS 136 # Principles & Procedures of Ultrasound Imagery

Core Course

2

DMS 200 # Principles of Computerized Sonography

Core Course

2

Total Semester Credits:6
Next StepsMeet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer). If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop.

Semester Four: Fall

CourseCategoryCredits
DMS 141 # Clinical Applications II

Core Course

2

DMS 146 # Pathology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Core Course

4

DMS 210 # Introduction to Vascular Imaging Sonography

Core Course

3

Take Credits Social and Behavioral Science

Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed

3

Total Semester Credits:12
Next StepsMeet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer). Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop. (Minus the GECC Credential)

Semester Five: Spring

CourseCategoryCredits
DMS 144 # Sonography Seminar

Core Course

2

DMS 151 # Clinical Applications III

Core Course

2

DMS 201 # Sonographic Specialties

Core Course

4

RHT 102 # English Rhetoric and Composition II

Communications Gen-ed

3

Take Credits Humanities or Fine Arts

Humanities or Fine Arts Gen-ed

3

Total Semester Credits:14
Next StepsMeet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your transfer plan and apply to your transfer institution(s) if intending to transfer. Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabi.)

Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101 and RHT 102. Students must complete RHT 101, with SPE 101, or RHT 101 with RHT 102. Students intending to transfer are encouraged to complete all three courses: RHT 101, RHT 102 and SPE 101 to meet university requirements.

See Associate in Applied Science Graduation Requirements by discipline: https://triton.smartcatalogiq.com/2024-2025/triton-college-catalog/applied-science-programs/associate-in-applied-science-degree-requirements/

See DMS course descriptions.

Chairperson: Heather Amwoza, Ext. 3780, email: heatheramwoza@triton.edu


 KEY
(AAS/CERT)
General Education Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements).
Core Course Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take.
Program Elective Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution.
General Elective Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits.
◊ symbol This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course)
# symbol This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course)

Last Updated

8/22/2024 2:50:16 PM