Program Overview

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Introduction to the Diagnostic Sonography Program

The Diagnostic Sonography Program at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis is an 18-month, Bachelor of Science (BS) program designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as a diagnostic sonographer in either the medical sonography or echocardiography concentrations.

Program Overview

This program is intended for students who have completed the AS Radiography program or have other health care credentials or health care majors who have a minimum of 1,000 hours of verifiable patient care experience. The program's mission is to advance health in the state of Indiana and beyond by providing quality education for its students and promoting excellence in the art and science of sonography.

Concentrations

The program offers two concentrations:

• Medical Sonography Concentration: Students learn to create images of the body's organs and tissues. They are generally employed in the radiology, vascular, or OB ultrasound departments within hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices.
• Echocardiography Concentration: Students learn to create images of the heart and vascular system. They are generally employed in the cardiology department within hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices.

Program Details

Admission Requirements

The advanced imaging program is open to individuals credentialed in radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, MRI, sonography, cat scan, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, nursing, or physician assistant. Other health care-related majors may be eligible upon review. Additionally, individuals without a previous medical imaging-related credential must prove 1,000 hours of direct patient care.

Course Load

The course load involves taking didactic courses, labs, and clinical experiences from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some evening hours may be required.

Working While in the Program

Students may choose to work part-time while in the program. However, it is recommended that students not work more than 10-12 hours per week, as working more than this may jeopardize the student's ability to satisfactorily maintain program academic standards.

Program Values and Goals

Values

The program's faculty supports the following values:

• Student learning through the effective use of available educational opportunities
• Creative activity and research resulting from the collaboration of faculty and students
• Ethical behavior and professional integrity in addition to technical competence
• Civic engagement involved in collaborating with a variety of internal and external constituencies

Goals

The program's goals include:

• Graduates will demonstrate clinical competency
• Graduates will demonstrate effective communication skills
• Graduates will think critically and apply problem-solving skills in the health care environment
• Graduates will demonstrate professional values
• Graduates will have the knowledge of professional development and growth

Program Outcomes

At appropriate points during the Diagnostic Sonography Program, the student will be able to:

• Effectively perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of ultrasound procedures
• Demonstrate effective oral communication skills with patients and clinical staff
• Demonstrate effective written communication skills
• Evaluate images and make appropriate adjustments to the protocol or optimization technique
• Evaluate images for differential diagnoses
• Demonstrate appropriate professional values in the clinical setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical obligations as described in the ARDMS Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice documents
• Demonstrate knowledge of professional development resources

Accreditation

The Diagnostic Sonography Program at Indiana University Indianapolis 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.

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Dina Peterson, MSEd, RT (R), RDMS (AB, OB), RDCS (AE), RVT, Director, Diagnostic Sonography Program
• Jamie Miller, MS, RDMS (AB, OB), RVT, Clinical Coordinator, Medical Sonography
• DJ Engelhardt, MS, RDCS (AE), Associate Faculty, Echocardiography
• Kellie Durcholz, BS, RT (R), RDCS (AE, PE), Clinical Coordinator, Echocardiography

Curriculum

The curriculum includes required credits, course descriptions, and what to expect in this four-year degree. Details can be found in the program's curriculum section.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diagnostic Sonography Program can pursue various career opportunities, including board examinations and positions across the state and country. Details can be found in the program's career section.