Diagnostic Medical Sonography, P.A.C.

POST-ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
DIVISION: ALLIED HEALTH

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a diagnostic imaging modality which produces cross-sectional images of soft tissues in the body. The sonographer must have an exceptional understanding of cross sectional anatomy, ultrasonic instrumentation, wave behavior, and pertinent patient information necessary for the interpretation of ultrasound exams. Sonography demands a creative self-directed approach for locating and demonstrating human anatomy and pathology.

The program admits one class per year, and enrollment is limited by the number of clinical positions available in affiliate hospitals. The program begins in the fall semester and completes at the end of the following fall semester.

Selection into the program is based on the candidate’s overall qualities, including college and professional education background, grade averages, character references, evidence of basic skills, interpersonal relations, and an interest in sonography. Applicants must be able to meet the program’s technical standards. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by the faculty committee on admissions for the Allied Health Division. Prospective students must contact the Allied Health Admissions Office for admissions criteria and to initiate the admission procedure. The deadline for application to the program is May 1.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Post-Associate Certificate program is accredited the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (9355 - 113th Street N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33755; Phone: 727-210-2354; www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (6201 University Blvd., Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043; Phone: 443-973-3251; Fax: 866-738-3444; www.jrcdms.org).

To be eligible to apply for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program students must:

1. Be an associate degree graduate of an accredited allied health occupation program OR
2. Have at least 60 credit hours of previous college coursework.
3. All applicants must have completed the following:

Prerequisites:

• ENGL 101 - English Composition I  OR
• ENGL 110 Intensive English Composition I  
   
• ENGL 102 - English Composition II  3
• MATH 120 - Contemporary Math  3
   
• MATH 130 - College Algebra  OR
• MATH 203 - Introductory Statistics  3
   
• BIOL 251 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I  3
• BIOL 253 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory  1
• BIOL 252 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II  3
• BIOL 254 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory  1
• PHYS 101 - Introduction to Concepts in Physics  3
• HESC 111 - Medical Terminology  3

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Post-Associate Certificate program, the learner will be able to:

• Apply skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of an entry level sonographer (SLO # 1)
• Master the didactic and clinical skills required by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers for Obstetrics-Gynecology, Abdomen, and Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SLO # 2)
• Adapt professional, ethical behavior adhering to HIPAA guidelines and use appropriate oral/written communication skills to function effectively as a member of the healthcare team (SLO # 3)
• Analyze data obtained using ultrasound and related imaging technologies for diagnostic purposes (SLO # 4)
• Integrate knowledge of human sectional anatomy and sonographic imaging to provide a summary of findings to the physician for patient diagnosis and management (SLO # 5)
• Integrate knowledge of ultrasound physical principles and instrumentation (SLO # 6)
• Apply independent judgment and critical thinking methods to produce high quality diagnostic information and optimize patient care (SLO # 7)