Medical Sonography Program Course Descriptions

DMS 202 Introductory Physics   3 credits

Ultrasonic propagation principles, transducers parameters and ultrasound interaction with tissue and biologic effects will be discussed. Hemodynamics and Doppler principles will be introduced.

DMS 203 Abdominal Sonography   4 credits

Anatomy, physiology and pathology seen on sonograms of the organs in the abdomen will be reviewed. Pertinent laboratory tests, signs and symptoms and ultrasound techniques and protocols will be included.

DMS 207 Ultrasound Imaging I   2 credits

This course introduces the student to the ultrasound equipment and prepares the student for hands-on-scanning

DMS 208 Vascular I   3 credits

This course provides knowledge of vascular anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, hemodynamics, duplex and Doppler imaging techniques relative to the cerebrovascular and peripheral venous systems.

DMS 300 Methods of Patient Care   2 credits

This course introduces the student to the fundamental components of patient care including: techniques and procedures used in the field of sonography; medical ethics; professional behavior and responsibility of the sonographer in the clinical setting; infection control and effective communication and cultural diversity.

DMS 301 Advanced Physics   2 credits

This course continues the study of sonographic physics including areas of ultrasonic propagation principles and parameters, transducers and ultrasound interaction with tissue. Basic equipment types, instrumentation, artifacts, quality assurance, hemodynamics and Doppler principles will be reviewed.

DMS 303 Abdominal Sonography II   3 credits

Advanced anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the abdomen and superficial structures as related to sonography will be discussed. Laboratory tests, signs and symptoms, ultrasound scanning techniques and protocols will be included.

DMS 304 OB/GYN I   4 credits

This course reviews gynecological and obstetrical anatomy and physiology and correlates the sonographic evaluation methods and procedures

DMS 305 OB/GYN Sonography II   3 credits

This course discusses gynecological and obstetrical anatomy and physiology, correlates sonographic evaluation methods and procedures and discusses the role that sonography plays in evaluating pathophysiology of the reproductive system or the complication of gestation.

DMS 306 Special Studies- Sonography   3 credits

This course exams the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of specific structures in the human body. Laboratory testing, signs and symptoms and specialized ultrasound techniques and protocols will be reviewed.

DMS 308 Vascular II   3 credit hours

This course provides knowledge of vascular anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, hemodynamics, direct and indirect ultrasound imaging techniques of the peripheral arterial and visceral systems.

DMS 407 Clinical Practicum I   10 credits - 584 contact hours

This course is designed to orientate the student to the functions and responsibilities of a sonographer. Students are introduced to a variety of ultrasound equipment, procedures and basic departmental functions. Students will apply concepts in sonographic procedures, patient care and instrumentation under the supervision of a sonographer in the clinical environment.

DMS 408 Clinical Practicum II   12 credits - 616 contact hours

This course is designed to provide students opportunities to enhance their professional growth in clinical areas. This clinical experience applies classroom theory to develop competencies and proficiency. The student will experience more clinical procedures. Students will demonstrate an increasing speed and efficiency in the performance of sonography procedures. Supervised clinical experience.

DMS 409 Clinical Practicum III   12 credits - 616 contact hours

This course is designed to provide students opportunities to enhance their professional growth in clinical areas. It is designed to improve the student's proficiency in procedures presented in previous practicums. The clinical experience presents the student with an opportunity to perform their skills independently and to improve proficiency. Supervised clinical experience.

Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography) Program Course Descriptions

DCS 220 Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology   4 credits

This course presents an introduction to cardiac sonography, with an emphasis on basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology and the electrophysiologic and hemodynamic principles of the cardiovascular system.

DCS 230 Cardiac Imaging Fundamentals I   5 credits

This course presents cardiovascular principles with an emphasis on the sonographic evaluation of the normal adult heart based on knowledge and application of cardiac scan protocols and implementation of applied instrumentation and 2D and doppler principles in the imaging lab.

DCS 240 Cardiac Sonography I   4 credits

This course presents cardiac pathology and identifies required echocardiographic methods of evaluation. Topics include valvular, systemic, structural, functional diseases.

DCS 310 Introduction to Vascular   3 credits

This course provides basic knowledge of vascular anatomy and physiology with duplex and Doppler imaging techniques relative to the cerebrovascular and peripheral venous systems.

DCS 330 Cardiac Imaging Fundamentals II   3 credits

This course presents advanced sonographic evaluation of complex cardiovascular anatomy and physiology through implementation of sonographic physics principles of 2D, M-mode and doppler instrumentation in the imaging lab.

DCS 340 Cardiac Sonography II   3 credits

This course expands on cardiac pathology and identifies required echocardiographic methods of evaluation. Topics include valve repairs, cardiac masses, congenital anomalies and cardiac assist devices.

DCS 350 Advanced Cardiac Principles   3 credits

This course introduces advances in procedures and testing in the field of cardiac sonography and the health care domain such as stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, contrast echocardiography and echo guided procedures.

DCS 425 Clinical Practicum 1   10 credits - 584 contact hours

This course is designed to orientate the student to the functions and responsibilities of a sonographer. Students are introduced to a variety of ultrasound equipment, procedures and basic departmental functions. Students will apply concepts in sonographic procedures, patient care and instrumentation under the supervision of a sonographer in the clinical environment.

DCS 426 Clinical Practicum 2   12 credits - 616 contact hours

This course is designed to provide students opportunities to enhance their professional growth in clinical areas. This clinical experience applies classroom theory to develop competencies and proficiency. The student will experience more clinical procedures. Students will demonstrate an increasing speed and efficiency in the performance of sonography procedures. Supervised clinical experience.

DCS 427 Clinical Practicum 3   12 credits - 616 contact hours

This course is designed to provide students opportunities to enhance their professional growth in clinical areas. It is designed to improve the student's proficiency in procedures presented in previous practicums. The clinical experience presents the student with an opportunity to perform their skills independently and to improve proficiency. Supervised clinical experience.