Associate of Applied Science - Specialization in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Tacoma Community College
Key Information
Campus location
Tacoma, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
21 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 10,573 / per year *
Application deadline
15 Nov 2024
Earliest start date
01 Apr 2024
* 2022-2023 estimated tuition cost
Introduction
Sonographers are highly skilled professionals who use imaging equipment that non-invasively emits sound waves directed toward internal organs, blood vessels, tissues, and other structures. They can work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and help physicians gather the data needed to reach diagnostic decisions.
This full-time (21 months long) program leads to an Associate of Applied Sciences degree with a specialization in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). Training includes classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as clinical education in an affiliated ultrasound department.
Successful graduates are eligible to take certifying exams of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in specialty areas of Abdomen and Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Program Outcome
The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Tacoma Community College is to provide comprehensive instruction designed to respond to the dynamic and evolving nature of sonography and the healthcare field. This program emphasizes critical thinking skills, and compassionate and quality patient care, as well as promotes professional interactions with patients, staff, and physicians.
The program will:
- Prepare competent, entry-level general medical sonographers in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.
- Utilize support services provided by the college to assist a course retention rate of no less than 75 percent.
- Provide a curriculum designed to meet the requirements of professional bodies that strive for no less than 75 percent of program students entering will successfully complete the requirements for the Associate in Applied Science degree.
- Prepare students to take the ARDMS examination and achieve a first-time pass rate of no less than 80 percent.
- Ensure that within 6 months of completion of the program 80 percent of graduates seeking employment will be employed in the profession.
- Provide educational opportunities for re-careering and professional renewal consistent with the mission of the college.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of the curriculum against the changing environment and assess progress toward achieving its goal.
Philosophy
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Tacoma Community College was created to address a recognized need in the community. As such, the surrounding healthcare community has played an integral role in shaping the program. Area sonographers, physicians, and health care administrators helped write and review curricula and provided resources such as equipment and clinical education sites. As a result of this commitment, the program has a responsibility to provide competent sonographers for this community.
The program is based on the philosophy that sonography is learned through active, hands-on participation. It is a competency-based program in which didactic and clinical instruction is closely correlated. This approach allows the students to have a firm understanding of the theoretical knowledge before applying this knowledge clinically.
At the same time, the students are allowed controlled access to the clinical environment to reinforce the didactic coursework. Ample hands-on laboratory experience is also given to the student to provide the opportunity to practice their skills before they perform an examination on patients in the clinical setting. This approach facilitates learning and provides a solid foundation in sonographic techniques.
The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare outstanding staff sonographers who have the potential to become effective supervisors and instructors.
Lastly, the program is designed to equip the student with the knowledge needed to successfully complete the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers National Registry Examination. ARDMS certification is a crucial step in the career of a sonographer, creating employment opportunities as well as opportunities to contribute to the field of sonography.
The program, as well as certification, promotes a commitment to life-long learning through continuing education and a desire to share knowledge with fellow sonographers, future and current students, and other healthcare workers.
Curriculum
Students complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program over seven consecutive quarters. Please note that this degree requires students to complete a clinical seminar during the summer quarter. This program is 109 - 119 credits.
First Quarter (Fall)
- Sonography Lab I DMS 101 2
- Ultrasound Cross Sectional Anatomy with Lab DMS 105 5
- Pathophysiology I DMS 110 3
- Abdominal Sonography DMS 120 3
- Physics & Instrumentation I DMS 130 3
- Orientation to Diagnostic Medical Sonography DMS 175 2
Total Credits: 18
Second Quarter (Winter)
- Sonography Lab II DMS 102 3
- Pathophysiology II DMS 111 3
- Small Parts and Superficial Structures DMS 121 3
- Gynecologic Sonography DMS 122 3
- Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II DMS 131 3
Total Credits: 15
Third Quarter (Spring)
- Sonography Lab III DMS 103 2
- Obstetrical Sonography & Pathophysiology DMS 123 5
- Advanced Sonography DMS 125 2
- Patient Care/Scope of Practice DMS 140 2
- Introduction to Clinical DMS 150 2
Total Credits: 13
Fourth Quarter (Summer)
- Ultrasound Clinical I DMS 151 13
- Clinical Seminar I DMS 160 2
Total Credits: 15
Fifth Quarter (Fall)
- Ultrasound Clinical II DMS 250 13
- Ultrasound Seminar and Critique II DMS 260 2
- Independent Study DMS 299 3-13
Total Credits: 18 - 28
Sixth Quarter (Winter)
- Ultrasound Clinical III DMS 251 13
- Ultrasound Seminar and Critique III DMS 261 2
Total Credits: 15
Seventh Quarter (Spring)
- Ultrasound Clinical IV DMS 252 13
- Sonography Registry Review DMS 270 2
Total Credits: 15
Total Program Credits: 109-119
Career Opportunities
Program graduates are prepared to do general sonography. With additional training, graduates can perform cardiac sonography, vascular technology, and other sub-specialties.