Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

High Demand Industry
 

Please refer to the OEO WAC ETPL Policy Revision and do not delete the following program

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level positions as ultrasound technologists. The program is designed in accordance with the curriculum established by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and consists of a hybrid structure utilizing: online, classroom and laboratory instruction integrated with hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program may be completed as a one-year certificate for students who already hold an associate degree in an approved healthcare-related field, such as: Radiologic Technology, Nursing, Paramedicine.

Credit Hours Required: 30

Application for Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program

A special application is required for admission to the diagnostic medical sonography certificate program. It is recommended that students work closely with their advisor to ensure all application requirements are fully met. Refer to the website: www.yc.edu/radiology 

Transfer Students

Students transferring from other regionally accredited institutions will have their completed general education coursework evaluated on an individual basis. 

Health Declaration

It is essential that all health science students are able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time, perform bending activities, and perform fine motor skills with dexterity. The clinical education experience places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients' lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program before applying. The technical standards for the program are identified in the application.

Graduation Requirement

All required courses for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must be completed with a minimum grade of 80%. 

Licensure

While the State of Arizona does not currently require licensure or certification to practice Diagnostic Medical Sonography, several states do require sonography licensure, including New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Oregon. Graduates of this program will be eligible to pursue national credentialing by taking the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination, along with the Abdomen (AB) and/or Vascular Technology (VT) specialty examinations. Graduates are also eligible to challenge the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Sonography certification examination. Credentialed sonographers may seek employment in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, mobile services, and physician offices.

Transfer

Generally, 64 credits from community colleges are transferable to Arizona public universities: specific articulation information is available through AZTransfer at www.aztransfer.com

Program Requirements

• 
  DMS 100 - Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Credits: 1


• 
  DMS 101 - Sonography Principles and Instrumentation I Credits: 3


• 
  DMS 102 - Sonography Principles and Instrumentation II Credits: 3


• 
  DMS 110 - Sonography Clinical Education I Credits: 4


• 
  DMS 111 - Sonography Clinical Education II Credits: 4


• 
  DMS 112 - Sonography Clinical Education III Credits: 4


• 
  DMS 120 - Abdomen and Superficial Structures I Credits: 3


• 
  DMS 121 - Introduction to OB-GYN Procedures Credits: 1


• 
  DMS 122 - Abdomen and Superficial Structures II Credits: 1


• 
  DMS 123 - Introduction to Vascular Procedures I Credits: 1


• 
  DMS 124 - Vascular Procedures II Credits: 3


• 
  DMS 130 - Sonography Registry Review and Professional Development Credits: 2

Program Goal

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s) offered:

• Abdominal (AB) sonography - Extended


• Vascular (VT) sonography​​​​​​​

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate program, the learner will:

1. Demonstrate clinical competency in performing diagnostic sonographic examinations and procedures across diverse patient populations and clinical settings.


2. Integrate and apply patient history, clinical data, and sonographic findings to support accurate diagnostic interpretation and comprehensive patient care.


3. Apply ultrasound physics and instrumentation principles to optimize image quality and ensure safe and effective use of sonographic technology.


4. Communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and members of the healthcare team while maintaining patient comfort, confidentiality, and understanding.


5. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to adapt protocols, troubleshoot imaging challenges, and respond to dynamic clinical situations.


6. Exhibit professional behavior consistent with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards of practice, including accountability, respect, and constructive responsiveness to feedback.

Details

Cost Items

Demand Occupation(s)