DMS - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

This course is designed to provide an overview of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the role of the sonographer in the health care delivery system. The student will learn the functional responsibilities of the sonographer, and ergonomic principles to minimize and/or prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) will be discussed. Medical law, ethics, practices, and policies of the health care organizations will be examined to include Patient's Bill of Rights, Standard Precautions and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Discussion of basic patient care and comfort principles will include patient transfer, oxygen, the taking of blood pressure, respiration, and pulse. Upon successful completion, the student will earn their American Heart Association BLS certification and understand the essentials of sonography.

The student will learn the basic concepts of ultrasound physics, frequency, velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles. Students will learn how they are applied to basic ultrasound instrumentation controls, digital signal and image processing, image quality and Doppler flow analysis. Concepts of acoustic artifacts will be introduced. The ALARA principle, biological effects, and safety will be stressed. The student will learn to perform measurements, pre and post processing enhancement, documentation and recording capabilities, picture archiving, digital imaging and communication in medicine. The student will be introduced to 3D/4D imaging and emerging technologies. The student will apply and manipulate these principles on ultrasound instruments in the scanning lab.

Correlated laboratory and scanning exercises using modern Diagnostic Medical ultrasound instrumentation.

This course is a continuation of DMS105. The student will continue to learn the basic concepts of ultrasound physics, frequency, and velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles.  Students will learn how they are applied to basic ultrasound instrumentation controls, digital signal and image processing, image quality and Doppler flow analysis.  Concepts of acoustic artifacts will be introduced.  The ALARA principles, biological effects and safety will be stressed.  The student will learn to perform measurements. Concepts also discussed are pre- and post-processing enhancement, documentation and recording capabilities, picture archiving, digital imaging and communication in medicine, 3D/4D imaging and emerging technologies.  The student will apply and manipulate these principles on ultrasound instruments in the scanning lab.

This laboratory course will support DMS106.  The student will continue to learn basic operating controls of the ultrasound instrument, and apply the basic concepts of frequency, velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles, on ultrasound instruments in the scanning lab. Student will also learn to set up and maintain a suitable scanning environment.

The student will learn the basic concepts of ultrasound physics, frequency, velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles. Students will learn how they are applied to basic ultrasound instrumentation controls, digital signal and image processing, image quality and Doppler flow analysis. Concepts of acoustic artifacts will be introduced. The ALARA principle, biological effects, and safety will be stressed. The student will learn to perform measurements, pre and post processing enhancement, documentation and recording capabilities, picture archiving, digital imaging and communication in medicine. The student will be introduced to 3D/4D imaging and emerging technologies. The student will apply and manipulate these principles on ultrasound instruments in the scanning lab.

Correlated laboratory and scanning exercises using modern Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound instrumentation.

This course is a continuation of DMS107. The student will continue to learn the basic concepts of ultrasound physics, frequency, and velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles. Students will learn how they are applied to basic ultrasound instrumentation controls, digital signal and image processing, image quality and Doppler flow analysis. Concepts of acoustic artifacts will be introduced. The ALARA principles, biological effects and safety will be stressed. The student will learn to perform measurements. Concepts also discussed are pre and post processing enhancement, documentation and recording capabilities, picture archiving, digital imaging and communication in medicine, 3D/4D imaging and emerging technologies.

This laboratory course will support DMS108. The student will continue to learn basic operating controls of the ultrasound instrument, and apply the basic concepts of frequency, velocity, sound attenuation in tissue, power and intensity, image formation, focal zones, transducer selection, image optimization, harmonics, spectral and color Doppler principles, on ultrasound instruments in the scanning lab. Student will also learn to set up and maintain a suitable scanning environment.

This course focuses on the detailed appearance of normal sectional anatomy in the transverse, longitudinal, and coronal planes used during sonographic examinations. Anatomy will be identified using cross-sectional cadaver images and correlated with sonographic images. Emphasis will be placed on the anatomy of the adult abdomen and pelvis which is seen sonographically. Structures are described according to their position and location in the body and their relationship to each other using medical terminology. Topics will also include basic organ function.

This course introduces students to the normal sonographic findings, physiology and laboratory data of the abdomen, as well as abnormal and commonly found pathology, with correlated laboratory scanning exercises. Emphasis will be placed on anatomic and physiologic relationships within the abdominal cavity including the abdominal vascular system, liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, spleen, retroperitoneal and peritoneal cavity, and abdominal wall.

This course reinforces and expands on concepts learned in Abdominal Sonography (DMS215), with correlated laboratory scanning exercises. Emphasis will be placed on sonographic findings and indications. Case studies will be used to further discuss abnormal sonographic findings. Sonography of the small pars will be discussed with emphasis on the breast, thyroid, and scrotum. Basic sonographic evaluation of the pediatric patients will be introduced. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and image sonographically both the normal and abnormal abdomen, small parts and some pediatric sonography.

This course introduces student to gynecologic sonography with an introduction to obstetric ultrasound. Emphasis will be placed on a comprehensive knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology and sonographic appearances of the female reproductive system in the pregnant and non-pregnant state and correlate with clinical symptoms, patient history, and exam indications. Students will learn non-pregnant pelvic and first trimester obstetrical scanning techniques and protocols that are correlated with hands on scanning exercises. Topics will also include clinical ethics for obstetric sonography, ectopic pregnancy, the role of ultrasound in evaluation of female infertility, and developmental stages of the embryo and fetus up to 14 weeks. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and acquire basic pelvic and first trimester fetal images and measurements.

This course will teach the sonographic evaluation of the second and third trimester fetus from 14 weeks to term. Maternal and fetal assessment in the abnormal pregnancy including congenital anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction will be discussed. Students will build upon their basic scanning skills with correlated laboratory exercises. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and acquire second and third trimester fetal images and measurements according to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Standards and Guidelines.

This course will reinforce vascular anatomy and physiology, Emphasis will be placed on sonographic findings and indications for transcranial and extra cranial sonography. Topics will include hemodynamics, statistics, and quality assurance. Vascular physics and instrumentation including spectral analysis, color Doppler, pulse and continuous wave Doppler will be reviewed. Upon completion students should be able to recognize and image normal and abnormal anatomy of the cerebrovascular system.

This course will review normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the abdominal vascular system. Emphasis will be placed on normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vascular system. Students will learn the different types of vascular disease and will be able to demonstrate their ability to perform the necessary vascular procedures and will know and understand the other invasive and noninvasive exams that can be utilized. Students should be proficient in the use of quantitative principles applied to peripheral vascular testing. Upon completion students should be able to recognize and image normal and abnormal anatomy of the peripheral vascular system.

This course will review normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the abdominal vascular system. Emphasis will be placed on normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vascular system. Students will learn the different types of vascular disease and will be able to demonstrate their ability to perform the necessary vascular procedures and will know and understand the other invasive and noninvasive exams that can be utilized. Students should be proficient in the use of quantitative principles applied to peripheral vascular testing. Upon completion students should be able to recognize and image normal and abnormal anatomy of the peripheral vascular system.

This course will develop the student's ultrasound scanning skills in a clinical patient care environment such as a private diagnostic imaging setting or local hospital. The student will be exposed to abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology, small parts, and vascular ultrasonography where they will learn to perform ultrasound exams, effectively deal with patient care issues including patient preparation, patient history taking, and patient confidentiality, pertinent clinical laboratory values, and communication. Emphasis will be placed on the student's professional qualities as it relates to conduct, behavior and patient/sonographer interaction. Upon successful completion students will conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision of staff sonographers and a clinical instructor.

This course provides students with continued work experience in a hospital, private office or clinic setting. Students will improve their skills in performing procedures of abdominal, small parts, vascular, obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound exams, with a goal toward completing competencies in specific organ systems. While clinical experience will further expose the student to the professional medical environment, emphasis will be placed on the student learning to effectively communicate with the radiology and medical staff. Students will conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision of staff sonographers and a clinical instructor.

This course provides students with continued hospital/clinic setting work experience. Students refine scanning techniques, increase speed of exam completion, and develop professional work habits. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking approaches to sonographic examinations as it relates to forming differential diagnoses of abnormal findings. Students will conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision of staff sonographers and a clinical instructor, while continuing to complete competency and proficiency objectives. Upon successful course completion, students will have refined their scanning skills and completed specific competencies and/or proficiencies under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a clinical instructor.

This course provides students with continued hospital/clinic setting work experience. Students refine scanning techniques, increase speed of exam completion, professional work habits, and critical thinking. Students will observe and conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision of staff sonographers and a clinical instructor, with an emphasis on scanning unassisted. Students will continue to complete proficiency objectives. 

This course provides students with continued hospital/clinic setting work experience. Students increase speed of exam completion; refine scanning techniques, professional work habits, and critical thinking. Students will conduct unassisted sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision of staff sonographers and a clinical instructor.  Students will continue to complete proficiency objectives.  Clinical training may also include on-campus laboratory scanning. Upon successful course completion, students will have refined their scanning skills and completed specific competencies and/or proficiencies under the direct and/ or indirect supervision of a clinical instructor.

This course introduces students to the normal sonographic findings, physiology and laboratory data of the abdomen, as well as abnormal and commonly found pathology, with correlated laboratory scanning exercises. Emphasis will be placed on anatomic and physiologic relationships within the abdominal cavity including the abdominal vascular system, liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, spleen, retroperitoneum and peritoneal cavity, and abdominal wall.

This course provides students with continued hospital/clinic setting work experience. Students increase speed of exam completion, refine scanning techniques, professional work habits, and critical thinking. Students will conduct unassisted sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision of staff sonographers and a clinical instructor. Students will continue to complete proficiency objectives. Upon completion of this course and all clinical requirements have been met, the student will be able to perform the duties of an entry level sonographer.

This course introduces students to ultrasound scanning of the abdomen, pelvis, superficial anatomy and the fetus. Emphasis will be placed on ultrasound scanning principles and protocols with correlated hands on scanning exercises. Students will learn the process of routine sonographic examination, follow professional protocols in obtaining ultrasound images, and learn to optimize those images to a diagnostic standard. Upon completion of this course students will be able to recognize and acquire customary sonographic images required of a diagnostic medical sonographer.

This course reinforces and expands on concepts learned in Abdominal Sonography (DMS218), with correlated laboratory scanning exercises. Emphasis will be placed on sonographic findings and indications. Case studies will be used to further discuss abnormal sonographic findings. Sonography of the superficial structures will be discussed with emphasis on the breast, thyroid, and scrotum. Sonographic evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, neonatal brain and spine will also be discussed and students will be introduced to the basics of vascular sonography. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and image sonographically both normal and abnormal abdominal and superficial anatomy.

This course introduces student to gynecologic sonography with an introduction to obstetric ultrasound.  Emphasis will be placed on a comprehensive knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology and sonographic appearances of the female reproductive system in the pregnant and non-pregnant state and correlate with clinical symptoms, patient history, and exam indications. Students will learn non-pregnant pelvic and first trimester obstetrical scanning techniques and protocols that are correlated with hands on scanning exercises. Topics will also include clinical ethics for obstetric sonography, ectopic pregnancy, the role of ultrasound in evaluation of female infertility, and developmental stages of the embryo and fetus up to 14 weeks. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and acquire basic pelvic and first trimester fetal images and measurements.

This course reviews material covered throughout the diagnostic medical sonography program that will prepare the student for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) registry examinations in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Vascular.