DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY – CERTIFICATE
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a skilled person qualified by academic and clinical preparation to perform ultrasound exams under the supervision of a qualified physician. The Sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings where the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. Specifically, the graduate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will be prepared with the skills necessary to perform ultrasound examinations, provide patient care and record the anatomic, pathologic, and physiologic data for interpretation by the physician.
The program of study includes thirty-six (36) credit hours of didactic, College laboratory, and clinical sessions. Learning experiences emphasize ultrasound physics, abdominal, and OB/GYN sonography. Sonography related to small body structures and special procedures is also included. Clinical experiences are provided at WNY healthcare facilities. Transportation is the responsibility of the student.
The graduate is eligible to sit for The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Certifying Examination for Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) and the Diagnostic Medical Exam of choice.
Program Learning Outcomes
All students completing this program are expected to achieve the General Education outcomes described in the General Studies section of the catalog as well as the following learning objectives:
· Assess the physical characteristics, perfusion, and function of anatomic structures.
· Assess anatomic structures for pathology, postoperative anatomy, vascular abnormalities, and trauma-related abnormalities correctly.
· Apply concepts of equipment/image optimization, and imaging artifacts accurately.
· Incorporate clinical data, standards and guidelines during performed studies and obtain accurate measurements, and assist/support during procedures.
· Identify properties of ultrasound waveforms, recognize artifacts, optimize resolution, optimize frame rate, optimize spectral Doppler waveforms, optimize color Doppler, optimize 2D image, optimize 3D image, and optimize contrast image.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Certificate Curriculum
DMS300 Cross Sectional Anatomy - 3 credits
DMS301 Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography - 3 credits
DMS306 Physics of Ultrasound I - 2 credits
DMS310 Abdominal Sonography I - 2 credits
DMS311 Abdominal Sonography Lab I - 1 credit
DMS315 Pelvic Sonography - 2 credits
DMS316 Pelvic Sonography Lab - 1 credit
DMS320 Sonography Clinical Education I - 3 credits
DMS405 Obstetrical Sonography - 3 credits
DMS406 Physics of Ultrasound II - 1 credit
DMS410 Abdominal Sonography II - 2 credits
DMS411 Abdominal Sonography Lab II - 1 credit
DMS415 Seminar/Research Course - 1 credit
DMS419 Special Sonographic Procedures - 2 credits
DMS420 Sonography Clinical Education II - 3 credits
DMS430 Sonography Clinical Education III - 6 credits
Total Program Credits - 36
Additional Degree Requirements
A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses and a Quality Point Average of 2.0.