Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Training Program

BECOME A DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER…

and be an integral part of the Health Care Team while working with the latest technology in an exciting medical imaging specialty

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program
Committed to academic excellence since 1972, Hunter Business School’s Allied Health Division is offering a 20 month, 2442 hour, comprehensive Diploma Program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The Program is comprised of extensive coursework in the areas of Abdominal Sonography, OB/Gyn Sonography, Small Parts Sonography (e.g. – thyroid, breast, etc), Neonatal Neurosonography and Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography). A substantial portion of the Program is devoted to placements at various Clinical Affiliates including hospitals and radiology practices. The diversity of clinical settings will give students the opportunity to develop their scanning skills and to help them fully integrate didactic knowledge with direct “hands-on” clinical experience.

Registry Examinations
Our graduates will be immediately eligible to apply to sit for the registry exams given by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) upon successful completion of this Program.

Career Opportunities
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may find career opportunities in clinical settings and beyond, such as in:

About Hunter Business School
• Nationally Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• Licensed by NYS Department of Education Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS)
• Financial Aid available to those who qualify
• Job Placement assistance available

Job Titles for Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

The following list includes, but is not limited to, many of the most common job titles for which this program prepares students and requires the use of the skills learned as a predominant component of the job.

Courses Offered

DMS101: Vital Signs/CPR/Basic First Aid – 15 hours

This course provides the participants with the knowledge and skills to carry out emergency first aid for life threatening injuries in the workplace. Students will be familiarized with topics which include identification and measurement of vital signs, management of choking and other breathing emergencies, shock, severe allergic reactions, bleeding and wound care, infection control, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automated external defibrillators.

Prerequisite: None

DMS102: Medical Terminology – 40 hours

An understanding of medical terminology is crucial for effective communication in the technical world of ultrasound. Through this course, the student will become familiar with vocabulary and word parts that will help them comprehend anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, treatments and procedures.

Prerequisite: None

DMS103: Intro to DMS/Patient Care/Ethics – 80 hours

The goal of this course is to prepare students for placement in a clinical rotation. Students must be familiar with patient rights, HIPPA regulations, obligations of the sonographer to patients, institution, and self, care of patients with special needs in the ultrasound department, proper body mechanics during scanning and transfer of patients, safety issues involving transport of equipment, and the sonographer’s role in infection control. Discussion of ethical theories and moral issues in health care, requirements of justice, socio-cultural factors, and the rights and responsibilities of healthcare professionals will be examined. In addition, this course will include dedicated lab time allowing students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with transducer and other sonography equipment fundamentals, and basic scanning techniques before initial placement at a clinical externship. Prerequisite: None

DMS110: Anatomy & Physiology – 75 hours

This course provides a comprehensive study of the human organism through the structure and function of its parts. Starting with a basic understanding of cellular composition, each body system is examined with emphasis on both normal and pathological processes. Units covered include: Support and Movement; Communication, Control and Integration; Transportation and Defense; Circulatory System, Digestive System, Respiratory, Nutrition and Excretion; and Reproduction and Development. Prerequisite: None

DMS111: Cross Sectional Anatomy I (Abd/Pelvis) – 40 hours

The development of skills for the identification of cross-sectional anatomy is important for sonographic competence, enabling technologists to distinguish anatomy being imaged and communicate effectively with the physician. In this course, students will primarily study normal abdominal and pelvic cross-sections to recognize anatomy in the sagittal, transverse and coronal planes; understand anatomical structural relationships; distinguish between arterial and venous portions of the vascular system, and classify the various sections of anatomical regions and their associated parts. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module I courses

DMS112: Cross Sectional Anatomy II (Chest) – 15 hours

In this course, students will continue to expand their knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy of the human body with the study of the thorax. Identification skills developed during this course will form a foundation for detection of both normal and pathological processes during sonographic evaluation of cardiac and surrounding structures. Students will primarily study normal cross-sections to recognize and distinguish anatomy of the thoracic vascular system, heart, pulmonary system, breast, bones and musculature in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module IV courses

DMS120: Acoustic Physics I – 40 hours

A thorough understanding of ultrasound physics is essential to performing inclusive diagnostic studies. Students must not only understand the components of the equipment, but also appreciate how each element of this complex machine interacts with other elements and with human tissue. Students attending this course will be introduced to the physics of diagnostic ultrasound. Topics will include transducers and imaging components and Doppler principles. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module I courses

DMS140: Sono Procedures I A (Abd-Small Parts) – 55 hours

This course is the first part of a study of the sonographic evaluation of abdominal and superficial structures. Normal and abnormal conditions will be discussed using sonographic cross-sectional imaging, Doppler evaluation, clinical findings, case studies, and comparisons to other imaging modalities. Topics will include anatomical and physiologic relationships within the abdominal cavity, the liver, gallbladder and biliary system and the pancreas. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module I courses

DMS141: Sono Procedures II A (Ob/Gyn) – 55 hours

During this course, students will become familiar with both normal and abnormal sonographic findings in the evaluation of female pelvic anatomy and physiology and begin studying the role of ultrasound in obstetrics. Using 2-D and Doppler ultrasonic images, lessons will cover pathology of the uterus, ovaries, adnexa, as well as the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module I courses

DMS 142: General Sonography Lab A

This course is designed to offer the student of sonography an opportunity to practice techniques learned in abdominal and pelvic lectures in a supervised classroom laboratory setting. Using machines equipped with 2-D, spectral and color Doppler imaging capabilities, students will scan each other obtaining images specific to proficiency levels. Class work will include answering questions based on normal anatomical findings imaged and correlation to disease states discussed in lectures. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module I courses

DMS143: Sono Procedures I B (Abd/Small Parts) – 60 hours

In this second part of the study of the sonographic evaluation of abdominal and superficial structures, students will continue to learn about the use of ultrasound in the assessment of normal and abnormal anatomy. Topics will include the urinary system, spleen, retroperitoneum, gastrointestinal tract and peritoneal cavity. In addition, techniques for imaging scrotal and thyroid anatomy will be covered. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module II courses

DMS144: Sono Procedures II B (Ob-Gyn) – 55 hours

The goal of this course is to provide the student with a foundation of knowledge on the topic of Obstetrical Sonography. Studies of normal findings and complications during each trimester, obstetrical measurements, fetal growth assessments, high risk pregnancies, and congenital anomalies will be covered. The role of ultrasound in the assessment of the placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid and membranes, and fetal organ systems will be included.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module II courses

DMS145: General Sonography Lab B – 50 hours

In this series of classes, students will continue to practice techniques for obtaining abdominal and pelvic images in a supervised classroom laboratory setting. Students will become acquainted with and learn to replicate specific protocols for the acquisition of diagnostic ultrasound images of upper and lower abdominal quadrants. In addition, procedures required for the diagnostic evaluation of superficial structures will be practiced. Competency will be assessed based on proficiency outlined by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module II courses

DMS150: Seminars in Advanced Topics – 80 hours

This series of classes will expand on subjects not covered in depth during the Sono Procedures courses. Through lecture formats enhanced with hands-on demonstrations, the Ultrasound student will be exposed to topics encompassing: Breast Sonography (15 hours); an overview of Vascular Sonography for abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, and peripheral evaluations including carotid studies (15 hours); Neonatal Neurosonography (15 hours); Correlation of Ultrasound with Other Imaging Modalities including MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine (10 hours); Musculoskeletal Imaging (5 hours); 3D/4D Concepts (10 hours); and Interventional Sonography (10 hours). Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module II courses.

DMS201: Critical Thinking – 10 hours

This newly developed course was designed to enhance the students’ abilities to assess and optimize image quality, avoid scanning technique errors, and recognize artifacts. Emphasis will be placed on the role of sonography in the diagnostic workup. Case presentations combined with research from current sonographic journals will be followed by class discussion and critique to further explore the topics. This approach will allow observational and interpretive skills to evolve so that students can develop a more discerning eye and keener judgment when scanning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module V courses

DMS202: Professional Development – 15 hours

The goal of this course is to provide a framework for graduating sonographers that will assist them in bridging the gap between being a student and an employee. Topics to be covered will include types of existing job opportunities, writing a professional cover letter and resume, conducting an effective job search, honing interview skills, and navigating the job market for employment as a proficient, competent Sonographer. The importance of obtaining CME requirements and other professional obligations will be stressed.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module V courses

DMS203: Registry Review – 30 hours

This course will provide a review of the topics of Abdominal Sonography, Obstetrical/Gynecological Sonography, Echocardiography, and Ultrasound Physics to assist students in preparation for their Registry examinations. Mock registry exams will be administered in a timed manner using a multiple choice format. Complete discussions of correct and incorrect responses will also be employed. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module V courses

DMS220: Acoustic Physics II – 60 hours

This course focuses on the continuation of principles explained in Acoustic Physics I. Students will become familiar with acoustic wave properties, Pulsed/Continuous Wave/Color Flow Doppler, soft tissue interactions, and bioeffects. Preparation for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Exam will be included. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module IV courses

DMS240: Sono Procedures III A (Cardiac) – 40 hours

This series of classes is the first part of a course of study designed to provide the student with a thorough comprehension of normal and pathological cardiac structures and processes using Echocardiographic techniques. Students will be exposed to 2-D, M-mode and Doppler procedures and learn the benefits and limitations of both transthoracic and transesophageal scanning. The course will also cover measurement techniques and embryology.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module IV courses

DMS241: Cardiac Sonography Lab A – 40 hours

This course will provide the Echocardiographic student the opportunity to practice techniques learned in cardiac lectures in a supervised classroom laboratory setting. Students will employ transducers designed specifically for the 2-D, M-mode, spectral and color Doppler evaluation of cardiac structures to obtain images of each other. Competency will be determined based upon specific proficiency levels. Laboratory work will include answering questions based on normal anatomical findings imaged and correlation to disease states discussed in lectures. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module IV courses

DMS242: Sono Procedures III B (Cardiac) – 40 hours

Part two of the course of study designed to cover Echocardiographic topics will continue with the discussion of normal and pathological structures and processes affecting the cardiac tissue. These lectures will build on the subjects already covered in Sono Procedures IIIA and will include advanced topic of Congenital Anomalies and 3­D/4D Echocardiography. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module V courses

DMS243: Cardiac Sonography Lab B – 40 hours

Students in this course will continue to practice techniques for obtaining Echocardiographic images in a supervised classroom laboratory setting. Participants will become skilled in the performance of transthoracic examinations on normal subjects, duplicating scanning and measurement techniques learned in both lectures and externships. The evaluation of level of competency will include imaging from parasternal, apical, subcostal and suprasternal windows. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module V courses

DMS301: Clinical Externship I – 240 hours

The purpose of this 12 week course is to expose the sonography student to the many aspects of Ultrasound Technology from a clinical perspective. Students in the first clinical rotation of two days per week will initially be assigned to observe staff sonographers and assist in a minor capacity in a department performing Abdominal and/or Obstetrical/Gynecological studies. As the students’ skills improve, additional responsibilities will be awarded. Each sonography student will be overseen by a Clinical Instructor with competency levels evaluated at specific intervals. The student will be responsible to keep track of their attendance and progress in a logbook which will be reviewed by the school’s Clinical Coordinator. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module I courses

DMS302: Clinical Externship II – 240 hours

This second clinical rotation, of two days each week for 16 weeks, will be identical to the previous externship rotation, except it will be located at a different Abdominal and/or Gynecological/Pelvic Sonography site with a different assigned Clinical Instructor. Students will be responsible for assisting the sonography staff with tasks within the department. Students will continue to track their attendance and progress in a logbook. Competency levels will be evaluated by the Clinical Instructor at specific intervals. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module II courses

DMS303: Clinical Externship III – 262 hours

The third clinical externship will allow students the opportunity to be exposed to Ultrasound Technology from a clinical perspective for 5 days each week. Students will be assigned to a Clinical Instructor at an Abdominal and/or Gynecological/Pelvic Sonography site for 7 weeks. This rotation will provide an experience which closely resembles the sense of real employment. Competency levels will continue to be evaluated at specific intervals. Students will track their attendance and progress in a logbook. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module III courses

DMS304: Clinical Externship IV – 360 hours

During this fourth clinical externship of 16 weeks, Diagnostic Medical Sonography students may begin their exposure to Cardiac sonography in a rotation through an Echocardiology Department. Students during this rotation may also be assigned to an externship site offering Abdominal and/or Gynecological/Pelvic Sonography. This three day per week rotation will afford an additional clinical day for students who have already completed more than half of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Competency levels will be evaluated at specific time intervals, while attendance and progress will be tracked in a logbook. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module IV courses

DMS305: Clinical Externship V – 360 hours

This is the last clinical externship for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography students. At this point in the course, students should be knowledgeable and experienced in performing a variety of independent sonographic evaluations. Application of skills acquired during didactic and previous clinical experiences will be monitored at externship sites offering Cardiac and/or General Sonography studies. This rotation will be three days per week for 16 weeks. Competency levels will be attained and documented by a Clinical Instructor. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Module V courses

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