Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate

Curriculum DMS.DMS.CERT (C317E)

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, [phone], phone, [phone], fax, www.jrcdms.org, website.

Program prerequisites: The program is only open to those who hold active status with the American Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), Registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or certification with the Nuclear Medicine Technology Board or with ARRT, Nuclear Medicine Registry examinations (NMTCB). Students must have graduated from an accredited program by the Joint Review Commission on Educational Programs (JRCNMT or JRCERT or JRCSMS) in the past five years from admissions or if graduation is longer than five years, they must complete BIS 190◊, Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health Majors or equivalent.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the successful completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate, the graduate will be able 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);

• pass the SPI exam with the ARDMS;

• pass the Abdomen Specialty with the ARDMS;

• pass the Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty with the ARDMS;

• gain knowledge and skills necessary to be clinically competent as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer;

• practice safe and appropriate patient care aligned with professional standards;

• demonstrate necessary skills 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;

• skills to communicate in an effective manner;

• 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;

• integrate problem solving skills in the day to day activities required by a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer;

• 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.
  
  
  

Semester One (Fall)
Course	Category	Credits
DMS 101 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics I		3 credits
DMS 121 ◊ # Cross Sectional Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging		4 credits
	Total Semester Credits:	7

Semester Two (Spring)
Course	Category	Credits
DMS 102 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics II		3 credits
DMS 110 # General Sonography and Applications		7 credits
DMS 141 ◊ # Clinical Applications II		1-2 credits
	Total Semester Credits:	11

Semester Three (Summer)
Course	Category	Credits
DMS 135 ◊ # Ultrasound Film Critique		1 credit
DMS 136 ◊ # Principles & Procedures of Ultrasound Imagery		2 credits
DMS 142 ◊ # Clinical Applications Certificate Extension		1 credit
DMS 200 ◊ # Principles of Computerized Sonography		2 credits
	Total Semester Credits:	6

Semester Four (Fall)
Course	Category	Credits
DMS 146 ◊ # Pathology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography		4 credits
DMS 151 ◊ # Clinical Applications III		2 credits
DMS 201 ◊ # Sonographic Specialties		4 credits
DMS 210 # Introduction to Vascular Imaging Sonography		3 credits
	Total Semester Credits:	13

Total Credit Hours: 37

Note: a minimum grade of "C" is required as a prerequisite for each DMS course.

See DMS course descriptions.

Coordinator: Krysti Reece, Ext. 3780, emails: [e-mail], [e-mail]