Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree

Employment Potential

A graduate of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program can choose to work in a variety of health care settings including clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities and laboratories performing examinations in their areas of specialization.

• Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, and technical advisors.

Requirements for Program Entry

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION
• The DMS program follows a competitive enrollment process whereby candidate applications are reviewed by a ranking process. The following steps must be completed for the application process.
• Attendance at a mandatory pre-application informational session will be required. To sign-up for a mandatory pre-application session, please contact Admissions at (920) 498-7159 or (888) 385-6982.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• Two semesters in high school, or one semester of college Algebra, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry (with a lab component) with a grade of "B" or better.
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• Upon completion of program benchmarks and attendance at the mandatory information session, students will be able to register for the Health Educations Systems Inc. (HESI) A2 Exam. The HESI can only be taken after attendance at a pre-application information session. Test topics include Math, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Reading. To learn more about these assessment scores, please contact an admissions specialist at (920) 498-7159 or (888) 385-6982, or visit the DMS program webpage http://www.nwtc.edu/academics/degrees/health-sciences/Medical/Pages/DiagnosticMedicalSonography.aspx Related link, lower right side.
• Candidates submitting applications to the DMS program must also provide an essay (no more than 1,000 words) completed on campus in the Assessment Center. The essay will follow a question and answer format and will include information related to the following; why they are interested in and their knowledge of the profession, experience in healthcare, specific skills and duties of a sonographer, and characteristics that make them a good candidate for the program.
• Candidates are ranked in the following categories: HESI scores and program essay. The highest ranking candidates will be offered a place on the program wait list. Remaining candidates can reapply for a future ranking.
• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY
• Upon success acceptance to the program wait list, the following must be completed:
• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
• Attend mandatory registration session and program orientation.
• Complete mandatory four-hour job shadow.

Program Availability

A waitlist often forms for this program. Learn more by contacting one of our Admissions Advisors.

Application Checklist

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

Pre-First Semester

10-806-177

Gen Anatomy & Physiology

4

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-806-143

College Physics 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-143 COLLEGE PHYSICS 1 ...presents the applications and theory of basic physics principles. This course emphasizes problem solving, laboratory investigation and applications. Topics include laboratory safety, unit conversions and analysis, kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, temperature, and heat. (Prereq: 2.6 GPA & Alg 2 or equiv w/C or better; OR Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 263, Arith greater/equal to 250, & QRAS greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading greater/equal to 17 & Math greater/equal to 21; OR Coll Tech Math 1A OR Int Alg w/C or better)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

8

Summer Before First Semester

10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-804-189

Introductory Statistics

3

10-804-189 INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS ...students taking Introductory Statistics display data with graphs, describe distributions with numbers, perform correlation and regression analyses, and design experiments. They use probability and distributions to make predictions, estimate parameters, and test hypotheses. They draw inferences about relationships including ANOVA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen QRAS greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to no equiv AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to no equiv AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math greater/equal to 24 AND ACT Rdg greater/equal to 16; AND C or better in Inter Alg or higher-contact academic advisor 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-526-221

Sonography Physics 1

3

10-526-221 SONOGRAPHY PHYSICS 1 ...introduces physics and instrumentation relevant to diagnostic medical sonography. Learners explore how principles of sound propagation in tissues create a sonographic image. (Prerequisite: 10-806-143, College Physics 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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Semester Total

9

First Semester

10-526-200

Intro to DMS

3

10-526-200 INTRO TO DMS ...introduces learners to the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Explores the duties and functions of the diagnostic medical sonographer as well as the historical background. Learners examine the other imaging modalities as they relate to sonography. Includes principles of patient care and legal and ethical issues related to sonography. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-501-101

Medical Terminology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ...focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-806-179

Adv Anatomy & Physiology

4

10-806-179 ADVANCED ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...normal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details.)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-526-210

Cross Sectional Anatomy

2

10-526-210 CROSS SECTIONAL ANATOMY ...introduces cross sectional anatomy as related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Includes correlating images from other imaging modalities. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-526-222

Sonography Physics 2

2

10-526-222 SONOGRAPHY PHYSICS 2 ...continues the study of physics and instrumentation relevant to diagnostic medical sonography. The laboratory component of this course introduces the student to the concepts of ultrasound instrumentation, an introduction to ultrasonic scanning technique, and maintenance of ultrasound equipment. (Prerequisite: 10-526-221, Sonography Physics 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

14

Second Semester

10-526-207

Abdominal Sonography

4

10-526-207 ABDOMINAL SONOGRAPHY ...prepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the abdominal organs including liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, urinary tract, aorta and retroperitoneum. Practice scan sessions included. (Prerequisites: 10-526-200, Intro to DMS; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology. Corequisite: 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-526-208

OB/GYN Sonography 1

3

10-526-208 OB/GYN SONOGRAPHY 1 ...prepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the nongravid uterus and the first-trimester pregnancy. Explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the female reproductive system as well as intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. (Prerequisites: 10-526-200, Intro to DMS; 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisite: 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-526-223

Vascular Imaging 1

3

10-526-223 VASCULAR IMAGING 1 ...introduces the principles of vascular sonographic imaging. Learners perform a variety of peripheral vascular arterial and venous duplex exams. (Prerequisites: 10-526-200, Intro to DMS; 10-526-210, Cross Sectional Anatomy; 10-526-221, Sonography Physics 1)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

13

Summer Before Third Semester

10-526-203

Scanning with Proficiency

1

10-526-203 SCANNING WITH PROFICIENCY...provides learners with the opportunity to enhance their technical skills, accuracy, and proficiency in scanning the abdominal organs and female pelvis of the human body. This is a scanning course dedicated in continuing to prepare the learner for their first clinical experience. (Prerequisites: 10-526-207, Abdominal Sonography; 10-526-208, OB/GYN Sonography 1)

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-526-209

DMS Clinical Experience 1

2

10-526-209 DMS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 1 ...opportunities to apply scanning skills in a clinical setting. Students concentrate on ultrasound examinations of the abdominal organs. Participation in this course will take place at a hospital or clinic. (Prerequisites: 10-526-207, DMS-Abdominal Sonography; 10-526-208, DMS-OB/GYN Sonography 1)

Course Typically Offered: Summer

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Semester Total

6

Third Semester

10-526-211

Superficial Sonography

2

10-526-211 SUPERFICIAL SONOGRAPHY ...investigates superficial structure imaging. Includes anatomy, pathophysiology, and sonographic evaluation. Prepared learner to perform ultrasounds of the thyroid, breast, male reproductive system, musculoskeletal system, and GI tract. (Prerequisites: 10-526-207, Abdominal Sonography; 10-526-221, Sonography Physics 1; 10-526-222, Sonography Physics 2; 10-526-210, Cross Sectional Anatomy)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-526-212

OB/GYN Sonography 2

3

10-526-212 OB/GYN SONOGRAPHY 2 ...prepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the second and third-trimester pregnancy. Explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the female pelvis and the developing fetus. (Prerequisite: 10-526-208, OB/GYN Sonography 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-526-213

DMS Clinical Experience 2

3

10-526-213 DMS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 2 ...further experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during scanning procedures. (Prerequisite: 10-526-209, DMS Clinical Experience 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-526-224

Vascular Imaging 2

3

10-526-224 VASCULAR IMAGING 2 ...prepares learners to perform abdominal vascular and physiologic peripheral vascular exams. (Prerequisite: 10-526-223, Vascular Imaging 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

14

Fourth Semester

10-526-215

DMS Clinical Experience 3

4

10-526-215 DMS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 3 ...provides further opportunity for students to expand their skills in a clinical setting. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel. (Prerequisite: 10-526-213, DMS Clinical Experience 2)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-526-219

DMS Clinical Experience 4

3

10-526-219 DMS CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 4...prepares the student to assume the role of a sonographer. This course enhances the student's scanning and employee skills through clinical practice. Serves as a transition between student and employee. (Corequisite: 10-526-215, DMS Clinical Experience 3)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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Semester Total

7

Total Credits

71

Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-526-XXX courses and 10-501-101. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.

Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "B" is these courses may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements.

Program Outcomes

• Provide patient care and education.
• Adhere to the professional code of ethics for sonographers.
• Communicate with members of the healthcare team.
• Utilize medical technology for sonography.
• Complete diagnostic sonographic exams.

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

Accreditation

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 (727) 210-2350

Industry Credentials

Graduates are qualified to take the Obstetric/Gynecology, Abdomen, and Physics Boards through the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances for clinical experience. | Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain a current CPR certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements. | Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.