Apr 18, 2024  
2018 - 2019 Catalog 
    
2018 - 2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Diagnostic Medical Sonography - AAS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Division

Program Code: AAS.20547

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to obtain anatomical images of the abdominal, pelvic, fetus, and vasculature systems. A sonographer is a skilled health care professional who performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations under the direction of a physician. Sonographers use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathology, and ultrasound physics in order to obtain quality images for interpretation. A sonographer must be proficient in problem solving and possess the ability to extrapolate pertinent patient history along with supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results. Upon successfully completing this program, students will have entry-level general sonographer skills and be eliglible to apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to take the national certification examinations. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.jrcdms.org). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org

Total Semester Credits: 16


Winter First Year:


Total Semester Credits: 17


Total Semester Credits: 7


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 13


Winter Second Clinical Year:


Total Semester Credits: 9


Total Credits: 86


Notations


  1. Program qualifications include: (a) High school graduate or GED equivalent; (b) Be admitted to Delta College; (c) Provide transcripts from high school and other colleges attended.
  2. A maximum of 14 students will be accepted each fall semester for the DMS program. Students will be eligible to register for clinical courses only after successful validation.
  3. Prerequisite qualifications for Validation are: 1) meeting all admission criteria with the required nine (9) points; and 2) qualifying under Option A: Graduate of an accredited Allied Health Program meeting the program prerequisites either through transfer or waiver; or Qualifying under Option B: Completion of the following courses with a "B" (3.0) or better: BIO 140W  or BIO 152W  and BIO 153W , HSC 105 , PHY 101  or PHY 111 , any approved College Composition I course, ENG 113 , COM 114W . Option B also requires a minimum of 8 hours of observation and two professional letters of reference.
  4. If you qualify under Option A as a Graduate of an accredited Allied Health Program meeting the program prerequisites either through transfer or waiver, but the program did not include college level physics, you will still be required to take PHY 101  or PHY 111  with a "B" (3.0) or better. Medical Radiography Physics will meet this requirement.
  5. The procedure for application to the DMS program can be obtained from Counseling, the DMS Program Coordinator, or the DMS Portal Website.
  6. Students will be required to retake BIO 140W  and HSC 105  (or equivalents) to validate if it has been longer than 5 years since they originally took the course.
  7. If not already completed, full-time student status can be maintained by taking POL, PSY 211W , PHL 215W  and/or SOC 211W  in the first semester of the clinical program. A grade of "C" (2.0) or better is required.
  8. Other program requirements: (a) current CPR card (American Red Cross for professional rescuers and Healthcare Providers OR American Heart Association Course C), CPR currency must be maintained through the program; (b) current TB test; (c) Health Appraisal Form; (d) Hepatitis B immunization or signed waiver form; (e) Flu vaccine; (f) Immunization record including MMR and Td (g) drug screen; (h) driver's record from Secretary of State; (i) titers (immunity to chicken pox and MMR); (j) OIG/GSA/SDN; (k) criminal background check NOTE: Students with a felony conviction will  not be admitted to the DMS program. All other misdemeanor offenses must be 10 years or older for admittance to the DMS program. Delta College cannot guarantee students with a positive background check clinical site placement needed to meet program requirements, thus program completion may not be possible regardless of the length of time since conviction.
  9. Certification may be delayed or denied depending on the history of criminal convictions. Questions regarding this issue may be directed to the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) at www.ardms.org or (301) 738-8401.
  10. In addition to tuition, fees, and textbook costs, students should plan for the following expenses during clinical semesters: immunizations & CPR certification to meet health requirements, background check, drug screen, ACEMAPP, TRAJECYS, OIG/GSA/SDN, appropriate laboratory and clinic attire including shoes, name tags, providing your own transportation to and from clinical sites, possible parking fees, and fees for national board exam and certification.
  11. You are responsible for paying the cost of any medical care that might be necessary if you are injured or become ill as a result of clinical practice activities.  The College does not provide insurance coverage for such situations.
  12. DMS program courses must be taken together in the sequence shown. Clinical education courses are conducted primarily during daytime hours; however, off-shifts (second and third shifts) may be assigned to meet course objectives.
  13. Students must achieve a “B” (3.0) minimum grade in each DMS course to be eligible to continue in and graduate from the DMS program. A “C” (2.0) or better grade or better must be achieved in LW courses to meet graduation requirements.
  14. You must comply with all DMS program progression and retention policies published in the DMS Program Handbook.
  15. Student clinical rotations will consist of two separate six-month placements. Many clinical sites are located outside the tri-city area and some are out of state. Students must be prepared to commute and/or relocate for at least one rotation.
  16. All DMS students are expected to complete the ARDMS abdomen, OB/GYN, and physics certifying boards. Students may complete the physics SPI exam prior to graduation after successful completion of DMS 105W and DMS 115 physics courses. Students meeting DMS 212 early board requirements may take the abdomen and OB/GYN boards 60 days prior to program completion. Certification will be awarded after the student has officially completed the program and according to ARDMS regulations.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Division