AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

1. Communicate effectively and in a professional manner with physicians, patients, and other members of the healthcare team.
2. Competently perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures, and obstetrics & gynecology disciplines on patients, while tailoring the examinations to enhance the presence of abnormalities.
3. Comprehend a clinical understanding of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of the major adult and fetal diseases and deformities.
4. Establish the ability to quantify, subjectively evaluate, and interpret the data collected to assist the physician in arriving at a diagnosis.
5. Strive to meet the health care needs of the community.

The program meets the criteria set forth by the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography and is accredited by CAAHEP. Upon completion and graduation of the program, graduates are able to take the national Abdomen and OB/GYN registry examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

• Computer skills are recommended
• Some students find completion of CHEM 120 Organic and Biochemistry for Health Sciences, and CHEM 121 helpful to learning in the program

Prerequisites

First Quarter

• General Biology w/ Lab
• English Composition I
• Introduction to Statistics

Second Quarter

• Human A & P 1
• Interpersonal Communication
• Medical Terminology

Third Quarter

• Human A & P 2
• Human Physiology and Disease
• Introductory Physics

Program Courses

First Quarter

• Introduction to DMS
• Vascular for General Sonographer
• Human Cross-Section Anatomy
• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I

Second Quarter

• Diagnostic Ultrasound; Abdomen & Male Pelvis
• Abdominal Case Studies & Journal Review
• Diagnostic Ultrasound; Female Pelvis & 1st tri OB
• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II

Third Quarter

• Cardiac for General Sonographer
• Diagnostic Ultrasound; 2nd and 3rd trimester
• OB/GYN Case Studies and Journal Review
• Diagnostic Ultrasound; Small Parts

Fourth Quarter

• Seminar in Sonography
• Sonography Clinical I

Fifth Quarter

• Sonography Clinical II

Sixth Quarter

• Sonography Clinical III

Seventh Quarter

• Sonography Clinical IV

Career Info and Technical Standards

A clear understanding of a sonographer’s role will help an applicant inventory their personal mental and physical abilities to ensure success in their new career.

Tasks

• Prepare the patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring the patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
• Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
• Observe screen during scan to ensure that the image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, adjusting equipment as required.
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
• Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including aiding during invasive procedures.
• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
• Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.

Abilities

• Oral comprehension – the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Near vision – the ability to see details at close range.
• Oral expression – the ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Problem sensitivity – the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Written comprehension – the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions

Skills

• Active listening – giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Social perceptiveness – being aware of other’ reactions and understanding the way they react as they do.
• Speaking – talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical thinking – using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring – monitoring and assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Active learning – understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Time management – managing one’s own time and the time of others
• Coordination – adjusting actions in relation to the actions of others.
• Complex problem solving – identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Service Orientation – actively looking for ways to help people

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an organization for sonographers to promote, advance, and educate its members and the medical community about ultrasound applications. This website provides a great overview of careers, job postings, and educational opportunities for members.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography administers examinations and awards credentials in the areas of ultrasound. Graduates of the DMS program at SCC are able to take both the Abdomen and OB/GYN registry 60 days prior to graduation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics website offers in-depth information on the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography including average wages, work environment, and more.