DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY-DIPLOMA PROGRAM
Blended Zoom and Residential Delivery
Total Clock Hours: 1,720
Standard Occupational Code: 29‐2032
Sample of reported job titles: Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Sonographer, Staff Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech), Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program prepares graduates for entry-level employment as ultrasound technologists with a specialization in general sonography (Abdominal, Small Parts, Gynecology, Obstetrics and Vascular ultrasound). Working in hospitals, imaging centers, physician offices or clinics, the medical sonographers / ultrasound technologists play an important role as members of medical diagnostic and treatment teams.
PROGRAM DELIVERY
The program is delivered with a blended method of delivery. All lectures are conducted as live interactive instructions via real-time video conferencing using Zoom. All laboratory and clinical training sessions are conducted in a residential format, on-campus or at a clinical site.
PROGRAM GOASL AND OBJECTIVES
The main goal is to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains in Abdominal-Small Parts, OB/GYN, and Vascular sonography; and to offer students integrated learning experiences in theory and practice that will enable them to provide high quality images and patient care.
Goal 1: Students will possess the knowledge, problem-solving and critical thinking skills expected of an entry-level ultrasound technologist in General/Vascular Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Program Outcome 1: Demonstrate critical thinking skills in obtaining, reviewing and integrating pertinent patient data to facilitate optimum diagnostic sonographic imaging.
Program Outcome 2: Apply problem-solving techniques in the basic concepts and principles of physical and biological science.
Goal 2: Program Goal: Students will be able to perform entry-level diagnostic medical sonographic studies in Vascular, Abdominal, and OB/GYN ultrasound.
Program Outcome 3: Perform sonographic procedures appropriately and accurately recording all anatomic and physiologic information for interpretation by a physician.
Program Outcome 4: Demonstrate entry-level clinical skills and knowledge in the care of ultrasound patients.
Goal 3: Students will exhibit professionalism, effective communication skills and compassion and ethics in patient care.
Program Outcome 5: Provide basic patient care and comfort while utilizing ethics following HIPAA guidelines.
Program Outcome 6: Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication skills with patients and healthcare team.
ARDMS CREDENTIALING
General ultrasound sonographers are not required to be licensed in the State of California. Some employers may require credentials offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). UMI’s primary goal is to prepare students for the entry-level position and also to help students meet educational and/or clinical ultrasound eligibility requirements for ARDMS examination, specifically for SPI and Prerequisite 1 or Prerequisite 3A options.
Although all graduates of the UMI’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam, 12 months (or equivalent) of additional work experience may be required based on the student’s prior educational credentials. UMI encourages the graduates to pursue ARDMS credentials; however the school does not bear responsibility for the ARDMS exam preparation. Students should take the initiative of researching exam requirements and information on the ARDMS website at www.ardms.org.
DMS PROGRAM CURRICULUM
DMS COURSE DESCRIPTION
DMS 30: Anatomy and Physiology & Medical Terminology (12 QCH)
This course covers the location and functions of all the major body systems, including the Respiratory and cardiovascular systems; nervous system; digestive system; musculoskeletal system; reproductive system; urinary system; endocrine system; reticuloendothelial, skin, and integumentary systems. Students will be taught how to Identify and name the organs of the major body systems and have an understanding of the major body system’s physiology and functions. In this course, students also learn common words, prefixes, and suffixes used in terminology in the medical field. This will give the student the knowledge and understanding of medical terms they will need throughout their diagnostic medical sonography program and sonography career. Prerequisites: None
DMS 50: Introduction to Sonography (4 QCH)
In this course, students study the fundamentals of ultrasound (US) in diagnostic medical sonography. This course will introduce students to the foundations of clinical sonography, essentials of patient care, ethics, patient’s rights and HIPAA, as well as communications principles for healthcare professionals. The course also emphasizes the basic ultrasound imaging: principles, techniques, ultrasound terminology, knobology and scanning protocols. In addition, this course will introduce students to the 10- step process of a complete examination, including patient care and bedside manner, obtaining patient medical history, and completing an exam report using appropriate terminology. The ergonomics and musculoskeletal issues in the sonography field are also discussed. Prerequisites: None
DMS 120: Sonography Principles and Instrumentation I & II (12 QCH)
In this course, students study the fundamentals of sonography principles and instrumentation. The course begins with a review of foundational mathematics to enable students to apply mathematical principles to studies of physics. The course further transitions into the introductory and advanced-level learning about physics of acoustics and sonographic instrumentation. Production and types of sound waves discussed. The course includes a demonstration of propagation of ultrasound through tissues, transducers, pulse-echo instruments and display methods. The course continues into the area of pulse-echo instrumentation including harmonics, image artifacts and color flow imaging with Doppler instrumentation; bioeffects and safety in ultrasound imaging; and quality management applied to Sonography. The course is primarily theory- based with practical components such as projects, exercises, and other activities. The students will later have an opportunity to apply these principles in a laboratory environment in the Introduction to Sonography class. Prerequisites: None
DMS 200: Abdominal Ultrasound (8 QCH)
In this course students study the clinical ultrasound applications for the area of the abdomen and retroperitoneum. Students are also introduced to the interpretation of clinical laboratory tests, signs and symptoms related to normal and pathological sonographic patterns of the abdomen, as well as to sonographic scanning techniques, protocols and ultrasound-guided interventional procedures. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation.
DMS 201: Abdominal Ultrasound Lab (4 QCH)
In this course students learn the scanning techniques and protocols related to abdominal ultrasound with an emphasis on the normal anatomy of the abdomen. The role of the diagnostic medical sonographer will be demonstrated in this section and will include understanding how to perform an abdominal examination and how to document the ultrasound findings. Students will use the laboratory to further their knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, practice scanning skills and appropriate use of the ultrasound system and knobology. The students will also learn how to analyze the normal appearance of the abdominal organs and structures on sonographic images. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation.
DMS 210: Small Parts Ultrasound (8 QCH)
In this course students study the clinical ultrasound applications for small parts with an emphasis on the analysis of sonography of the breasts, thyroid, parathyroid, scrotum, prostate neonate head, hip, spine and musculoskeletal system. Students are also introduced to the interpretation of clinical laboratory tests, signs and symptoms related to normal and pathological sonographic patterns, as well as sonographic scanning techniques, protocols and ultrasound-guided interventional procedures. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principle and Instrumentation.
DMS 211: Small Parts Ultrasound Lab (4 QCH)
In this course students learn the scanning techniques and protocols related to breasts, thyroid, parathyroid, scrotum, prostate neonate head, hip, spine and musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on normal sonoanatomy. The role of the diagnostic medical sonographer will be demonstrated in this section and will include understanding how to perform an ultrasound examination and how to document findings. Students will use the laboratory to further their knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, practice scanning skills and appropriate use of the ultrasound system and knobology. The students will also learn how to analyze the normal appearance of the superficial organs and structures on sonographic images. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principle and Instrumentation.
DMS 300: OB/GYN Ultrasound (8 QCH)
In this course, students study clinical applications of ultrasound in the specialties of gynecology and obstetrics are discussed. The students are introduced to the related symptoms, and to the pathophysiological changes in non- pregnant women, as well as in pregnant women. Fetal development through pregnancy is also studied, with an emphasis on the parameters of fetal growth and its development with the parameters used for sonographic evaluation of gestational age. Students also study sonographic scanning techniques and protocols. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation.
DMS 301: OB/GYN Ultrasound Lab (4 QCH)
In this course students learn the scanning techniques and protocols related to gynecology and obstetrics with an emphasis on sonoanatomy and pathophysiology of the female reproductive system. The role of the diagnostic medical sonographer will be demonstrated in this section and will include understanding how to perform an ultrasound examination in non-pregnant women and in pregnant women during the first, second and third trimesters and how to document the ultrasound findings.
Students will use the laboratory to further their knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, practice scanning skills and practice appropriate use of the ultrasound system and knobology. The students will also learn how to analyze the normal measurement and assess the gestational age. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principle and Instrumentation.
DMS 400: Vascular Ultrasound (8 QCH)
In this course, students study ultrasound applications for the vascular system with an emphasis on the anatomy and pathophysiology of the cerebrovascular and periferovascular systems. Students are also introduced to the interpretation of clinical laboratory tests, signs and symptoms related to normal and pathological sonographic patterns of the vascular system. Students also study sonographic scanning techniques, protocols and ultrasound-guided interventional procedures.
Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation.
DMS 401: Vascular Ultrasound Lab (4 QCH)
In this course students learn the scanning techniques and protocols related to intracranial and extracranial circulation, upper and lower arterial and venous vascular evaluation with an emphasis on normal sonoanatomy. The role of the diagnostic medical sonographer will be demonstrated in this section and will include understanding how to perform an ultrasound examination and how to document findings. Students will use the laboratory to further their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, Doppler and hemodynamics principle and appropriate use of the ultrasound system and knobology. The students will also learn how to analyze the physiologic studies and advanced vascular ultrasound procedure. Prerequisites: Module 1 Courses: Introduction to Sonography, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation.
DMS 501: Clinical Externship I (3.33 QCH)
The clinical externship is a highlight of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; it aims to offer the students an opportunity to build on knowledge and skills they acquire during the in-school portion of the program. In CE I, the student will be observing ultrasound procedures by shadowing a qualified medical diagnostic sonographer. The student will learn and practice operating an ultrasound machine and different types of clinical instruments, equipment, and computer technologies typical of a standard ultrasound and imaging clinic and a healthcare facility. By observing and assisting the sonographer, the students will practice the 10-step process of a complete examination including patient care and bedside manner, obtaining patient medical history, and completing an exam report using appropriate terminology. The students will practice appropriate ergonomics and professional, technical, and soft skills typically expected in a real-life work environment at a healthcare facility. The student will also complete Stage 1 of the Capstone Portfolio Project. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment or successful completion of DMS 50-Introduction to Sonography.
DMS 502: Clinical Externship II (5.33 QCH)
In CE II, the students will build on the skills and knowledge they developed in CE I. In CE II, the students begin directly assisting and performing independently the processes and procedures related to patient intake and ultrasound records. The students will observe and directly assist with ultrasound procedures and scanning protocols. The student will also complete Stage 2 of the Capstone Portfolio Project. Prerequisites: Successful completion of CE I and concurrent enrollment or successful completion of MOD II coursework.
DMS 503: Clinical Externship III (18.00 QCH)
In CE III, the students will build on the skills and knowledge they developed in CE I and CE II. In CE III, the student will be observing, directly assisting, and independently performing ultrasound procedures under close supervision by a qualified medical diagnostic sonographer. The student will also complete Stage 3 of the Capstone Portfolio Project. Prerequisites: Successful completion of CE II and successful completion of MOD II or permission from Clinical Administrator.
CAPSTONE PORTFOLIO PROJECT DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
Capstone Portfolio Project is completed in three stages during Clinical 1, Clinical 2, and Clinical 3. The project is intended to help students build their career portfolio and digital assets, and develop job search and professional networking skills.
By the end of completing the project, students will be able to
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Demonstrate and create a record of clinical skills expected of an entry-level sonographer
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Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills expected in the profession
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Articulate their career goals and their plan to achieve them
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Create a comprehensive professional portfolio and professional social media profile
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Build a basic professional network with peers and employers
TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR CAPSTONE PORTFOLIO PROJECT AND TO MEET PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS, ALL COMPONENTS / PARTS OF THE CAPSTONE PORTFOLIO MUST BE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED:
PART I: Skill Demo Video: must be completed at 100, 260, and 800 cumulative clinical hours. (Credit / Non-Credit)
PART II: Reflection Video Essay: must be completed at 100, 260, and 800 cumulative clinical hours. (Credit / Non-Credit)
PART III: LinkedIn Profile: must be completed at 100, 260, and 800 cumulative clinical hours. (Credit / Non-Credit)
PART IV: Career Coaching: must meet minimum number of sessions per Clinical course: at 100, 260, and 800 cumulative clinical hours. (Credit / Non-Credit)