Program Overview

DMS-DIAGNOSTIC MED SONOGRAPHY (DMS)

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent sonographers. The program includes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction, with a focus on the principles of ultrasound, patient care, and sonographic techniques.

Program Courses

• DMS 101. Introduction to Sonography (2 Credits): Introduction to the principles of ultrasound, terminology, scanning planes, and applications of ultrasound. Includes observation in an ultrasound facility.
• DMS 110. Ultrasound Physics (4 Credits): Properties of sound and its use in diagnostic imaging; technical components involved in ultrasound imaging; how to use ultrasound equipment during lab sessions; the bioeffects of high-frequency sound; and artifacts created during imaging.
• DMS 112. Abdominal Sonography I (4 Credits, 3+3P): Includes anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the abdominal organ systems; scanning techniques, ultrasound appearance of normal structures, and changes seen with pathologic conditions.
• DMS 113. GYN Sonography (3 Credits, 2+2P): Includes female pelvic anatomy, scanning techniques, pelvic pathology, sonography, and Doppler findings in normal and abnormal exams, introduction to human embryology, and first trimester pregnancy.
• DMS 114. OB Sonography (4 Credits, 3+2P): Includes review of human embryology, normal fetal anatomy, obstetrical scanning techniques, fetal biometry, fetal abnormalities, fetal Doppler, the role of ultrasound in genetic testing and chromosome abnormalities, fetal echocardiography, and congenital heart abnormalities.
• DMS 115. Abdominal Sonography II (3 Credits, 2+2P): Includes anatomy, physiology, and pathology of superficial structures, including female breast, thyroid, and neck structures, male pelvis, and musculoskeletal system; scanning techniques, ultrasound appearance of normal structures, and changes seen with pathologic conditions; abdominal Doppler principles of applications and organ transplant sonography.
• DMS 116. Introduction to Vascular Technology (3 Credits, 2+2P): Basic ultrasound physics and principles, peripheral vascular anatomy, hemodynamics, Doppler evaluation, peripheral vascular scanning techniques, physiologic testing, and the more common pathologies of the carotid arteries and the peripheral vascular system.
• DMS 117. Advanced Sonographic Procedures (2 Credits): Focuses on the anatomy, pathology, laboratory values, and sonographic appearances of organ transplants, the musculoskeletal system, and the breast. Students will also demonstrate knowledge in age-related competency and be able to respond appropriately to parental needs.
• DMS 118. Neurosonography (2 Credits, 1+3P): Covers detailed anatomy of the neonatal brain and central nervous system, scanning techniques, and indications for performing neurosonograms of the newborn, as well as common pathologies seen in the fetal and newborn brain and central nervous system.
• DMS 120. Clinical Internship I (4 Credits): Provides practical, hands-on experience required for both the national registry exam and for quality patient care. Students will spend approximately 32 hours per week at their assigned clinical site performing ultrasound exams under the supervision of the clinical staff.
• DMS 122. Clinical Internship II (4 Credits): Provides practical, hands-on experience required for both the national registry exam and for quality patient care. Students will spend approximately 32 hours per week at their assigned clinical site performing ultrasound exams under the supervision of the clinical staff.
• DMS 124. Clinical Internship III (8 Credits): Provides the practical, hands-on experience required for both the national registry exam and for quality patient care. Students will spend approximately 32 hours per week at their assigned clinical site performing ultrasound exams under the supervision of the clinical staff.
  • Prerequisite(s): DMS 122 or Consent of Instructor.
• DMS 126. Clinical Internship IV (8 Credits): Provides the practical, hands-on experience required for both national certification and for quality patient care. Students will spend approximately 32 hours per week at their assigned clinical site performing ultrasound exams under the supervision of the clinical staff.
  • Prerequisite(s): DMS 124 or consent of instructor.

Program Restrictions

All DMS courses are restricted to students who have been accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Some courses are further restricted to specific campuses, such as Community Colleges only or Dona Ana campus only.