Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program seeks to prepare students who are skilled in current practice as entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers who can competently and safely perform sonographic procedures; who display the personal qualities of integrity, dependability, reliability; and who function as active members of the healthcare team. This is a two-year program offering an Associate Degree in Applied Science at the Flanagan Campus Only.

For more information, please contact:

Paula Cardillo, EdD, RVT, RDMS, BCTMB, Program Director

The diagnostic medical sonographer provides patient services using medical ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves that produce images of internal structures). Working under the supervision of a physician responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures, the sonographer helps gather sonographic data to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases, as well as monitor fetal development.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). 

**IMPORTANT MESSAGE from the CCRI Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

If you are planning to apply during the February 2024 application period, a COVID vaccination is required for all health science students.

Frequently Asked Questions Admission Guidelines

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in General, Vascular and Echo, graduates will:

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically and solve problems in the clinical setting.
• Act as ethical and responsible members of the healthcare team.
• Be skilled in current practice as entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• Be skilled in current practice as entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• Be skilled in current practice as entry-level vascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Technical Standards

In order to perform the tasks required of sonographers, certain physical capabilities are required. Students must demonstrate the ability to perform required functions as a routine part of either classroom, laboratory or clinical education. Students should be aware that successful completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will depend upon the ability to meet the following technical standards:

1. A reasonable amount of strength and mobility are required for the following reasons:
   • Sonographers must be able to lift, move or push heavy equipment, mobile x-ray equipment, stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them.
   • Sonographers must be able to help in lifting patients who may be paralyzed, comatose or otherwise incapacitated, from stretchers or wheelchairs.
   • Sonographers must be able to provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances.
   • Sonographers must be able to manipulate an ultrasound unit.
2. Manual dexterity, good motor skills and eye-hand coordination are necessary in order to:
   • Push/pull equipment
   • Don surgical gloves
   • Assist radiologist
   • Align patient
3. Visual acuity (the ability to see fine lines) and intensity discrimination (the ability to distinguish gradual changes in blacks, greys and whites) are necessary in order to evaluate ultrasound exams for technical quality.
4. The ability to communicate orally and in writing is a requirement for sonographers in order to:
   • Ascertain and record patient histories.
   • Explain and complete patient consent forms.
   • Provide clear and audible directions to patients face-to-face
5. These standards are capabilities associated with the successful practice of diagnostic medical sonography. Under no circumstances are they considered conditions for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Accreditation

CAAHEP - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs
9355-113th Street N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350

JRC-DMS - Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Blvd.
Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-973-3251

Related Links

• Programmatic Outcomes Data
• BLS Occupational Outlook - Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• SDMS - Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• SVU - Society for Vascular Ultrasound

From the Catalog

• General Policies for Health Sciences
• Program of Study Information
• Course Descriptions - for online versions, see Available Courses