Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate in Applied Science
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
Northampton Community College's 24-month Diagnostic Medical Sonography program prepares students for entry-level positions as sonographers. The program offers two tracks: Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN or Abdomen-Extended & Vascular. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ARDMS certification examinations. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations to provide students with a comprehensive education in sonography.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Northampton Community College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a 24-month competency-based program that prepares students for entry-level positions as sonographers. The program offers two tracks: Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN concentrations or Abdomen-Extended & Vascular concentrations. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer's (ARDMS) Abdominal and OB/GYN examinations or the ARDMS Abdominal and Vascular Technology examinations.
Objectives:
- Prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.
- Provide a broad knowledge base that enables graduates to embrace lifelong learning.
- Enable graduates to adapt to ever-changing technology in the health care industry.
- Prepare graduates to pass the certification examination.
- Meet or exceed the needs of employers.
Program Description:
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations. Students learn about the principles of ultrasound imaging, anatomy, physiology, patient care, and medical ethics. They also develop skills in scanning and instrumentation.
Outline:
Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN Track
First Semester
- COLS101 - College Success
- BIOS204 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- DMSG101 - Essentials of Patient Care
- DMSG102 - Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- DMSG103 - Introduction to Acoustical Physics
- DMSG104 - Introduction to Clinical Education
- DMSG114 - Gynecological Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging and Critique
- MATH140 - College Algebra
Second Semester
- BIOS254 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- DMSG105 - Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation I
- DMSG110 - Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I
- DMSG115 - Obstetrical Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging and Critique I
- DMSG124 - Clinical Education I
- DMSG125 - Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers
Third Semester
- DMSG174 - Clinical Education II
- ENGL101 - English I
- Elective
Fourth Semester
- CMTH102 - Introduction to Communication
- DMSG155 - Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation II
- DMSG160 - Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II
- DMSG265 - Obstetrical Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging and Critique II
- DMSG224 - Clinical Education III
- ENGL151L - English II
Fifth Semester
- DMSG263 - Advanced Techniques in Obstetrical Scanning
- DMSG215G - Small Parts and Special Topics
- DMSG234 - Clinical Education IV
- PSYC103 - Introduction to Psychology
- Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT)
Sixth Semester
- DMSG244 - Clinical Education V
Total Credits:
76
Abdomen-Extended & Vascular Track
First Semester
- COLS101 - College Success
- BIOS204 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- DMSG101 - Essentials of Patient Care
- DMSG102 - Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- DMSG103 - Introduction to Acoustical Physics
- DMSG104 - Introduction to Clinical Education
- DMSG106 - Vascular Technology - Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I
- MATH140 - College Algebra
Second Semester
- BIOS254 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- DMSG105 - Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation I
- DMSG110 - Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I
- DMSG123 - Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education I
- DMSG125 - Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers
- DMSG237 - Vascular Technology- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II
Third Semester
- DMSG173 - Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education II
- ENGL101 - English I
- Elective
Fourth Semester
- CMTH102 - Introduction to Communication
- DMSG107 - Principles of Cardiovascular Technology
- DMSG155 - Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation II
- DMSG160 - Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II
- DMSG223 - Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education III
- DMSG241 - Vascular Pathophysiology
Fifth Semester
- DMSG215G - Small Parts and Special Topics
- DMSG233 - Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education IV
- DMSG239 - Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics
- ENGL151L - English II
- PSYC103 - Introduction to Psychology
- Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT)
Sixth Session
- DMSG243 - Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education V
Total Credits:
80
Assessment:
Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Students take exams to assess their knowledge of the material covered in class and clinical rotations.
- Quizzes: Students take quizzes to assess their understanding of specific concepts.
- Projects: Students complete projects to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
- Clinical Evaluations: Students are evaluated by their clinical instructors on their performance in the clinical setting.
Teaching:
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce new material and concepts.
- Demonstrations: Faculty members demonstrate how to perform sonographic procedures.
- Hands-on Training: Students practice sonographic procedures in the laboratory setting.
- Clinical Rotations: Students complete clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings.
Careers:
Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are qualified for entry-level positions as sonographers in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. Sonographers use ultrasound imaging to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. They may also work in research or education.
Northampton Community College
Overview:
Northampton Community College (NCC) is a public community college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. NCC is known for its affordability and commitment to student success.
Services Offered:
NCC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Academic Support:
Resources like tutoring, writing centers, and learning labs to enhance academic performance.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students finance their education.Career Development:
Assistance with career exploration, job search, and resume building.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for personal growth.Library Services:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and technology resources.Health and Wellness:
Counseling services, health clinics, and wellness programs to support student well-being.Technology Help:
Technical support and resources for students to utilize technology effectively.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NCC offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend social events, and engage in extracurricular activities. The college also provides opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
NCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region, offering significant savings compared to other institutions.High-Quality Education:
NCC provides a rigorous and relevant curriculum, preparing students for successful careers or further education.Student Support:
The college offers a wide range of services and resources to support student success, both academically and personally.Flexible Learning Options:
NCC offers a variety of class formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional, to accommodate diverse student needs.Transfer Options:
NCC has transfer agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities, making it easy for students to continue their education.Academic Programs:
NCC offers over 120 programs of study across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.Business and Technology:
Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, and more.Health Sciences:
Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and more.Public Safety:
Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and more.Trades and Skilled Crafts:
Automotive Technology, Welding, and more.Other:
NCC has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The college also has a robust alumni network, providing opportunities for networking and career advancement.
Entry Requirements:
- Completion of high school or GED equivalent
- Completion of high school biology with a lab component with a grade of B or better OR BIOS115
- Completion of 2 units of high school algebra with C or better OR MATH022 and MATH026 OR MATH028 with a C or better
- Submission of an application
- Submission of all official transcripts
- Completion of a Career Assessment Form (CAF)
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Competitive applicants will be interviewed by the program admission committee
- High school courses must be college preparatory level. Equivalents from other colleges may satisfy requirements. Primary consideration will be given to applicants who have completed:
- College Algebra, Human Anatomy I & II with a B or better the first time a course is taken
