Diagnostic Medical Sonography Overview
A degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography could prepare you for a career to be proud of. When most people hear the word sonography, they often think about pregnancy and babies. However, there is so much more to explore when it comes to the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and there are a variety of specialized areas to discover.
Diagnostic sonography is a type of real-time imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to process images and movement from within the body. It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions in the abdomen, breast, heart, blood vessels and most recently the musculoskeletal system.
Aside from having technical knowledge of operating imaging equipment and a physical understanding of various medical conditions, this type of career requires you to have exquisite bedside manner, as you will find yourself face to face with people at their most vulnerable. Whether it’s sharing the exciting news of the gender of their baby, or finding concerning issues that need to be discussed with the doctor, it is paramount you remain professional and ethical, while making the patient feel calm and at ease.
During the course of this program, you could expect to:
- Familiarize yourself with imaging technology tools and equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to operate diagnostic sonography technology.
- Be introduced to specialized areas of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- Learn about human anatomy and physiology.
- Experience clinical education.
- Apply knowledge of ethical behavior and bedside manner.
If you are interested in working in the medical field, but don’t want to be confined to a lab with minimal human interaction, a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography could be a good fit for you.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Possible Career Track
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is also known as a Sonographer, Ultrasonographer or Ultrasound Technologist. Ultrasound is a rewarding career choice that challenges your expertise on a daily basis. A successful sonographer is someone who can function independently, is eager to learn and has a strong ethical background. With this degree, you could potentially work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, physicians’ offices, medical imaging centers, OB-GYN offices, cancer centers, mobile imaging or become a traveler.
Examinations are available through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). Certification is required for employment.
Both registries are national which means you can find employment in any location. It also affords you the opportunity to grow within the field by acquiring certification in multiple specialties, thus allowing you to broaden your areas of expertise. Sonographers with multiple areas of specialties are highly sought after.
Career advancement opportunities exist in education, research, administration, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, and technical advisors.**
**Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2745 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 350, Plano, TX 75093-8730. Internet:www.sdms.org
Diagnostic Medical Sonography 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.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Program Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DMS100 | DMS100 Essentials of Sonography & Ethics | 3.00 |
| DMS107 | DMS107 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation | 2.00 |
| DMS107L | DMS107L Ultrasound Instrumentation LAB | 1.00 |
| DMS108 | DMS108 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I | 2.00 |
| DMS108L | DMS108L Ultrasound Instrumentation Lab II | 1.00 |
| DMS109 | DMS109 Sectional Anatomy | 3.00 |
| DMS200 | DMS200 Abdominal Sonography | 3.00 |
| DMS201 | DMS201 Advanced Abdominal Sonography | 3.00 |
| DMS202 | DMS202 Obstetrics & Gynecologic Sonography | 3.00 |
| DMS203 | DMS203 Advanced Obstetric & Gynecologic Sonography | 3.00 |
| DMS204 | DMS204 Vascular I | 3.00 |
| DMS205 | DMS205 Vascular II | 3.00 |
| DMS206 | DMS206 Introduction to Clinical Education | 1.00 |
| DMS207 | DMS207 Clinical Education | 4.00 |
| DMS208 | DMS208 Clinical Education II | 4.00 |
| DMS209 | DMS209 Clinical Education III | 4.00 |
| DMS210 | DMS210 Clinical Education IV | 4.00 |
| DMS211 | DMS211 Clinical Education V | 4.00 |
| DMS213 | DMS213 Clinical Education VI | 2.00 |
| DMS241 | DMS241 General/SPI Registry Review | 2.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 55.00 | |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO111 | BIO111 Anatomy & Physiology I w/Terminology | 3.00 |
| BIO111L | BIO111L Anatomy & Physiology I with Terminology LAB | 1.00 |
| BIO116 | BIO116 Anatomy & Physiology II with Terminology | 3.00 |
| BIO116L | BIO116L Anatomy & Physiology II with Terminology LAB | 1.00 |
| ENG110 | ENG110 College Composition | 3.00 |
| HUM205 | HUM205 Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3.00 |
| PHY120 | PHY120 Physics | 3.00 |
| PHY120L | PHY120L Physics LAB | 1.00 |
| PSY105 | PSY105 Introduction to Psychology | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 21.00 | |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COR191 | COR191 Career Orientation | 1.00 |
| FOR110 | FOR110 Essentials for Success | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 4.00 | |
1,920 total contact hours
Visit the ECPI University Catalog for the most current program information.
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.
AAS - Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Guide
