Pass/Fail – 8 hours
This instructional seminar is a prerequisite to the DMS program. This seminar provides an overview of the scope and content of the DMS program. It focuses upon the elementary operational principles of diagnostic medical ultrasound, basic ultrasound terminology specific to the profession, anatomic imaging planes and body directions used in ultrasound imaging, and the image orientation on the ultrasound display.
1.0 units – 96 hours
This course covers the aspects of abdominal and small parts ultrasound scanning required for employment as an entry–level sonographer. Emphasis is placed upon basic anatomy and physiology, normal and abnormal appearances of the organs of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, breast, thyroid, parathyroid, prostate, and testes. The student will develop competency in assessing the ultrasonic appearance of normal versus abnormal images through the use of PowerPoint slides and studies. Clinical indications for ultrasound examination of the abdomen and small parts, and differential diagnoses will also be presented and considered. DMS 210 must be taken concurrently with DMS 210L.
1.0 units – 150 hours
This course focuses on the application of generally accepted scanning techniques and protocols utilized for ultrasound examination of the abdomen, related structures, and small parts. This course includes instruction and demonstration related to patient preparation and positioning employed to achieve optimum ultrasound images. Proper identification and representation of normal and abnormal anatomy is stressed. Laboratory demonstrations and scanning exercises coincide with DMS 210 to integrate and reinforce understanding of the didactic and hands on elements in sonographic evaluation of the abdomen and small parts. DMS 210L must be taken concurrently with DMS 210.
1.0 unit – 15 hours
This course provides a broad overview of the field of diagnostic medical sonography. It covers the history and evolution of ultrasound as an imaging modality, the sonographer's role, required skills and abilities, and effective learning techniques. The student will learn causes of ergonomic injuries, how to prevent them, and causes of sonographer stress. Students will also discuss the different imaging modalities within the radiology department and their value in providing diagnostic information.
2.0 units – 96 hours
This course is an in–depth study of the normal and abnormal conditions that affect the reproductive organs of the female pelvic cavity and the developing fetus, including cross–sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed upon ultrasonic identification and assessment of the normal and pathological conditions of the uterus, ovaries and fetus. The sonographer's role in determining fetal biometry measurements, age, weight, and well being is covered. Clinical indications and differential diagnoses for OB/GYN ultrasound examinations are also discussed. DMS 220 must be taken concurrently with DMS 220L.
5.0 units – 150 hours
Students learn proper scanning techniques and protocols used in ultrasound imaging of the gynecologic and obstetric patient. Emphasis is placed on recognition of normal versus abnormal anatomy, optimization of ultrasonic images, ultrasound documentation of findings, biometry measurements, and preparation of initial preliminary reports to the interpreting physician. Demonstration and instruction in patient preparation and patient positioning techniques are also included. DMS 220 didactic instruction and laboratory instruction coincide to reinforce and integrate theory and hands on scanning skills. DMS 220L must be taken concurrently with DMS 220.
1.0 units – 48 hours
This course presents the student with different aspects of patient care that are relevant to the sonographer. Focus is placed on patient/sonographer interaction, patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, sonographic positioning techniques, history taking, patient preparation for different ultrasound examinations, vital signs, body mechanics for patient transfer, techniques utilized for patients with tubing, standard precautions for infection control, aseptic/sterile technique, isolation techniques, emergency medical situations, caring for special needs patients, and communications with patients and other health care professionals. CPR/BLS training for the health care professional will be included.
6.0 units – 96 hours
This introductory course in vascular ultrasound introduces the student to the hemodynamic considerations of the arterial and venous vascular systems. Also covered are the principles and techniques of spectral analysis, waveform analysis and interpretation, Color Doppler, and Power Doppler. The course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the arterial and venous systems of the body, and the pathologies commonly encountered in those systems. The student will develop competency in assessing the ultrasonic appearance of normal versus abnormal images through the use of PowerPoint slides and studies. Emphasis will be placed on types of vascular ultrasound examinations most commonly ordered, the clinical indications for various types of vascular duplex examinations, differentiation of normal versus abnormal conditions, and interpretation of ultrasound findings. DMS 230 must be taken concurrently with DMS 230L.
5.0 units – 150 hours
Students will learn standard ultrasound imaging techniques and protocols for duplex examination of the most commonly ordered vascular ultrasound examinations of the carotid arteries, upper and lower extremity arteries, upper and lower extremity veins, and abdominal vessels. The course is designed to prepare the student to perform the most common vascular ultrasound studies that may be required of the general sonographer. DMS 230 didactic instruction and laboratory instruction approximately coincide to integrate and reinforce theory and hands on scanning skills. DMS 230L must be taken concurrently with DMS 230.
1.0 unit – 15 hours
The aspects of sonography as a career will be examined in this course. Topics of discussion include sonography career ladder opportunities, benefits of professional organizations, certification and registration advantages, medical ethics and legal aspects of sonography, professional behavior, sonographer employment venues, resume writing and interview techniques.
6.0 units – 96 hours
This course provides a firm foundation in the basic physical principles of ultrasound and the instrumentation relating to the ultrasound unit. Coursework includes the basic acoustic principles of ultrasound, propagation of ultrasound in tissue, the physics of pulsed ultrasound, Doppler principles, the components of the ultrasound imaging instrument, common artifacts in imaging, quality assurance, bio–effects, and safety in operation of the ultrasound imaging system. DMS 240 must be taken concurrently with DMS 240L.
5.0 units – 150 hours
This course emphasizes operation of the instrumentation controls required for optimum operation of the ultrasound imaging instrument. Students are provided with hands on instruction in equipment operation and adjustment of gray scale and Doppler controls required for the production of ultrasound images. Maintenance of the ultrasound scanning unit and patient safety considerations in equipment operation are also covered. DMS 240 didactic instruction and laboratory instruction approximately coincide to integrate and reinforce theory and hands on scanning and equipment operation skills. DMS 240L must be taken concurrently with DMS 240.
10.0 units – 480 hours
During this course, the student will be assigned and directly supervised in a Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound imaging facility such as a hospital, clinic or imaging center. The student will be introduced to the clinical setting and departmental organization. Under direct supervision by a supervising sonographer or supervising physician and the school's Clinical Coordinator, the student will begin to acquire the hands–on skills necessary for the sonographer in a clinical site. This is accomplished through both observation of and participation in clinical case studies of patients undergoing ultrasound examinations. The student will be assessed on supervised clinical practice and completion of clinical assignments and task based performance objectives.
10.0 units – 480 hours
This course is designed as a more advanced continuation of Clinical Practicum I. The student will continue to perfect scanning skills in the clinical environment and to learn more advanced imaging techniques, protocols, and procedures required of the sonographer. The student will gain more experience in performing various ultrasound images of the patient undergoing abdominal, small parts, gynecological, obstetric, or vascular ultrasound examinations. The student will be assessed on supervised clinical practice and completion of clinical assignments and task based performance objectives.
1.0 unit – 20 hours
This course covers the application process and content specific outlines information for the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination, the Abdominal and Small Parts specialty examination, and the Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty examination. Registry examination preparation techniques and strategies for achievement of successful examination outcomes are included. Administration of mock examinations will enable the student to identify specific strengths and weaknesses in subject matter in order to self correct and improve performance on the ARDMS examinations. Guidance and direction toward additional registry preparation tools and resources are provided.
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