Enrolling Now For Upcoming Classes

LEARN MORE

Search
Close this search box.
"The DMS program at Hunter is something I would definitely recommend. The instructors were knowledgeable and caring toward their students, and they were always willing to put in the time and help us succeed. I also like the small class sizes; this lets me get to know my classmates and instructors well."
- Alexis

Hybrid Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

2,470 Hours (23 months) Diploma Program Day Classes

Classes Offered at Both the Medford and Levittown Campuses

Diagnostic Medical Sonography program

This program is comprised of 882 hours of online classes, 412 hours of in school classes, and 1,176 hours of clinical externship.

Hunter Business School’s healthcare division offers a comprehensive 23-month (2,470 hours) hybrid diploma program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with the goal of preparing professional and competent entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal-extended sonography concentration, the obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentration, and the adult cardiac sonography concentration. 

This is done through a combination of (1) synchronous learning (online or distance education that happens in real-time with your instructor), (2) traditional, in-class, face-to-face training to successfully learn and complete all required lab skills and other hands-on competencies, and (3) clinical externship required for employment within the medical community.

This Hybrid Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is comprised of extensive coursework in the areas of abdominal sonography, OB/GYN sonography, sonography of superficial structures (e.g., thyroid, breast, testicular), vascular sonography, pediatric sonography, and cardiac sonography (echocardiography).

Hybrid Diagnostic Medical Sonography courses that are didactic are taught fully online. This generally includes completing homework and other projects utilizing resources and materials for reading, lessons or lectures for viewing, assignments for completing, streaming video content online, simulation practice, posted lecture notes, exchanges across discussion boards, and exams for evaluation.

Lab courses or lab components of a didactic nature require students to be onsite and in class working with their instructors and classmates learning and practicing their scanning skills and hands-on competencies.

To supplement the classroom and lab work, a substantial portion of the Hybrid Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is also devoted to placement at various clinical affiliates (which could be in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or the Bronx) for a range of scanning opportunities and experiences.

The diversity of clinical settings gives students the opportunity to develop their scanning skills and helps them fully integrate didactic knowledge with direct hands-on clinical experience. Hunter Business School students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and labs to turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills

Some of the Many Hundreds of Local Businesses That Hire Hunter Grads

Hunter Business School Is Filled With Choices

If you’re on this page, it means you want to specialize in the medical field. The business of health care is large, diverse, and wide. Did you know you have options you may not have even considered?

Hunter’s Medical Assistant program trains our students to assist doctors and nurses, update patient charts, draw blood, check pulse and blood pressure, and process lab samples. And there’s so much more!

Here’s one you may not have thought of. Upon graduation from our Computer Technician Networking Specialist program, you can begin a career repairing and maintaining medical equipment, such as defibrillators, imaging equipment, and patient monitors.

The medical field is deep, and there’s a place in it for you!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Career Opportunities

Diagnostic medical sonographers and ultrasound technicians may find career opportunities in clinical settings and beyond, such as in the following.

  • Various hospital departments
  • Private physicians’ offices
  • Mobile ultrasound companies
  • Medical research facilities
  • Ultrasound manufacturing corporations
  • Veterinary ultrasound
  • Ultrasound education

Job Titles for Graduates of the Hybrid Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Short-term programs, lifelong results.

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

  • Cardiac Sonographer
  • Medical Sonographer
  • Ultrasonographer
  • Vascular Sonographer
  • Sonographer
  • Ultrasound Technician
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Staff Sonographer
  • Ultrasound Technologist
  • Echo Sonographer
  • Practice Ultrasound Tech
  • Ultrasound Sonographer
  • Echocardiography Technologist
  • Ultrasound Tech
  • Senior Sonographer

Registry Examinations

Our school’s graduates will be immediately eligible to sit for registry credential exams from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)® upon successful completion of this program.

Module I

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid, and Vital Signs

ODMS100 (16 hours)

This course provides the participants with the training, knowledge and skills to carry out emergency first aid for life threatening injuries in the workplace. Hunter Business School students are familiarized with topics, including 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 (CPR), and automated external defibrillators. Course Prerequisite: None

Medical Terminology I (Abdomen)

ODMS102 (20 hours)

An understanding of medical terminology is crucial for effective communication in the technical world of ultrasound. Through this medical training course, students become familiar with vocabulary and word parts that will help them comprehend anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, treatments, and procedures in general and as they apply to abdominal sonography. Course Prerequisite: None

Introduction to DMS, Patient Care, and Ethics

ODMS103 (30 hours)

The goal of this course is to prepare Hunter Business School students for placement in a clinical rotation. Students must be familiar with patient rights; HIPAA 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, sociocultural factors, and the rights and responsibilities of health care professionals are examined. In addition, this course includes 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. Course Prerequisite: None

Acoustic Physics I

ODMS104 (65 hours)

A thorough understanding of ultrasound physics is essential to perform and interpret diagnostic studies. Hunter Business School 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 are introduced to the physics of diagnostic ultrasound. Course topics include transducers, imaging components, and Doppler principles. Course Prerequisite: None

General Sonography I (Normal: Abdomen)

ODMS105 (65 hours)

This sonography course is the first part of the study of the sonographic evaluation of the abdomen and chest. Sonographic, directional, and sectional terminology is discussed.

Hunter Business School students learn to recognize and identify the normal general and cross-sectional anatomy, anatomic variants, anatomic relationships, and Doppler patterns for the liver, biliary system, pancreas, urinary tract, adrenal glands, spleen, prevertebral vessels, peritoneal cavity, potential abdominal spaces, gastrointestinal tract, noncardiac chest, and the anterior abdominal wall.

This section includes normal physiology of the mentioned organs and comparisons of sonographic imaging to other imaging modalities as related to these organs. Course Prerequisite: None

General Sonography II (Pathology: Abdomen)

ODMS106 (60 hours)

This sonography course is the second part of the study of the sonographic evaluation of the abdomen and chest.

Hunter Business School students learn to recognize, identify, and appropriately document abnormalities associated with the applicable Doppler waveforms, the liver, biliary system, pancreas, urinary tract, adrenal glands, spleen, prevertebral vessels, peritoneal cavity, potential abdominal spaces, gastrointestinal tract, noncardiac chest, and the anterior abdominal wall.

This section includes abnormal physiology of the stated organs and comparison of sonographic imaging to other imaging modalities as related to these organs.

Students come to understand the role of the sonographer and of ultrasound in clinical management. Clinical management includes collection and noting of prior relevant patient history and any recent applicable physical examination, imaging, laboratory, and functional tests. Course Prerequisite: None

General Sonography Lab I

DMS107 (90 hours)

This sonography course is designed to offer student sonographers training and opportunities to practice techniques used for general scanning of all organs. There is a focus on the specifics of the following organs: the aorta, inferior vena cava, pancreas, liver, biliary system, spleen, kidneys, and urinary bladder.

Hunter Business School students use 2D ultrasound systems, along with spectral and color Doppler imaging. Students scan each other to obtain images specific to proficiency levels. Lab scanning correlates to normal and disease states discussed in lecture. Laboratory hours are arranged in stations to maximize efficient use of laboratory hours, as well as student proficiency in developing scanning skills.

Students rotate through instructor supported stations weekly. All attempts are made for laboratory topics to correlate with lecture material. Students also rotate through the MedaPhor ScanTrainer transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound simulators to support their skill-based training.

Assigned modules and cases mirror classroom and laboratory topics with student progress monitored and tracked. Time permitting, pelvic and thyroid imaging are introduced in this module to help support students’ first clinical rotations. Course Prerequisite: None

Module II

Medical Terminology II (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

ODMS201 (20 hours)

An understanding of medical terminology is crucial for effective communication in the technical world of ultrasound. Through this medical training course, students become familiar with vocabulary and word parts that help them comprehend anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, treatments, and procedures, with emphasis on obstetrics and gynecology. Course Prerequisite: Module I

Anatomy and Physiology (Abdomen and OB/GYN)

ODMS202 (20 hours)

This medical training course provides a study of the human organism through the structure and function of its parts. The focus of this section is the digestive tract, reproduction, and fetal development. Course Prerequisite: Module I

Acoustic Physics II

ODMS203 (60 hours)

This course builds on the content explained in Acoustic Physics I and develops new concepts. Students become familiar with acoustic wave properties; with pulsed, continuous, and color flow Doppler; and with soft tissue interactions and bio effects. Course Prerequisite: Module I

Sectional Anatomy I (Abdomen and Pelvis)

ODMS204 (20 hours)

In this medical training course, Hunter Business School students primarily study normal sections of the abdomen and female pelvis to be able to recognize anatomy in the sagittal (longitudinal), transverse, and coronal planes. This leads to understanding of the relationships between anatomic structures, distinguishing the arterial versus the venous portions of relevant sections of the vascular system, and classifying the various sections of the anatomic regions and their parts.

Development of skills related to the identification of anatomic structures seen in sectional planes is imperative when becoming a competent sonographer. This knowledge enables sonographers to communicate appropriately with other imaging professionals and with physicians. Course Prerequisite: Module I

General Sonography III (Normal: OB/GYN)

ODMS205 (60 hours)

During this sonography course, Hunter Business School students become familiar with both normal and abnormal sonographic findings in the evaluation of the female pelvic anatomy and physiology and begin studying the role of ultrasound in obstetrics.

Using 2D and Doppler ultrasonic images, lessons cover pathology of the uterus, ovaries, adnexa, as well as the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and evaluation of fetal growth. Course Prerequisite: Module I

General Sonography IV (Pathology: OB/GYN)

ODMS206 (60 hours)

The goal of this sonography course is to provide the student with a foundation of knowledge and training 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 are covered.

The role of ultrasound in the assessment of the placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid and membranes, and fetal organ systems is included. Course Prerequisite: Module I

General Sonography Lab II

DMS207 (75 hours)

This sonography 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. Classes use machines equipped with 2D, spectral, and color Doppler imaging capabilities, and students scan each other obtaining images specific to proficiency levels. Course Prerequisite: Module I

Clinical Externship I

DMS210 (192 hours)

The purpose of this 192-hour course is to expose the sonography student to the many aspects of ultrasound technology from a clinical perspective.

Hunter Business School students in the first clinical rotation of two days per week are assigned to shadow staff sonographers and assist in performing abdominal and/or obstetrical/gynecological studies. As the student’s skills improve, additional responsibilities will be awarded.

Students are expected to take the initiative for hands-on scanning opportunities (always with the permission of the clinical instructor and patient), including hand-over-hand scanning and progressing to independent scanning.

Each sonography student is overseen by an appropriately credentialed clinical instructor with competency levels evaluated at specific intervals. The student and clinical instructor are responsible to keep track of the student’s attendance and progress through online and paper logs which are reviewed by the school’s clinical coordinator. Course Prerequisite: Module I

Module III

Medical Terminology III (Advanced Topics)

ODMS301 (20 hours)

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

An emphasis is placed on sonography of small parts/superficial structures, including the breast, scrota, prostate gland, and the parathyroid and thyroid glands.

The medical training course includes an overview of terminology as it relates to pediatric/neonatal sonography of the brain, spine, GI tract, and reproductive systems. Musculoskeletal sonography and other medical imaging modality techniques and terminology are introduced in this course. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Anatomy and Physiology (Advanced Topics)

ODMS302 (20 hours)

This medical training course provides a study of the human organism through the structure and function of its parts. The focus of this section is the digestive tract, reproduction, and fetal development. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Sectional Anatomy (Advanced Topics)

ODMS303 (20 hours)

In this medical training course, Hunter Business School students primarily study normal body sections of the sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes and come to 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.

The development of skills for the identification of structures seen in sectional anatomy is important for sonographic competence. This knowledge enables sonographers to distinguish anatomy being imaged, as well as allow for effective communication.

The organs of interest in this section are the thyroid and parathyroid glands, scrota, prostate gland, breast, spine, and the neonatal/prenatal brain. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Seminars in Advanced Topics

ODMS304 (55 hours)

This series of classes expands on subjects not covered in depth during General Sonography I and II. The ultrasound student gets exposure to small parts (superficial structures) imaging, including the breast, scrota, prostate, parathyroid, and thyroid.

Also covered in these classes is pediatric sonography with an emphasis on the neonatal brain, spine, and some abdominal and pelvic disorders.

Correlation of ultrasound with other imaging modalities and other techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, 3D/4D imaging, interventional sonography, and musculoskeletal imaging is covered, as well. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Sectional Anatomy (Chest)

ODMS305 (15 hours)

In this medical training course, Hunter Business School students expand their knowledge of sectional anatomy of the human thorax. Identification skills developed during this course will form a foundation for detection of both normal and pathologic processes during sonographic evaluation of the heart and its surrounding structures.

Students primarily study normal anatomic sections to recognize and distinguish anatomy of the thoracic vascular system, heart, pulmonary system, breast, bones, and musculature in transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes.

Emphasis is placed on understanding anatomical structural relationships; distinguishing between arterial and venous portions of the vascular system; and classifying the various sections of anatomical regions and their associated parts.

This knowledge enables sonographers to distinguish anatomy being imaged, and it will facilitate effective communication with the physician. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Introduction to Cardiac Sonography

ODMS306 (25 hours)

This is a basic sonography course intended to provide exposure to adult echocardiography for students who may have the opportunity to view and potentially practice these exams at multimodality ultrasound clinical sites.

Some clinical facilities where students may be assigned for abdominal and pelvic scanning exposure also do echocardiograms in the same lab. Our ultrasound education program provides much more comprehensive cardiac sonography content in the last modules. Course Prerequisite: Module II

General Sonography Lab III

DMS308 (50 hours)

This sonography course is offered after the first clinical assignment and during the second with dual purposed, supervised scanning. Students scan the breast, scrota, thyroid, and pelvis to develop these skill sets.

In these classes, students learn anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to the thyroid, breast, scrota, pelvis, and obstetrics in lectures. The supervised scan sessions guide and direct students toward scan proficiency in these new areas and toward independent scanning in all areas. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Vascular Sonography I

ODMS309 (40 hours)

This sonography course exposes students to the peripheral vascular system through assignments, lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on scan labs. Students learn about and explore the anatomy and physiology of applicable components of the vascular system.

In class lectures and labs, students learn and practice scan protocols. Clinical indications of disease, testing to determine disease, disease treatment, and follow-up care are taught. There are 20 lecture hours and 20 lab hours in this course. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Clinical Externship II

DMS310 (192 hours)

This second clinical rotation, two days each week for 192 hours, is built on the training and skills acquired from the previous externship rotation. It is located at a different abdominal and/or obstetrical/gynecological sonography site with a different assigned clinical instructor.

Hunter Business School students are responsible for assisting the sonography staff with tasks within the department. They strive for more independent scanning during this rotation (always with the permission of the clinical instructor and patient). Competency levels are attained and documented by an appropriately credentialed clinical instructor, while attendance and progress are tracked through online and paper logs. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Physics Registry Review

ODMS311 (10 hours)

This course provides a review of the content included in the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination. Mock registry exams are administered in a timed manner using a multiple choice format. Included is discussion of correct and incorrect responses. Course Prerequisite: Module II

Module IV

Clinical Externship III

DMS410 (216 hours)

The third clinical externship allows students the opportunity to be exposed to ultrasound technology from a clinical perspective for three days each week for 216 hours.

As in the previous rotations, students strive for more independent scanning (always with the permission of the clinical instructor and patient). Students are assigned to clinical instructors at abdominal and/or obstetrical/gynecological sonography sites.

This rotation provides an experience which closely resembles the sense of real employment. Competency levels are attained and documented by an appropriately credentialed clinical instructor, while attendance and progress are tracked through online and paper logs. Course Prerequisite: Module III

Module V

Critical Thinking

ODMS501 (15 hours)

This course is designed to enhance the student’s ability to think outside the box and engage higher level reasoning skills. Emphasis is placed on the role of sonography in the diagnostic workup.

A class project is required. Each class consists of group discussions and critiques to further explore the topics. This approach allows observational and interpretive skills to evolve so that students can develop a more discerning eye and keener judgment when scanning. Course Prerequisite: Module IV

Cardiac Sonography I

ODMS505 (60 hours)

This sonography course, part of a 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. Hunter Business School students are exposed to 2D, M-mode, and Doppler procedures and learn the benefits and limitations of both transthoracic and transesophageal scanning.

The course also covers measurement techniques and embryology. Course Prerequisite: Module IV

Cardiac Sonography Lab I

DMS506 (60 hours)

This sonography course provides the echocardiographic student the opportunity to practice techniques learned in cardiac lectures in a supervised classroom laboratory setting. Hunter Business School students employ transducers designed specifically for the 2D, M-mode, and spectral and color Doppler evaluation of cardiac structures to obtain images of each other.

Competency is determined based upon specific proficiency levels. Laboratory work includes answering questions based on normal anatomical findings imaged and correlation to disease states discussed in lectures both in class and using the MedaPhor practice modules. Course Prerequisite: Module IV

Vascular Sonography II

ODMS508 (40 hours)

This laboratory scanning course covers the vascular system. Students are exposed to vascular sonography topics, including renal vascular ultrasound, transcranial Doppler (TCD), and other forms of testing for peripheral artery disease and peripheral venous reflux testing.

There are 20 class lecture hours and 20 lab hours in this course. Course Prerequisite: Module IV

General Registry Review

ODMS509 (30 hours)

This course provides a review of the content included in the ARDMS Abdomen and Obstetrics & Gynecology examinations. Mock registry exams are administered in a timed manner using a multiple choice format. Included is discussion of correct and incorrect responses. Course Prerequisite: Module IV

Clinical Externship IV

DMS510 (288 hours)

During this fourth clinical externship of 288 hours, Diagnostic Medical Sonography students begin their exposure to cardiac sonography in a rotation through a cardiology department. Students during this rotation may also be assigned to an externship site offering abdominal and/or obstetrical/gynecological sonography.

This three day per week rotation affords an additional clinical day for students who have already completed more than half the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. As in the previous rotations, students strive for independent scanning (always with the permission of the clinical instructor and patient).

Competency levels are attained and documented by an appropriately credentialed clinical instructor, while attendance and progress is tracked through online and paper logs. Course Prerequisite: Module IV

Module VI

CPR Renewal

ODMS101 (12 hours)

This course provides the participants with the knowledge and skills to carry out emergency first aid for life threatening injuries in the workplace. Hunter Business School students are familiarized with 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. Course Prerequisite: None

Professional Development

ODMS602 (30 hours)

The goal of this course is to provide a framework for graduating sonographers that assists them in bridging the gap between being a student and an employee. Topics covered include types of existing job opportunities, writing a professional cover letter and résumé, 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 (Continuing Medical Education) requirements and other professional obligations are stressed. Course Prerequisite: Module V

Cardiac Sonography II

ODMS606 (60 hours)

Part two of the course of study designed to cover echocardiographic topics continues with a discussion of normal and pathological structures and processes affecting the cardiac tissue. These lectures build on the subjects already covered in Sonographic Procedures IIIA and include advanced topics of congenital anomalies and 3D/4D echocardiography. Course Prerequisite: Module V

Cardiac Sonography Lab II

DMS607 (60 hours)

This sonography course provides the echocardiographic student the opportunity to practice techniques learned in cardiac lectures in a supervised classroom laboratory setting. Students employ transducers designed specifically for the 2D, M-mode, and spectral and color Doppler evaluation of cardiac structures to obtain images of each other. Competency is determined based upon specific proficiency levels.

Laboratory work includes answering questions based on normal anatomical findings imaged and correlation to disease states discussed in lectures both in class and using the MedaPhor practice modules. Course Prerequisite: Module V

Cardiac Registry Review

ODMS608 (11 hours)

This course provides a review of the topics of cardiac sonography (adult echocardiography) to assist students in preparation for their registry examinations. Mock registry exams are administered in a timed manner using a multiple choice format. Included is discussion of correct and incorrect responses. Course Prerequisite: Module V

Clinical Externship V

DMS610 (288 hours)

This is the last clinical externship for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography students. At this point in the program, students should be knowledgeable and experienced in performing a variety of independent sonographic evaluations (always with the permission of the clinical instructor and patient).

Application of skills acquired during didactic and previous clinical experiences are monitored at externship sites offering cardiac and/or general sonography studies. This rotation runs three days per week for 16 weeks.

Competency levels are attained and documented by an appropriately credentialed clinical instructor, while attendance and progress are tracked through online and paper logs. Course Prerequisite: Module V

Additional Information

The Hunter Business School Abdomen-Extended, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

CAAHEP, 9355 113th Street North, Suite 7709, Seminole, Florida 33775 (727.210.2350)

Hunter Business School reserves the right to add, discontinue, or modify its programs and policies at any time.

Stay Informed

Upcoming
Events View All

Stay Informed

Hunter
NewsView All

What Does a Web Developer Do?

Are you interested in technology and have the patience and attention to detail to create user-friendly websites? If this sounds like you, consider a career

Will I Get On-The-Job Experience

Did you just graduate high school or are you switching career paths? Don’t have the experience required in job listings? Don’t worry, you can get

What Our Students Are Saying