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
VIDEO
Classes and Clinical hours
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
1,150 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 online 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, 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
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 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
