Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate of Applied Science

Program Overview

The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography designed to facilitate the development of each student to function in the professional medical community as competent, patient centered sonographers, to meet the needs of the growing healthcare industry. Graduates will find job opportunities including but not limited to: hospital radiology departments, diagnostic imaging centers, clinics, private physicians’ offices, and women’s’ health centers.

Program Outcomes

• Prepare students for the challenging responsibilities of the profession and provide opportunity to acquire a working knowledge of the field.
• Provide a clinical educational experience that enables students to be capable of performing routine sonographic procedures and related functions specific to general Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
• Provide an education experience that promotes effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities and professionalism.
• Promote the development of core values and ethical standards necessary for the delivery of quality, patient-centered care.

For additional information about the program outcomes, please see the Student Consumer Information (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/medical/program/sonography-associate-degree/ ) which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see Information About the University on the ECPI website (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/services/about-ecpi-university/ )

In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

About Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Sonography is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past 20 years. With rapidly developing new technologies and increased use of diagnostic ultrasound procedures, growth is projected to continue in the future with employment opportunities for qualified sonographers in both urban and rural areas nationwide. Professional responsibilities include: obtaining and recording an accurate patient history, performing diagnostic procedures and obtaining sonographic images, analyzing technical information, providing an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician, and collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team. Salaries for sonographers are competitive with or higher than other professionals with similar levels of education.

A criminal background check, 5-panel urine drug screen, employment physical, proof of PPD test or negative chest x-ray, proof of tetanus inoculation, a Hepatitis B titer, and current CPR certification are usually required for employment as a sonographer.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers actively work in many healthcare venues and are required to perform some physically demanding duties when working with patients. Therefore, physical requirements have been outlined for this profession and include:

• Must be able to stand and walk for 80% of clinical time.
• Must be able to assist, lift, and position patients for at least 50% of the clinical time.
• Has sufficient hearing to respond to patient needs and to interact with the patient, to hear instructions in a variety of situations, such as in a trauma room in the emergency room and in surgery, where the person may be facing away from you or be wearing a surgical mask. Has the ability to distinguish audible sounds of the equipment, such as Doppler.
• Has sufficient motor skill to be able to respond to medical emergencies and to manipulate the equipment. These motor skills may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Has full use of hands, wrists, and shoulders. Extend the hands and arms in any direction often reaching 3-4 feet above the head. Seize, hold, grasp, turn and otherwise work with both hands. Pick, pinch, twist or otherwise work with wrists and fingers of both hands.
• Move the hand and foot coordinately with each other in accordance with visual stimuli.
• Bend and stoop routinely.
• Perform frequent lifting, carrying, pulling, and pushing of objects weighing 50 lbs or more, such as wheel chairs, patient stretchers, and ultrasound equipment.
• Lift and transfer patients to and from the examination table safely, without injury to patient, self or other health care workers.
• Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is also known as Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, or Ultrasound Technologist. Sonographers can choose to work in hospital radiology departments, clinics, medical imaging centers, women’s health and childbirth centers, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, or breast imaging centers.

The program includes instruction in both clinical and administrative functions, on campus classroom and laboratory courses and off campus clinical education where students will work with sonographers, physicians, and other health care professionals to learn, develop, and apply the necessary skills to perform general ultrasound examinations in the work place.

Recommended Certifications

ECPI University provides vouchers allowing students to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Examinations are available through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Examinations include: registry examination in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), and the Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN).  The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification test in Sonography is another certification available. Certification by either ARDMS or the ARRT is required for employment.

Program Outline

To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the student must earn 78 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of five semesters or 18 months of instruction. Program requirements are as follows:

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

49 semester credit hours

Arts and Sciences

22 semester credit hours

Self Integration

4 semester credit hours

1,920 total contact hours