Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate

Pathway:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Certificate Type:

Basic

Curriculum Code:

DMS.DMS.CERT (C317E)

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 sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations.

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:

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 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 2024)

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

Semester One: Fall
Course	Category	Credits
DMS 101 ◊ # Ultrasound Physics I	Core Course	3
DMS 121 ◊ # Cross Sectional Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging	Core Course	4
	Total Semester Credits:	7
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan. Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s)

Semester Two: Spring
Course	Category	Credits
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
Next Steps	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)

Semester Three: Summer
Course	Category	Credits
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
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan. Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop.

Semester Four: Fall
Course	Category	Credits
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
Next Steps	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: Heather Amwoza, Ext. 3780, email: [e-mail]

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)