Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
LIMITED ENROLLMENT
Delivery Method: Lecture - On Campus or Online Synchronous
Lab - On Campus
Clinical Ultrasound Internship - Clinical Affiliate
Program Begins: Fall Only
Program Description
Program Goal: To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal - Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography concentrations.
The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is to provide a high-quality, learning-centered education in diagnostic medical sonography theory and practice that maximizes student learning and makes students partners in their education.
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer utilizes a transducer that emits high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of various organs and tissues in the body. Students will be prepared to perform abdominal, small parts, gynecological, and obstetrical ultrasounds. Additional instruction in vascular sonography is provided concurrently to broaden the knowledge and experience and prepare the students for a variety of ultrasound examinations. The DMS program is four consecutive semesters, excluding the required program prerequisites, starting every fall. The first two semesters of the program consist of classroom and scanning lab instruction on the Bismarck State College campus in the Health Sciences building. The final two semesters are a seven-month clinical ultrasound internship where students get in-field experience, utilizing the skills gained from the synchronous theory and lab courses. The clinical affiliate is a third-party entity into which the students are placed.
Preparation
Students interested in entering the DMS program should have a strong background in science, especially in anatomy and physiology and physics. Successful students have a strong sense of responsibility, patience, and manual dexterity.
Program Requirements
Students must apply to the program between March 1 - April 1 prior to the fall semester DMS program start. Students eligible to apply have successfully completed, or are in the process of completing, the following college courses: algebra or statistics; general college-level physics and/or radiographic physics; communication courses such as speech or composition; and human anatomy and physiology. All required program courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Students must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.85 in year one program required courses for admittance to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. A GPA of 2.0 "C" or higher must be earned in all prescribed technical program requirement courses in order to continue in the program. Applicants are required to take the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) administered by Pegasus Lectures.
This program is highly selective. Upon receipt of all application materials, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will evaluate the applicant's file for completeness of program specific requirements. An interview will be scheduled once the program application and recommendations are received and reviewed. Applicants will be scored on past academic performance, USA results, recommendations, career statement responses, previous experience, interview, and overall quality of application. The admission process is competitive due to the limited number of positions available, and the DMS program may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum admission standards. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to successfully complete a medical examination, background check, and drug screen at their own cost. Clinical affiliates maintain sole discretion as to the student's ability to participate in the Clinical Ultrasound Internship.
Students must successfully complete a series of examinations to earn a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential. Those exams include the Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination and the corresponding specialty Abdomen and Obstetrics & Gynecology Examinations.
This program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service over non-covered persons. (20 CFR 1010)
Career Opportunities
DMS professionals are in high demand nationwide at a wide variety of healthcare institutions, including but not limited to clinics, hospitals, private offices, education, breast centers, and medical supply sales companies.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, Diagnostic Medical Sonography students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to obtain, review and integrate relevant patient data to facilitate diagnostic results.
- Perform Abdominal-Extended and Obstetric and Gynecologic sonographic procedures and record anatomic, pathologic and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- Exhibit discretion, judgment and problem solving in the performance of sonographic procedures.
- Demonstrate effective oral, written and nonverbal communication with patients, members of the healthcare team and others.
- Understand the principles and practices of professional conduct.