Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Admission Requirements

Applicants are responsible for gaining admission to SCC and submitting transcripts documenting completion of prerequisites. Submission deadline for Fall quarter is June 14 of the year of application.
Completion of all math and science prerequisites within the last five years with a grade of 2.5 or better.
Students applying to the program must provide documentation of 40 hours as a volunteer or employee in a patient care setting. Ten hours must be completed in a Sonography setting.
Students must provide three confidential letters of recommendation dated within 3 months of application.
Interviews are part of the selection process for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
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 program.
Sonography courses are limited to students of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Please see the DMS Application Packet for additional information regarding the program.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SONO 251 — Advanced Sonography — 4.0 Credits

Advanced applications of ultrasound in the assessment of pathophysiology found within the abdominal scan, small parts and intraoperative scans, and OB/GYN scans are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the identification of anatomy and physiology as identified in the abnormal situation using ultrasound.
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SONO 253 — Sonography Clinical II — 9.0 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 concurrent enrollment in SONO 251.
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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.
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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.
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The program meets the criteria set forth by the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography and is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Upon completion and graduation of the program, graduates are able to take the national abdomen and OB/GYN registry examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Accrediting Organizations

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

CAAHEP
25400 US Hwy 19 N, Ste 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2350

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
		2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Retention Rate	70%	87.5%	100%	87%	83.3%	94%
Job Placement	>75%	100%	94%	100%	80%	94%
Credential Success	>60%	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	ABD:14/14 OB-GYN:7/7

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

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.

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Program Admission Requirements

Accrediting Organizations

Degrees/Certificates Offered

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