Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate
Total Program Credits: 38
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 Certificate 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.
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.
Stackable Degree:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate in Applied Science
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon 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);
- 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;
- demonstrate the 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.
(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 Chairperson review is recommended.
Program Map for Students
| DMS 101 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics I | Core Course | 3 |
| DMS 121 ◊ # Cross Sectional Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging | Core Course | 4 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 7 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| DMS 102 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics II | Core Course | 4 |
| DMS 110 # General Sonography and Applications | Core Course | 7 |
| DMS 131 ◊ # Clinical Applications I | Core Course | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| DMS 135 ◊ # Ultrasound Film Critique | Core Course | 1 |
| DMS 136 ◊ # Principles & Procedures of Ultrasound Imagery | Core Course | 2 |
| DMS 142 ◊ # Clinical Applications Certificate Extension | Core Course | 1 |
| 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.
Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop.
|
| DMS 146 ◊ # Pathology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Core Course | 4 |
| DMS 151 ◊ # Clinical Applications III | Core Course | 2 |
| DMS 201 ◊ # Sonographic Specialties | Core Course | 4 |
| DMS 210 # Introduction to Vascular Imaging Sonography | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 13 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
Note: a minimum grade of "C" is required for each AHL and DMS course. All Science, Math and AHL coursework must be completed within five years of start of the DMS curriculum with a 'C' grade or higher. A minimum grade of 'C' is required as a prerequisite for each DMS course.
See DMS course descriptions.
Chairperson: Krysti Reece, Ext. 3780, emails: krystireece@triton.edu, vasculartech@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) |