Philosophy of Sonography Programs

The faculty of Bryan College of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions Sonography Division, believes that: 

Health professions encompass a wide range of diverse careers which contribute directly and indirectly to the delivery of quality health care and services through promotion of interdisciplinary communication, support and collaboration with a variety of healthcare providers. Sonography is one of these health professions which incorporates both art and science and integrates theory with practice. The professional sonographer requires highly specialized skills, critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, integrity, teamwork, and respect. 

Sonographers actively collaborate with physicians and other health professionals to support health promotion and maintenance and illness prevention, and provide a culture of safety which involves safe practice, commitment, accountability, and responsibility to clients, society and the profession. Sonographers are guided by legal and ethical standards, and require communication and interpersonal skills which promote holistic, caring interaction with the clients and other health professionals. 

The client as an individual is a unique and multidimensional being with inherent worth and dignity. Individuals interact in a dynamic process within an ever changing environment. Individuals have the capacity to care, to learn and to change. They have the right to determine and participate in activities that affect their health status and are, therefore, responsible for their own actions. 

The environment is both internal and external. The internal environment is unique to the individual. The external environment is global, geopolitical, cultural and technical. The relationship between the individual and the environment is both dynamic and reciprocal. 

Health is a dynamic state influenced by heredity, the environment and the individual’s lifestyle. The state of health is reflected within an individual’s physical, psychological, spiritual, developmental, and sociocultural dimensions. Individuals differ in how health is perceived and valued, and have the right to define their own health. The pursuit of health is the right and responsibility of each individual. 

Educational preparation of the sonographer is built on an integrated study of general education and health concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed through didactic and clinical/field experiences specific to the field of study. The educational experience prepares the graduate to practice in a variety of settings as a sonographer. 

Learning is a life-long, interactive process that builds on previous experience and ideally results in change in attitudes, beliefs, and/or behaviors. Learning occurs in a variety of environments, and involves the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. The learner is responsible for actively seeking knowledge both independently and under the supervision and guidance of qualified faculty and practitioners. 

Faculty are responsible as role models, mentors and teachers for providing a caring environment in which students are free to explore and develop personally, professionally and intellectually. The College provides educational opportunities within the multiple contexts of legal and ethical boundaries, political and economic forces, sociocultural influences, and spiritual and historical factors. This environment provides quality education, which develops critical thinking and technical competence in the field of sonography and contributes to meeting the emerging health care needs of society.