Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Vascular
Academic Plans
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BSDMS - Cardiovascular Concentration -
BSDMS - Cardiovascular Concentration (2022) -
BSDMS - General Vascular Concentration -
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Certificate -
Minor Adult Echo
Courses
DMS 100: Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ergonomics
Credits 3This course will prepare students for the new and challenging demands of sonography training in a healthcare facility. Proper ergonomics, basic sonographic terminology, physics principles, technique and equipment, and an introduction to abdominal and cerebral vasculature is included. Students will demonstrate proficiency in scanning the abdominal great vessels and cerebral vessels.
DMS 110: Fundamentals of Medical Imaging & Healthcare
Credits 2This course provides students with an introduction to the essential elements of medical imaging and the healthcare environment. Included are topics ranging from professional history, legal and ethical implications, patient communication, and avenues for professional development and continuing education. The basic principles of sonography will be discussed. Students will begin to gain an appreciation for the medical imaging environment and the critical role it plays in the delivery of quality medical care.
DMS 120: Principles of Radiographic Physics
Credits 3This course provides a foundation for the technology medical imaging. Topics discussed include atomic structure and mechanics, sound wave and transducer properties, the nature of electricity and magnetism as well as the electromagnetic spectrum. Also included are topics dealing with basic circuits and circuit theory, x-ray tube design and operation, digital imaging, x-ray production and interactions, as well as the technology fundamental to its effective usage and control. Operator and equipment safety will be emphasized throughout the course.
DMS 206: Patient Care in Sonography
Credits 2This course introduces the student to fundamental patient care procedures commonly expected of medical imaging professionals. Basic nursing skills essential to the sonographer will be emphasized. Topics covered include communication strategies specific to medical imaging, patient handling techniques, infection control, medical histories and records documentation, and emergency patient care procedures. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the vital role the sonographer plays as a member of the health team and the professional standards of conduct expected.
DMS 208: Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation
Credits 3This course will cover the basic acoustical physics and waves in human tissue with an emphasis on ultrasound transmission in soft tissues, attenuation of sound energy, parameters affecting sound transmission, and resolution of sound beams. Design and performance of transducers, pulse-echo imaging equipment, and Doppler and color flow equipment. The physics leading to image artifacts is described, as are methods for evaluating performance of ultrasound devices. Finally, acoustical exposure measurements and levels from diagnostic equipment are discussed, as well as biological effects and risk.
DMS 211: Abdominal Sonography I
Credits 3This course will focus on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology seen on normal and abnormal sonograms. Emphasis is placed on the sonographic anatomy liver, transplanted liver, biliary system, and pancreas with correlated laboratory exercises. The relationship of abnormal findings to patient history, physical examination and laboratory findings are stressed.
DMS 221C: Clinical Sonography I
Credits 4This course is a rotation through various clinical settings to gain experience in the performance of sonographic examinations. Clinical experience rotations may include abdominal, OB/GYN, pediatric and vascular imaging. During this practicum, students will be assigned clinical competencies and objectives to complete.
DMS 231: Vascular Sonography I
Credits 3This course will focus on vascular anatomy, vascular physics and instrumentation, hemodynamics, and pathological patterns. Students will become familiar with the clinical symptoms and specific ultrasound protocols for normal and abnormal cases in vascular systems associated with peripheral and cerebrovascular disease.
DMS 240L: Sonography Lab
Credits 1This course will focus on the physical scanning components of the sonography field. Students will learn scanning techniques correlating with curriculum that is being taught in the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate scanning skills on each other and/or phantoms. Students will also be required to comp out on selected sonographic exams.
DMS 261: OB/GYN Sonography I
Credits 3This course will focus on the relational and sonographic anatomy of the female pelvis. Cross-sectional anatomy and normal sonographic findings of the non-gravid pelvis will be emphasized. Included are discussions on gynecologic pathologies, reproduction, and infertility. Physiology and related laboratory and clinical findings for disease processes are highlighted related to the female pelvis. The biology of reproduction including normal and abnormal first-trimester findings are discussed.
DMS 290: Independent Study – Theory
Credits 1This course is an independent study course designed to remediate the content needed to succeed in future sonography core courses. Students build on previously acquired knowledge and experiences to prepare for their clinical experiences and future abdominal and obstetric/gynecological course work.
DMS 312: Abdominal Sonography II
Credits 3This course will focus on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology seen on normal and abnormal sonograms. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize abnormal pathological processes in the adrenal, urinary system, renal transplants, gastrointestinal tract, spleen, retroperitoneum, and previously taught Abdominal Sonography I content.
DMS 322C: Clinical Sonography II
Credits 4This course is a rotation through various clinical settings to gain experience in the performance of sonographic examinations. Clinical experience rotations may include abdominal, OB/GYN, pediatric and vascular imaging. During this practicum, students will be assigned clinical competencies and objectives to complete.
DMS 332: Vascular Sonography II
Credits 2This course will focus on vascular anatomy, physics and instrumentation, hemodynamics, and pathological patterns. Students will become familiar with the clinical symptoms and specific ultrasound protocols for normal and abnormal cases in vascular systems associated with peripheral disease. Physiological testing techniques and quantitative principles will also be included.
DMS 350: Physics Synthesis
Credits 1(Only needed if SPI does not complete within five years of board exam) This course will enhance the transition of students into professional sonography practice. Emphasis is placed on ultrasound machine manipulation and image quality. In addition, a review for Sonographic Principles and Instruments board will occur and a mock board exam will be given.
DMS 350: Physics Synthesis
Credits 1This course will enhance the transition of students into professional sonography practice. Emphasis is placed on ultrasound machine manipulation and image quality. In addition, a review for Sonographic Principles and Instruments board will occur and a mock board will be given. Successful completion of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Sonographic Principles and
DMS 362: OB/GYN Sonography II
Credits 3This course will focus on understanding embryology, sonographic evaluation of the gravid uterus, pathophysiology, and complications during pregnancy. Placental pathologies, fetal anomalies, and fetal dating will be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to practice biometric measurements and an anatomical survey on obstetrical phantoms and a simulator during this course.
DMS 413: Abdominal Sonography III
Credits 2This course will focus on anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology seen on normal and abnormal sonograms of the small parts, musculoskeletal, intraoperative, and pediatric specialty exams. Students will become familiar with the clinical symptoms, lab values and specific ultrasound protocols for normal and abnormal cases. Thoracentesis, paracentesis, biopsy, and other sonographic guided procedure protocols will be taught. The student will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of sterile technique. Emphasis will also be placed on previously taught Abdominal Sonography I & II content.
DMS 423C: Clinical Sonography III
Credits 4This course is a rotation through various clinical settings to gain experience in the performance of sonographic examinations. Clinical experience rotations may include abdominal, musculoskeletal, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatric, vascular, and invasive procedures. During this practicum, students will be assigned clinical competencies and objectives to continue to master their sonographic skills.
DMS 424C: Clinical Sonography IV
Credits 5This course is a rotation through various clinical settings to gain experience in the performance of sonographic examinations. Clinical experience rotations may include abdominal, musculoskeletal, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatric, vascular, and invasive procedures. During this practicum, students will continue to be assigned clinical competencies and objectives to continue to master their sonographic skills. Emphasis will be placed upon off-hour sonography.
DMS 425C: Clinical Sonography V
Credits 5This course is a rotation through various clinical settings to gain experience in the performance of sonographic examinations. Clinical experience rotations may include abdominal, musculoskeletal, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatric, vascular, and invasive procedures. During this practicum, students will complete all clinical competencies and objectives demonstrate their skillset as entry level sonographers. Emphasis will be placed upon off-hour sonography and independent scanning.
DMS 433: Vascular Sonography III
Credits 2This course will discuss hemodynamics, abdominal, penile, and transplant organ Doppler. Vascular statistics and quality improvement efforts will be discussed. Students will become familiar with the clinical symptoms and specific ultrasound protocols for normal and abnormal cases associated with abdominal vascular diseases, ultrasound-guided procedures, the role ultrasound plays in surgical interventions or assessments, and previously taught material from Vascular Sonography I & II.
DMS 464: OB/GYN Sonography III
Credits 2This course will discuss the role of ultrasound in evaluating maternal complications in pregnancy, needle obstetrical procedures (CVS sampling, Amniocentesis, PUBS, therapy), and in monitoring high risk patients. Fetal anomalies, abnormal fetal growth, labor, multiple gestations, and genetic anomalies will be covered. Students will understand the role that three-dimensional sonography plays in ob/gyn practice.
DMS 470: Specialized Sonography
Credits 2In this course the student will study the specialized components of the sonography profession. Specialized exams including the embryology, structure, physiology, and pathology of the fetal heart and musculoskeletal exams will be explored. Emerging technologies such as contrast and veterinary medicine will be discussed. Students will gain an understanding of teaching, research techniques, and opportunities for professional development. Mental health, burnout, ergonomic techniques, and employment information will also be included.
DMS 480: Sonography Synthesis
Credits 1This course will enhance the transition of students into professional sonography practice. A cumulative review for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Abdomen, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Vascular Technology board exams will occur. Mock board exams will be given. It is recommended that students complete three board exams.