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Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Associate Degree  |  10-526-2

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2024

Pre-Program

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

804-113College Technical Math 1A3Minimum grade of "C" required.Designed for the students who are preparing for a technical career, this course covers a variety of algebraic topics. These include solving linear, quadratic, and rational equations; measurement systems; formula rearrangement; solving systems of equations; percent; proportions; and operations on polynomials. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. Successful completion of College Technical Math 1A and College Technical Math 1B is the equivalent of College Technical Math 1.

806-154General Physics 14804-115 or 804-118 or 804-113 or 804-224 or 804-228 | Minimum grade of "C" required.An overview of various physics topics, routinely covered in an introductory physics course, is presented with appropriate accompanying experiments. Included topics are: mechanics, properties of materials, heat, and sound. In addition to the technical science information given, an ability to solve problems, responsibility and initiative is emphasized.

806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology4836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score with a "C" or better | Minimum grade of "C" required.Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

806-207Anatomy & Physiology 14(BA Test Score or BS Test Score) or 806-245 | Minimum grade of "C" required.The fundamentals of bodily function are studied at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system levels. Integration of physiological function and anatomical structure will be highlighted in the skeletal, integumentary, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence designed for students who wish to transfer to a four year institution.

TOTAL CREDITS:11 

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

501-101Medical Terminology3Minimum grade of "B-" required.This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

526-200Intro to DMS3Program student | Minimum grade of "B-" required.This course introduces learners to the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Explores the duties and functions of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer as well as the historical background. Learners examine the other imaging modalities as they relate to Sonography. Includes principles of patient care and legal and ethical issues related to Sonography.

526-210Cross Sectional Anatomy2Program student; 806-177 or 806-207 with a "C" or better | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Introduces cross sectional anatomy as related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Includes correlating images from other imaging modalities.

526-221Sonography Physics 13Program student; 806-154 and 804-113 and (806-177 or 806-207) with a "C" or better | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Update to: Introduces physics and instrumentation relevant to diagnostic medical sonography. Learners explore how principles of sound propagation in tissues create a sonographic image. The laboratory component of this course introduces the student to the concepts of ultrasound instrumentation, and introduction to ultrasonic scanning technique, and maintenance of ultrasound equipment.

801-136English Composition 13Minimum grade of "C" required.This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

TOTAL CREDITS:14 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

526-207Abdominal Sonography4(501-101 or M101 Test Score) and 526-200 and (526-210 or D210 Test Score) and 526-221 and (806-179 or 806-208 or concurrent) with a "C" or better | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Prepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the abdominal organs including liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, urinary tract, aorta and retroperitoneum. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the anatomy and pathology of the abdominal organs. Practice scan sessions included.

526-208OB/GYN Sonography 13(501-101 or M101 Test Score) and (526-210 or D210 Test Score) and (806-179 or 806-208) with a "C" or better | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Prepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the nongravid uterus and the first trimester pregnancy. Explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the female reproductive system as well as intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies.

526-222Sonography Physics 22Program student; 501-101 and 526-200 and 526-210 with a "C" or better; Corequisite: 526-207, 526-208, 526-223 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Continues the study of physics and instrumentation relevant to diagnostic medical sonography. The laboratory component of this course introduces the student to the concepts of ultrasound instrumentation, and introduction to ultrasonic scanning technique, and maintenance of ultrasound equipment.

526-223Vascular Imaging 13Program student; 501-101 and (526-200 or D200 Test Score) and (526-210 or D210 Test Score) and 526-221 and (806-179 or 806-208 or concurrent) with a "C" or better; Corequisite: 526-207, 526-208, 526-222 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Introduces the principles of vascular sonographic imaging. Learners perform a variety of peripheral vascular arterial and venous duplex exams.

806-179Adv Anatomy & Physiology4806-177 with a "C" or better | Minimum grade of "C" required.This course is the second semester in a two-semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Instructional delivery within a classroom and laboratory setting. Experimentation within a science lab will include analysis of cellular metabolism, the individual components of body systems such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary. Continued examination of homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluid, electrolyte, acid-base balance and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included in this course.

806-208Anatomy & Physiology 24806-207 | Minimum grade of "C" required.The second semester of a two semester sequence detailing the anatomical and physiological features of the human body. Topics covered in both a lab and lecture setting include the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as metabolism, fluid electrolyte, and acid-based balance. This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence designed for students who wish to transfer to a four year institution.

TOTAL CREDITS:16 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

526-203Scanning With Proficiency12nd 8 weeks | Program student; Corequisite: 526-212 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Prepares learners for the rigors of clinical imaging by performing timed abdominal and gynecological competencies.

526-211Superficial Sonography22nd 8 Weeks, 319 Total Hours | (526-207 or D207 Test Score) and (526-208 or D208 Test Score) and (526-210 or D210 Test Score); Corequisite: 526-224 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Investigates superficial structure imaging. Includes anatomy, pathophysiology, and sonographic evaluation. Prepares learner to perform ultrasounds of the thyroid, breast, male reproductive system, musculoskeletal system, and GI tract.

526-212OB/GYN Sonography 23526-208 or D208 Test Score; Corequisite: 526-203 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Prepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the second and third trimester pregnancy. Explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the female pelvis and the developing fetus. Learners will be exposed to interventional procedures related to pregnancy.

526-224Vascular Imaging 23Program student; 526-223 or D223 Test Score; Corequisite: 526-211 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Prepares learners to perform abdominal vascular and physiologic peripheral vascular exams.

809-198Intro to Psychology3Minimum grade of "C" required.This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.

TOTAL CREDITS:12 

Fourth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

526-209DMS Clinical Experience 12Program student; 526-212 or D212 Test Score; Corequisite: 526-226 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.Clinical 1 is a blended course. During this 8 week experience the learner will have a hands-on, interactive learning experience conducted at an approved JRC-DMS clinical site/sites (if two sites are required to offer fair opportunity). Additional course work including assignments, research, case study work up, quizzes/exams, and discussions will be required on learner management system. The course is designed to help prepare the student sonographer for entry level employment in the workforce. Areas of concentration include sonography of the liver, gallbladder/biliary tract, pancreas, kidneys, retroperitoneum and non-gravid pelvic sonography both transabdominally and endovaginally. The student will apply his/her knowledge and experience in a working clinical environment. Sonographic technique, image acquisition, clinical correlation, and patient care skills are practiced under direct guidance of a registered staff sonographer. The student will become familiar with the organizational process and policies of the department. Students should strive to obtain competency in the areas of abdominal and pelvic scanning.

526-226DMS Clinical Experience 24Program student; Corequisite: 526-209 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.This clinical course is a blended course. During this 8 week experience the learner will have a hands-on, interactive learning experience conducted at an approved JRC-DMS clinical site/sites (if two sites are required to offer fair opportunity). Additional Course work including assignments, research, case study work up, quizzes/exams, and discussions will be required on the learning management system. The course is designed to help prepare the student sonographer for entry level employment in the workforce. The learner will concentrate efforts on scanning first, second, and third trimester obstetrics as well as vascular and superficial structures imaging. Clinical 2 will provide further opportunity to mature and expand the skills previously acquired in a clinical setting. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel.

801-196Oral/Interpersonal Comm3Minimum grade of "C" required.Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

809-196Intro to Sociology3Minimum grade of "C" required.This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.

TOTAL CREDITS:12 

Summer Term

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

526-215DMS Clinical Experience 34Program student; 526-226 | Minimum grade of "B-" required.This course is the final clinical course of the program. It is an 11-week blended course. The learner will have a hands-on, interactive learning experience conducted at an approved JRC-DMS clinical site/sites (if two sites are required to offer fair opportunity). Additional course work including assignments, research, case study work up, quizzes/exams, and discussions will be required on the learner management system. The course is designed to help prepare the student sonographer for entry level employment in the workforce. All imaging skills will be at entry level employment by the end of this experience. The student learner will be capable of independently obtaining diagnostic quality exams in a time efficient manner for all structures previously practiced. Clinical 3 serves as a transition from student intern to employee.

526-217Registry Review1Minimum grade of "B-" required.Prepares students to take the ARDMS examinations. Provides a review of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography competencies.

TOTAL CREDITS:5 

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Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 70

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 4/16/2024 9:03 a.m.  |  Printed: 4/27/2024 12:15 p.m.

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