Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The images provided by sonographers aid physicians in diagnosing and treating certain diseases and conditions. It also provides the first crucial images of a developing fetus. Students earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography study in the classroom and apply this knowledge in clinical settings to be a part of this exciting – and illuminating – health care field.

Ultrasound Images

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound to produce sonographic images of:

• Abdominal organs and structures
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Thyroid
• Breast
• Prostate
• Testicles
• Newborns

Classes

Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Bryan provides:

• 3 1/2 Year program
• 50 semester hours of General Education courses
• 54 semester hours of Diagnostic Medical Sonography courses
• 16 semester hours for the Vascular Sonography minor
• 1305 clinical hours will be completed for graduation
• Students have access to three skills labs and practice using a variety of machines
• Graduates meet requirements by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to apply for the examination to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Curriculum

View the curriculum plan for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Sonography Technical Standards

After a sufficient period of instruction the students would be expected to perform the following technical standards:

Acquire Information

Acquires information from didactic, clinical, and technological learning experiences

• Lecture, demonstration, observation, interview and on-line learning

Acquires information from written, video, audio and electronic sources

• Literature search, data retrieval and electronic medical records

Examples:   

• Identify and document normal and abnormal sonographic patterns of disease processes, pathology and pathophysiology of organs and areas of interest. Modify scanning protocol based on sonographic findings and differential diagnosis relevant to the sonography specialty
• Identify pertinent clinical questions and the goal of the examination
• Recognize significant clinical information and historical facts from the patient and medical records, which may impact the diagnostic examination
• Utilize examination recording devices to obtain pertinent documentation of examination findings

Critical Reasoning (Interpret and Integrate)

Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data related to patient care.

Examples:

• Review data from current and previous examinations to produce a summary of technical findings, including relevant interval changes, for the reporting physician’s reference
• Perform related measurements from sonographic images or data
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Doppler ultrasound principles, spectral analysis and color flow imaging relevant to and in the sonography specialty
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology relevant to and in the sonography specialty
• Identify and document normal and abnormal sonographic patterns of disease processes, pathology and pathophysiology of organs and areas of interest. Modify scanning protocol based on sonographic findings and differential diagnosis relevant to the sonography specialty
• Apply theory content in the skills lab/clinical setting

Psychomotor/Technical Skills

Perform or assist with procedures and treatments

Examples:

• Perform sonographic examinations of organs and regions of interest according to professional and institutional protocols relevant to and in the sonography specialty
• Adjust instrument controls including examination presets, scale size, focal zone(s), overall gain, time gain compensation and frame rate to optimize image quality
• Select the correct transducer type and frequency for examination(s) being performed
• Perform related measurements from sonographic images or data
• Utilize examination recording devices to obtain pertinent documentation of examination findings
• Identify and document normal and abnormal sonographic patterns of disease processes, pathology and pathophysiology of organs and areas of interest. Modify scanning protocol based on sonographic findings and differential diagnosis relevant to the sonography specialty
• Distinguish textures, degrees of firmness, temperature differences, pulse rate, vibrations and strength     

Communication Skills

Communicate information effectively and efficiently in English with faculty, clients, families and health care constituents

Examples

• Report client status, facilitate client teaching and document care
• Collaborate with faculty, clients, family and health care constituents
• Participate in the exchange of information among health care constituents

Character

Demonstrate integrity, accountability and concern for self and others

Examples:

• Accountable for actions, exercises proper judgement and completes responsibilities according to clinical guidelines and course outcomes
• Exhibit professional, sensitive and effective interactions with clients, families and healthcare constituents
• Respond professionally during stressful and/or rapidly changing situations and/or alterations in the status of a client
• Uphold ethical principles and practices of education and the profession of sonography

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography,  Bryan College of Health Sciences Student Code of Conduct and College Values.

Bryan College of Health Sciences committed to providing an environment conducive to learning for all students, including students with disabilities.  Accommodations are provided in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitations Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

The following Technical Standards are required for completion of a Bachelor of Science in Health Professions. 

Technical Standards must be met with or without reasonable accommodations. 

If you are a student with a disability who may need reasonable accommodations, please contact sheri.paneitz@bryanhealth.org or call 402-481-8782.

ARDMS.  (2017). Clinical verification (CV) form.  ARDMS.org. Retrieved from http://www.ardms.org