Diagnostic medical sonography

Total credits: 51 (excluding prerequisites )

Semester I

• Abdominal Sonography I (4)
• Ultrasound Physics I (4)
• Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care (3)

Semester II

• Abdominal Pathology II (4)
• Intermediate Physics II (3)
• Pelvic Sonography (4)
• Clinical Education I (2)

Semester III

• Introduction to Vascular Tech (4)
• Clinical Education II (4)

Semester IV

• OB Sonography I (4)
• OB Pathology II (4)
• Superficial Structures (2)
• Clinical Education III (3)

Semester V

• Registry Review & Professional Development (2)
• Clinical Education IV (4)

Note: All applicants must submit a transcript showing completion of courses by application deadline. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C” or greater. Applicants requiring substitutions must be approved by the department chair. If prerequisites are in progress, applicants must submit a letter of good standing from the instructor and their current grade in application submission.

• A personal statement explaining your interest and qualifications
• 3 references
• Official transcripts showing course completion

If courses are in progress, submit a letter of good standing and current grade.

DMS 101: Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care
This course provides essential information and real-world applicable content, bridging the gap between didactic and clinical training. You’ll master the sonography content and skills needed to prepare for and succeed in their specialized career. The course covers the history and foundational use of sonography as a diagnostic tool, including medical terminology specific to sonography, ergonomic considerations, clinical assessment and the role of medical imaging modalities with an emphasis on correlations to sonographic examinations. Learn about pathogen types, personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation precautions and infection control measures. The course emphasizes compassionate patient care, professionalism, medical ethics, legal issues, scope of practice, certification and accreditation. It also covers topics such as basic physics principles, instrumentation, knobology, patient positioning, professionalism and work ethic, equipment care, quality assurance and legal essentials.

DMS 110: Abdominal Sonography I 
This course provides an in-depth understanding of cross-sectional abdominal human anatomy as visualized through diagnostic ultrasound. You will learn to recognize the ultrasonic appearance of healthy abdominal organs, tissues and vessels in the human body. Coursework includes identifying normal abdominal anatomical variants diagnosed by ultrasound, with a strong emphasis on learning to identify normal cross-sectional anatomy sonographically based on echogenicity, location and size relative to adjacent structures. 

DMS 120: Ultrasound Physics I  
This course explores the physical principles of acoustics, Doppler ultrasound, hemodynamics and sonographic instrumentation, with a focus on clinical applications in diagnostic medical sonography. You’ll learn proper techniques for producing quality diagnostic images through theoretical and laboratory instruction. Key topics include sound energy and its characteristics, the piezoelectric effect, properties of ultrasound waves, speed of sound and propagation, pulsed Doppler, color flow Doppler, and hemodynamics equations, display modes, bioeffects, the ALARA principle, and quality assurance. Coursework is designed to prepare you for national registry examinations in sonography, physics and instrumentation. 

DMS 212: Abdominal Sonography Pathology II  
This course will provide comprehensive training in utilizing ultrasound technology to diagnose abdominal pathologies. You’ll learn proper ultrasound techniques to accurately identify and visualize abnormal anatomy through a coordinated approach of lectures and hands-on laboratory experience for the understanding of theoretical concepts and practical application. 

DMS 222: Intermediate Ultrasound Physics II
This continuation of basic ultrasound physics includes interaction of ultrasound with tissues, mechanics of ultrasound production and display. It also covers various transducer designs and construction, quality assurance, bioeffects and image artifacts. Differentiate the instrument control panels and their functions on all ultrasound equipment. Identify how specific artifacts can be recognized and how they should be handled properly to avoid the pitfalls and misdiagnoses that they can cause. Compare the various test objects and phantoms available for evaluating performance characteristics of the ultrasound machine as it relates to bioeffects and quality assurance. 

DMS 130: Pelvic Sonography 
This course introduces you to gynecologic anatomy, pathology and diagnostic sonography, focusing on the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the pelvis and adjacent structures. Gain knowledge of sonographic procedures for imaging the male and female pelvis, including proper scanning techniques, patient preparations and positioning for optimal diagnostic images. The course covers normal anatomy and physiology, as well as the pathology of the nongravid pelvis. Lecture and lab demonstrations are integrated to provide a simultaneous understanding of theoretical and practical aspects.

DMS 140: Clinical Education I  
This clinical course introduces you to the daily operations of clinical practice in the hospital and clinical settings. You’ll begin with an orientation to the clinical area and assist clinical instructors, integrating concurrent didactic coursework and performing sonographic exams on patients under the direct and indirect supervision of credentialed sonographers. 

DMS 150: Introduction to Vascular Technology 
This course introduces you to vascular sonography, focusing on how to position and scan the vascular system. It covers normal and abnormal blood vessels, especially in the neck and limbs. You’ll study the anatomy, blood flow and diseases of the vascular system. Along with learning symptom recognition, you’ll be introduced to scanning protocols and other diagnostic tests, treatments and interventions for vascular diseases. Practical sessions will teach you to produce quality images, with lectures, visual aids and hands-on demonstrations helping you understand theory and practice.

DMS 240: Clinical Education II
This clinical course offers ongoing work experience in a hospital or clinic setting with an assigned clinical affiliate. You’ll apply knowledge from previous coursework and current studies to perform high-quality diagnostic sonography examinations. Conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision.

DMS 231: Obstetrical Sonography I  
In this course, you will be introduced to and explore the anatomy, physiology and diseases related to obstetrics in sonography. Learn about obstetrical imaging, including fetal development from fertilization and throughout all trimesters. The course covers calculating gestational age, assessing normal fetal and extra fetal structures and maternal complications. You’ll also explore other diagnostic tests, treatments and surgeries, as well as basic fetal heart exams. Lectures and hands-on demonstrations give you a comprehensive understanding of theory and practice. A simulated lab will apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings.

DMS 232: Obstetrical Sonography Pathology II 
This course focuses on providing you knowledge and understanding of the abnormal conditions and congenital anomalies that can occur throughout the gestational period. You’ll be able to identify pathological processes and understand sonographic appearances, with an emphasis on correlating findings with clinical history and diagnostic tests or procedures. The course explores clinical management options into normal and abnormal anatomy, scanning techniques and sonographic appearances of the neonatal brain. 

DMS 112: Sonography of Superficial Structures
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of various small parts and superficial structures, including the thyroid, breast, scrotum, prostate, musculoskeletal system, neonatal brain, pediatric hip and spine. The didactic coursework will correlate the normal and abnormal appearances of these organs, as well as scanning protocols and techniques.

DMS 340: Clinical Education III 
This clinical course offers ongoing work experience in a hospital or clinic setting with an assigned clinical affiliate. Apply knowledge from your previous coursework and current studies to perform high-quality diagnostic sonography examinations. You’ll conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision.

DMS 310: Registry Review and Professional Development for the Sonographer  
This course provides a comprehensive review of all materials from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, with a strong focus on preparing for national registry examinations. It also covers essential career skills such as résumé preparation, job searching and the interview process. 

DMS: 440: Clinical Education IV
This final clinical course offers ongoing experience in hospital and clinic settings. You’ll apply knowledge from previous and current courses to obtain and assess sonographic examinations. The course emphasizes image optimization and effectively communicating sonographic findings to the interpreting physician. Conduct sonographic examinations under direct and indirect supervision.