Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The DMS program goal is to prepare competent entry level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Educating in all 3 learning domains is accomplished through the strategically integrated program content including didactic, laboratory, and clinical internship.

Assessment of the cognitive learning domain is accomplished through classroom discussion, written examinations, and laboratory assignments. Application of knowledge is assessed through completion of sonographic patient scans during clinical rotations.
Assessment of the psychomotor learning domain is accomplished through completion of laboratory assignments and clinical competency evaluations during clinical internship.
Assessment of the affective learning domain is accomplished through observations of students in the classroom, laboratory setting, and at clinical sites.
Graduates gaining full ARDMS credential provides additional validation of program course content and delivery.

Questions about admission requirements and transcript review?

Please complete the following steps for consideration to participate in the DMS program selective interview process. All application materials are due by 6/25/2021 to our Curriculum Advisor Christa Hughes.

Applicants are responsible for gaining admission to SCC and submitting official transcripts documenting completion of prerequisites.
Complete the application worksheet and provide requested documentation to include:
- Unofficial transcripts of all college credits
- Volunteer documentation
- Three reference letters in sealed envelope
Submission deadline for Fall quarter is June 25th of the year of application.
Ensure current email address on file in ctcLink for notification of interview date and time (2nd week of July).

Applicants should be aware that National Background Checks conducted during the first and fourth quarters of the program to ensure records are free of felonies or other infractions that might preclude clinical placement or employment in a field with access to vulnerable patients.

Within 30 days of clinical assignment, required immunizations and drug screening are collected. Additional information distributed during the first quarter of the program.

Sonography courses are limited to students officially enrolled in the DMS program.

Application
Volunteer Application

Academic Advisor:
Christa Hughes
Spokane Community College
1810 N Greene St, MS 2151 (15-111A)
Spokane, WA 99217
Christa.Hughes@scc.spokane.edu

SONO 111 — Diagnostic Ultrasound I — 2.0 Credits

This course is an introduction to the field of diagnostic sonography and the role of the sonographer. The importance of professionalism, ethical and legal issues including AIDS and written communications is stressed. Various types of sonographic procedures will be discussed with their applications to abdominal scanning. Various discussion groups and tours are an integral component of this course. Prerequisite: Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 121, 125.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 112 — Vascular Fundamentals — 4.0 Credits

This course is an introduction to basic vascular anatomy of the lower and upper extremities, abdomen, visceral organs and cerebral vasculature with emphasis on the physiology of these systems. An introduction to the concepts essential for the performance and interpretation of vascular exams is also included. Laboratory experience is required.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 121 — Human Cross-Section Anatomy — 4.0 Credits

Transverse and sagittal cross-sectional anatomy of the human body is compared to the tomographic images obtained by ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT). Emphasis is placed on gross human anatomy as sliced into tomographic planes and the tissue characteristics that create image variations. Laboratory experience is provided. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 111, 125.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 122 — Vascular Procedures I — 4.0 Credits

This course introduces students to the basic vascular procedures used to assess the lower and upper extremities, abdomen, visceral organs and cerebral vasculature with emphasis on the ultrasonic examinations of these systems. Instrumentation commonly used in the vascular laboratory is also presented. Laboratory experiences are required. Prerequisite: Admission to the program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 135.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 123 — Survey of Cardiac Sonography — 5.0 Credits

A survey of basic fetal and adult cardiac sonography with an emphasis on normal cardiac development, normal anatomy, congenital defects, and acquired heart disease states. Standard sonographic imaging techniques of fetal and adult cardiac structures, instrumentation and examination protocols will be reviewed. Laboratory experience is required. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 141.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 125 — Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I — 5.0 Credits

This course emphasizes ultrasound physics, the physics of waves, sound transmission, attenuation, pulse wave principles, transducer and ultrasound systems operations. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 111, 121.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 131 — Diagnostic Ultrasound II — 5.0 Credits

This course is an investigation of the application for ultrasound in the abdomen, small parts and intraoperative. The pathophysiology of the abdomen, small parts and intraoperative applications is discussed. Emphasis is on the technique and image assessment. Both normal and abnormal anatomy is identified. Laboratory experience is provided. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in SONO 135.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 132 — Abdominal Pathophysiology — 4.0 Credits

Students study the process of disease development in the various organs of peritoneal and retroperitoneal cavities. Infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions of each organ/gland are explored.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 135 — Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II — 5.0 Credits

This is a continuation of the concepts introduced in SONO 125. Ultrasound physics with emphasis on the Doppler techniques, artifacts, and utilizing instrumentation to investigate the principles of Doppler technique and artifacts. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 131.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 141 — Diagnostic Ultrasound III — 5.0 Credits

Ultrasonic procedures and techniques utilized within the OB/GYN specialty are discussed. Scanning techniques, pathology and ethical issues are also included. Laboratory experience is provided using ultrasound simulation to develop normal and abnormal anatomy identification. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 131.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 142 — Diagnostic Ultrasound IV — 4.0 Credits

Applications of ultrasound in the assessment of normal structures and pathology found within the areas of neck, thyroid, prostate, scrotum, breast and musculoskeletal structures. Emphasis is placed on the sonographic identification of anatomy and pathophysiology using sonographic techniques. Laboratory experience is provided and required.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 143 — Sonography Clinical I — 9.0 Credits

Students are introduced to the clinical environment by spending four weeks in the clinical setting under the direction of a staff sonographer. Weekly clinical seminars are conducted with faculty. A clinical consciousness is developed with emphasis on professionalism, clinical rapport, medical ethics and patient care. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and concurrent enrollment in SONO 142.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 144 — OB/GYN Pathophysiology — 4.0 Credits

Students study the disease process in the female reproductive system, abnormal maternal conditional associated with pregnancy and abnormal fetal development. Infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions of female pelvis, maternal syndromes, and abnormal fetal development are explored.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 253 — Sonography Clinical II — 13.0 Credits

This course provides hands-on experience in the hospital and clinical environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical techniques in the use of current ultrasound instrumentation in the evaluation of an acquired disease. Students then apply the principles of medical-legal ethics and professionalism to the patient, physicians, and other members of the health team. Clinical case reports are required. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 263 — Sonography Clinical III — 13.0 Credits

This course provides hand-on experience in the hospital and clinical environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical techniques in the use of current ultrasound instrumentation in the evaluation of an acquired disease. Students then apply the principles of medical legal ethics and professionalism to the patient, physicians and other members of the health team. Clinical case reports are required. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

SONO 273 — Sonography Clinical IV — 13.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of SONO 263. This course is a full-time clinical internship and is completed in an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital, clinic or physician’s office. Emphasis of this course is on the clinical skills necessary for the performance of and evaluation of the various sonography procedures. Written reports, review of current literature and attendance at conferences is required. Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, Florida, 33775-7709
Phone: 727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

JRC-DMS
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 443-973-3251
Fax: 866-738-3444
https://www.jrcdms.org/

Outcome measures as set by the JRC-DMS* are reported on an annual basis in September.

JRC-DMS Outcome Measure	JRC-DMS Standard	SCC DMS Program Outcomes by Graduation Year
		2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
Retention Rate	70%	94%	87.5%	100%	87%	83.3%
Job Placement	>75%	100%	100%	94%	100%	80%
Credential Success	>60%	ABD:15/15 OB-GYN:4/4	ABD:12/12 OB-GYN:5/5	ABD:15/16 OB-GYN:5/5	ABD:14/14 OB-GYN:3/5	ABD:13/13 OB-GYN:5/5

*JRC-DMS
6021 University Blvd, Ste 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 443-973-3251
Fax: 866-738-3444
jrcdms.org

A clear understanding of a sonographer’s role will help an applicant inventory their personal mental and physical abilities to ensure success in their new career. Here a few important topics taken directly from the occupational summary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at O*NET OnLine.

Anyone interested in Diagnostic Medical Sonography as a career are encouraged to visit this website and other helpful links listed below for more detailed descriptions and additional information.

Tasks	Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly. Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations. Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, adjusting equipment as required. Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort. Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings. Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including aiding during invasive procedures. Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis. Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.
Abilities	Oral comprehension – the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Near vision – the ability to see details at close range. Oral expression – the ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Problem sensitivity – the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Written comprehension – the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions
Skills	Active listening – giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Social perceptiveness – being aware of other’ reactions and understanding the way they react as they do. Speaking – talking to others to convey information effectively. Critical thinking – using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Monitoring – monitoring and assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. Active learning – understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Time management – managing one’s own time and the time of others Coordination – adjusting actions in relation to the actions of others. Complex problem solving – identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Service Orientation – actively looking for ways to help people

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an organization for sonographers to promote, advance, and educate its members and the medical community about ultrasound application. This website provides a great overview of careers, job posting, and educational opportunities for members.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography administers examinations and awards credential in areas of ultrasound. Graduates of the DMS program at SCC are able to take both the Abdomen and OB/GYN registry 60 days prior to graduation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics website offers in-depth information on the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography including average wages, work environment and more.