Course Information
for Sonography Department
Introduction to Sonography (DMS 200)
Credits:3An introduction to sonography will be presented including the sonographer’s role in healthcare delivery. Principles, practices, and professional responsibilities will be covered including assessment, medical emergencies, communication, ergonomics, and knobology. A foundation of ethics and law related to the scope of practice of sonography will be explored.
Sonography of the Abdomen (DMS 210)
Credits:4This course gives an in depth evaluation of the abdomen and associated abnormal and pathological conditions as seen on sonographic imaging. Sonographic technique and image evaluation of the abdomen, including organs and vasculature will be studied.
Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography I (DMS 220)
Credits:3This course is an in depth study of the female reproductive system through sonographic technique and evaluation and includes abnormal and pathological conditions. An introduction to sonographic technique used in obstetrics with focus on the first trimester will be included.
Sonography Lab I (DMS 230)
Credits:3This course introduces the student to the practical portion of the sonography program. The student will spend twelve hours per week (over two days) of observation and direct hands-on experience in the ultrasound lab setting and with the computerized simulation unit practicing the concepts covered in the first semester courses.
Sonography Physics & Instrumentation (DMS 240)
Credits:3The focus of this course is to provide the student with an introduction and overview of the concepts of sonography physics and instrumentation. This course will include the study of sound waves, transducers, instrumentation, and image processing as well as an investigation of Doppler physics. The basic principles of patient safety and performance testing in sonography are explored.
Sonography of Superficial Structures & Other Procedures (DMS 250)
Credits:3This course gives an in depth evaluation of the superficial structures, additional sonographic procedures, and associated abnormal and pathological conditions as seen on sonographic imaging. Sonographic technique and image evaluation of the superficial structures and additional sonographic procedures will be studied.
Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography II (DMS 260)
Credits:3As a continuation of DMS 220, this course is an in depth study of obstetric sonography. Sonographic technique and image evaluation of the developing second and third trimester fetus and related disorders will be covered.
Sonography Lab II (DMS 270)
Credits:2As a continuation of DMS 230, this course will practically re-enforce the course content for semester II. The student will spend eight hours per week (over two days) of observation and direct hands-on experience in the ultrasound lab setting and with the computerized simulation unit practicing the concepts covered in the second semester courses.
Sonography Clinical Practicum I (DMS 280)
Credits:4The purpose of clinical practicum is to apply knowledge and techniques learned thus far in the program. This course will include three, 8-hour clinical days per week. The student’s sonographic technique and patient rapport will be evaluated. Students will work one-on-one with a registered sonographer at designated clinical settings. The student will begin in the observation phase and move to more hands-on scanning throughout the course. Sonographic competency evaluations will be completed on select procedures of the abdomen.
Sonography Clinical Practicum II (DMS 290)
Credits:8The purpose of clinical practicum is to apply knowledge and techniques learned thus far in the program. This course will include five, 8-hour clinical days per week over a 12-week semester. The student’s sonographic technique and patient rapport will be evaluated. Students will work one-on-one with a registered sonographer at designated clinical settings. As a continuation of DMS 280, the student will move towards more hands-on scanning throughout the course in order to increase skill in eye-hand coordination. Sonographic competency evaluations will be completed on select procedures.
Sonography Seminar and Review (DMS 300)
Credits:3This capstone experience is a comprehensive approach to combining clinical history, diagnostic test results, and clinical findings to integrate a multitude of data in a case study presentation. Students will use information gained throughout their program along with additional clinical experiences in the final semester. This capstone project, with additional registry preparation activities, will prepare the student to take the national certification examination in diagnostic medical sonography.
Sonography Clinical Practicum III (DMS 310)
Credits:6The purpose of clinical practicum is to apply knowledge and techniques learned thus far in the program. This course will include four, 8-hour clinical days per week. The student’s sonographic technique and patient rapport will be evaluated. Students will work one-on-one with a registered sonographer at designated clinical settings. As a continuation of DMS 290, the student will perform most exams independently. The student will modify scanning protocol based upon clinical findings and differential diagnosis. Sonographic competency evaluations will be completed on remaining procedures.