Bachelor of Science in Health Professions: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program (BS)

Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Program

Requirements for Graduation

This program prepares the graduate to utilize ultrasound to collaborate with medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of clients referred for ultrasound studies. Theory content and clinical experience focuses on ultrasound imaging including the abdominal organs and structures, obstetrics and gynecology, superficial structures (e.g., thyroid, breast, vessels, prostate and testicles) and neonatal brain and spine. These images aid physicians in diagnosing and treating certain pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer must have a very in-depth working knowledge of human anatomy. Clinical experience is a major emphasis of the program. Graduates of the program meet published requirements by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to apply for the registry examination in Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology. 

The program is designed to be completed in seven semesters and three 13 week summer sessions.

Program Goals

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s) it offers:  Abdominal Sonography-Extended, Obstetrics and Gynecology sonography.

Program Outcomes 

Upon completion of the diagnostic medical sonography program the student will be prepared to:

  1. Competently perform as an entry-level sonographer in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended, and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations..
  2. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior through sonographic practice congruent with standards of practice.
  3. Meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exams.
  4. Interact effectively with individuals in a manner that reflects caring and acknowledges the holistic nature of individuals.
  5. Promote growth of the health professional and awareness of health professions through education of individuals, groups and communities of interest.
  6. Correlate current research to ensure best-practice delivery of specialty specific, quality patient care and services.

Program Requirements:

Each student must complete 53 semester hours of general education courses and fifty-four (67) credit hours in the diagnostic medical sonography major.  Official transcript(s) must be on file for all transfer credits.

General Courses

Students who have transferred in 36 or more credit hours will take GSTU101X.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
5

Social Sciences

Must complete 9 cr hrs from electives (GERO, INTL, PBHL, PSYC, SOCI). One Social Sciences elective must have a Cultural Studies designation if the Cultural Studies requirement has not been met by a Humanities course.  

Item #
Title
Credits
9
Sub-Total Credits
9

Communications

Must complete 3 cr hrs from COMM courses.

Item #
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
3

Humanities

 Must complete 3 cr hrs from elective pool (ENGL, HIST, HUMS, INTL,  PHIL, RELI, SIGN, SPAN). The Humanities Elective must be have a Cultural Studies designation if that requirement is not met with a Social Sciences course.

Item #
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
9

Mathematics

Must complete all courses listed.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
6

Business/Management

Must complete 3 cr hrs from ECON or MGMT courses.

Item #
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
3

Cultural Studies

Students will work with their advisor to select the appropriate Cultural Studies course that fulfills the credit requirement for both cultural studies and either social sciences (9 required credit hours) or humanities (3 credits English Composition I, 3 credits Ethics in Healthcare, and 3 credits of humanities elective), if needed. Cultural Studies courses include: GERO303, INTL202-3, INTL205-3, MGMT215, PBHL305, RELI215, RELI316, SIGN111, SOCI222, SOCI320, SOCI324, SPAN101H.

Item #
Title
Credits
3

Sample Curriculum Plan

Sample curriculum plan for traditional first year student with no transfer credit.

Course Sequencing

Year 1

If a Cultural Studies course is still needed, the Social Sciences elective can be selected to meet this requirement.

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
14

If a Cultural Studies course is still needed, the Humanities elective can be selected to meet this requirement.  

Item #
Title
Credits
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
14

Year 2

If a Cultural Studies course is still needed, the Social Sciences elective can be selected to meet this requirement.  

Item #
Title
Credits
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
14

If a Cultural Studies course is still needed, the Social Sciences elective can be selected to meet this requirement.  

Item #
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
15
Item #
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
7

Year 3

Year 4

Total Credits
120