Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) Courses

Numbers in parenthesis are credit hours/semester and actual hours/week in class.

Where special course fees are required in addition to tuition, they are noted at the end of the individual course description. These fees are subject to change without prior notice.

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DMS 201 - Fundamentals of Sonography (3, 4)

Prerequisite: Admission into the DMS Program

Orientation to basic scanning techniques, instrumentation, acoustic energy, anatomy and image identification. Students will learn to identify sonographic anatomy and acceptable image parameters and to correlate this information to specific procedures. Students will practice scan to achieve basic skills needed in the clinical setting.

DMS 203 - Principles of Ultrasound Physics (4, 5)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program or consent of program coordinator

Introduction and study of the fundamental principles of diagnostic ultrasound physics. Study of various diagnostic ultrasound equipment along with instrumentation and quality control.

DMS 204 - Abdominal Sonography (4, 6)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program; concurrent with DMS 205

Study of normal anatomy and sonographic appearances of abdominal structures and superficial structures. Normal variants, congenital anomalies, physiology and related laboratory tests are covered. Sonographic methods used to visualize adult and pediatric abdomen are discussed. Includes laboratory section on basic scanning techniques.

DMS 205 - Clinical Education I (2, 17)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program; concurrent with DMS 204

Application of the principles of ultrasound in a hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified registered diagnostic sonographer. Emphasis on liver, pancreas, gallbladder, superficial parts, and pelvic areas. Seminars are a regular component of the course. Pass/Fail grading.

DMS 206 - Obstetrical/Gynecological Sonography (4, 5)

Prerequisite: DMS 204 and DMS 205, concurrent with DMS 209

Study of obstetrical and gynecological anatomy. Clinical applications and sonographic methods used to visualize pelvic organs, pregnant uterus and related structures. Discussion of embryogenesis and the reproductive cycle. Study of normal sonographic patterns.

DMS 207 - Ultrasound Image Critique (1, 1)

Prerequisite: DMS 204, 206, 210; concurrent with DMS 212

Study of image critique, technical factors, and sonographic interpretation. Review of sonographic terminology, image quality factors, scanning protocols and techniques, and normal sonographic appearances of abdominal, OB-GYN, and vascular structures. Discussion of abnormal sonographic images and correlation of clinical data to develop diagnostic criteria. Integration of clinical history and sonographic images in the interpretation of vascular imaging and Doppler data.

DMS 208 - Obstetrical/Gynecological Pathology (3, 3)

Prerequisite: DMS 206; concurrent with DMS 213

Study of obstetrical and gynecological pathology. Instrumentation and techniques for optimization of sonographic obstetrical and gynecological images are reviewed. Comparison of normal sonographic patterns with pathology appearances, physiology, differentials, and correlation with lab tests and related organ involvement. Discussion and correlation of congenital abnormalities, causes, and sonographic appearances.

DMS 209 - Clinical Education II (3, 17)

Prerequisite: DMS 205

This course emphasizes clinical experience progression under the supervision of faculty, sonography staff and clinical instructor. Emphasis placed on male and female pelvis and obstetrical applications. Continued practicum in the clinical applications of abdominal sonography. Effective communication, operation of equipment, patient care and technical skills development receive special attention. Seminars are a regular component of the course. Pass/Fail grading.

DMS 210 - Abdominal Pathology (3, 3)

Prerequisite: DMS 204; concurrent with DMS 209

Study of abdominal anatomy, breast, and thyroid pathologies and sonographic patterns. Comparison of normal sonographic patterns with pathology appearances, physiology, differentials, and related organ involvement. Correlation of relevant laboratory data, clinical symptoms with pathologies. Discussion of pediatric pathologies.

DMS 211 - Special Sonographic Procedures (2, 2)

Prerequisite: DMS 204; concurrent with DMS 209 and DMS 210

Study of abdominal and superficial parts pathology, including neonatal procedures, echocardiography, GI tract, soft tissues, vascular, and invasive procedures. Presentation of pathologic processes, sonographic appearances, and clinical history. Discussion of how to administrate a diagnostic ultrasound facility.

DMS 212 - Clinical Education III (3, 13)

Prerequisite: DMS 209

The student continues to improve scanning skills under the supervision of faculty, sonography staff and clinical instructor. Emphasis on abdominal, small parts, and obstetrical-gynecological sonography. The student will have an opportunity to refine skills and increase self-confidence through progressively more independent scanning. Introduction to peripheral vascular exams under direct supervision. Seminars are a regular component of this course. Pass/Fail grading.

DMS 213 - Clinical Education IV (4, 33)

Prerequisite: DMS 212

In this final period of clinical study, the student demonstrates full competency and progresses to full independence under the supervision of sonography staff, clinical instructor and clinical coordinator. Emphasis on abdominal, small parts, obstetrical-gynecological sonography, and pathology identification. Rotations in the practice of peripheral vascular exams and other specialties within the field may be arranged. Seminars are a regular component of this course. Pass/Fail grading.

For additional information, please contact the Shari McGovern, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at 708-596-2000 ext. 2634.