Last Updated
8/22/2024 3:05:04 PM
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate in Applied Science
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:
- pass the SPI exam with the ARDMS;
- pass the Abdomen Specialty with the ARDMS;
- pass the Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty with the ARDMS;
- practice safe and appropriate patient care aligned with the professional standards;
- demonstrate necessary skill 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;
- 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;
- 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.
(Fall 2022)
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
| 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 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore transfer institutions and admissions requirements by attending transfer events (if intending to transfer). |
BIS 241◊ meets Triton's Mathematics and/or Science general education requirement.
| 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 |
| Meet 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. |
| 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 |
| Meet 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. |
| 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 |
| Meet 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) |
| DMS 144 # Sonography Seminar | Core Course | 2 |
| DMS 151 ◊ # Clinical Applications III | Core Course | 2 |
| DMS 201 ◊ # Sonographic Specialties | Core Course | 4 |
| RHT 102 ◊ # Freshman Rhetoric & Composition II | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Take Credits Humanities or Fine Arts | Humanities or Fine Arts Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 14 |
| Meet 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.) |
See Associate in Applied Science Graduation Requirements by discipline: http://triton.smartcatalogiq.com/sitecore/content/2022-2023/Triton-College-Catalog/Applied-Science-Programs/Associate-in-Applied-Science-Degree-Requirements
See DMS course descriptions.
Chairperson: Krysti Reece, Ext. 3780, email: krystireece@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) |