DISCONTINUED - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
No longer accepting applications for undergraduate curriculum.
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate of Science
Bachelor's of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Beckley
Course Outline
With its combination of high technology and hands-on work with patients, as well as excellent employment and salary prospects and a wide range of specialties, diagnostic medical sonography can provide a rewarding health sciences career. A bachelor’s degree in DMS from University of Charleston makes you eligible to apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers for examinations in physics, abdomen, obstetrics/gynecology, vascular, and echocardiography.
Sonographers can specialize in obstetrics/gynecology, abdominal, vascular, and/or cardiac Sonography.
After completion of the Associate's level requirements; students may apply for his/her Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Courses for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will be delivered through hybrid learning, hands on lab instruction, and clinical application in the hospital/clinic setting. Thus allowing the student pursuing his/her bachelor’s degree to obtain employment in the field while completing their degree. (*Note: Employment hours may not be counted towards educational clinical hours.)
UC-Beckley DMS Program Offers
- A Bachelor of Science degree which includes Abdomen, OB/Gyn, Vascular, and Adult Cardiac concentrations in one degree.
- Full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
- Students complete 5 clinical rotations and a minimum of 1,700 clinical hours in the hospital/clinic setting.
- Students complete 1,000+ hours in the labs on the UC Beckley campus with faculty who are registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
- Graduates of the Bachelor’s Degree are eligible to sit for the national registry in abdomen, ob/gyn, vascular and/or adult cardiac upon graduation.
Accreditation
The Bachelors of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) in the following concentrations: General, Cardiac, and Vascular.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Beckley
Course Outline
With its combination of high technology and hands-on work with patients, as well as excellent employment and salary prospects and a wide range of specialties, diagnostic medical sonography can provide a rewarding health sciences career. An associate’s degree in DMS from University of Charleston makes you eligible to apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers for examinations in physics, abdomen, and obstetrics/gynecology.
The Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography includes one semester of prerequisite courses, one semester of introductory DMS courses, and once fully accepted into the program; four semesters of didactic, lab, and clinical experiences in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The curriculum for the Associate’s degree is developed in a way that allows the graduate to continue on for his/her bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or begin work in general sonography upon graduation.
UC-Beckley DMS Program Offers
- An Associate of Science degree which includes Abdomen and OB/Gyn concentrations.
- Full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
- Students complete 3 clinical rotations and a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours in the hospital/clinic setting.
- Students complete 700+ hours in the labs on the UC Beckley campus with faculty who are registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
- Graduates of the Associate’s Degree are eligible to sit for the national registry in abdomen, ob/gyn upon graduation.
Accreditation
The Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) in the following concentrations: General, Cardiac, and Vascular.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
PROGRAM AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Program Criteria
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for admission to the University of Charleston’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- General admission to the university.
- Submission of $40.00 application fee to the university.
- Cumulative GPA: 2.75
- Submit DMS selection packet prior to December 1st.
- Successful completion of the following prerequisite and introductory sonography courses with a minimum grade of “C”:
- College Algebra
- General Physics or Radiographic Physics
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 212, BIOL 212L)
- Communication Skills (COMM 101)
- General Physics for Sonography (SONO 101)
- Foundations of Patient Care (SONO 201)
- Medical Terminology for Sonographers (SONO 202)
- Intro to Diagnostic Imaging (SONO 204)
- Intro to Diagnostic Imaging Lab (SONO 204L)
Please contact Tammy Mollohan, 304-352-0037 or tammymollohan@ucwv.edu for more detailed information on program admission requirements.
Program Prerequisites and Introductory Courses
Applicants are required to complete 13 hours of prerequisite courses as part of the selection process for the DMS program. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all prerequisite courses.
- MATH 121 College Algebra
- COMM 101 Freshman Writing I
- BIOL 212 Intro to Human Anat & Phys
- BIOL 212L Intro to Human Anat & Phys Lab
- General Physics or Radiographic Physics
13 Total credits
Additionally, applicants are required to complete 14 hours of introductory courses as part of the selection process for the DMS program. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all introductory courses in order to move into the selection process for the DMS program.
- General Physics for Sonography (SONO 101)
- Foundations of Patient Care (SONO 201)
- Medical Terminology for Sonographers (SONO 202)
- Intro to Diagnostic Imaging (SONO 204)
- Intro to Diagnostic Imaging Lab (SONO 204L)
Mission and Learning Outcomes
Mission
The mission of the diagnostic medical sonography program is to educate students for a life of productive work by assisting the physician for diagnostic purposes, enlightened living through developing cognitive clinical and professional skills in sonography, and engaged community involvement through social interaction.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the technical skills acquired in the program to sonographic examinations for diagnostic purposes.
- Have the cognitive ability to secure ARDMS registry status at the national level in abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular or adult echocardiography.
- Effectively communicate as sonographers by applying techniques that influence message meaning and clarity.
- Analyze strengths and weaknesses related to medical imaging and create strategies to address challenges.
- Devise and implement methods for continued learning of the discipline and growing as sonographers and members of society.
2016 Program Outcomes
Board Pass Rates
- Abdomen 80%
- OB/Gyn 100%
- Vascular 100%
- Cardiac 100%
A.S. Degree
- Attrition Rate: 14%
- Job Placement Rate: 83%
B.S. Degree
- Attrition Rate: 27%
- Job Placement Rate: 88%
2015 Program Outcomes
- 100% Board Pass Rate
- 100% Job Placement in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- 62% Attrition
- Bachelor's Degree Curriculum
- Associate of Science Curriculum
Bachelor's Degree Curriculum
Effective for Students who Enter the DMS Program after March 21, 2016.
Prerequisite Semester
Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” is required prior to taking Intro Courses for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- 3 MATH 121 College Algebra
- 3 COMM 101 Freshman Writing
- 3 BIOL 212 Intro to Human Anat & Phys
- 1 BIOL 212L Intro to Human Anat & Phys Lab
- 3 General Physics for Sonography
13 Total credits
After completion of the prerequisite requirements, students will be permitted to take courses in the first fall semester of the DMS program. Full acceptance into the DMS program requires a student to complete all prerequisite and SONO courses in the first fall semester with a minimum grade of “C”.
Three Year Curriculum
First Semester Fall
- 3 SONO 101 - General Physics for Sonography
- 3 SONO 201* - Foundations of Patient Care
- 3 SONO 202 - Medical Terminology for Sonographers
- 4 SONO 204 - Intro to Diagnostic Imaging
- 1 SONO 204L* - Intro to Diagnostic Imaging Lab
14 Total credits
Second Semester Spring
- 3 SONO 203* - Sonography Principles & Instrumentation
- 3 SONO 207 - Abdominal Sonography
- 2 SONO 208 - Pelvic Sonography
- 2 SONO 212L - General Sonography Scan Lab I
- 3 SONO 214* - Medical Ethics and Law
13 Total credits
Third Semester Summer
- 3 SONO 209* - OB Sonography
- 3 SONO 211 - Special Topics in Sonography
- 3 SONO 213* - Superficial Sonography
- 2 SONO 215L* - General Sonography Scan Lab II
- 1 SONO 303 - Seminar in Sonography Principles and Instr
- 3 Humn 101 - Intro to Humanities
15 Total credits
Fourth Semester Fall
- 1 SONO 307 - Seminar in Abdomen Sonography
- 5 SONO 309 - Clinical Practicum I General Sonography
- 5 SONO 314 - Clinical Practicum II General Sonography
- 3 SSCI 105 - Issues in Social Science
14 Total credits
Fifth Semester Spring
- 3 SONO 304 - Pathophysiology
- 1 SONO 308 - Seminar in OB/Gyn Sonography
- 5 SONO 318* - Clinical Practicum III General Sonography
- 3 HIST 211 - World Cultures I
12 Total credits
Sixth Semester Summer
- 3 SONO 401 - Cardiac Sonography
- 3 SONO 402 - Vascular Sonography
- 2 SONO 405L - Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab I
- 3 PSYC 342 - Social Psychology
- 3 HSCI 402 - Research I
14 Total credits
Seventh Semester Fall
- 3 SONO 404 - Cardiovascular Pathological Imaging
- 2 SONO 406L - Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab II
- 1 SONO 412 - Seminar in Vascular Sonography
- 6 SONO 422 - Clinical Practicum IV Cardiovascular Son
12 Total credits
Eighth Semester Spring
- 1 SONO 414 - Seminar in Cardiac Sonography
- 6 SONO 426* - Clinical Practicum V Cardiovascular Son
- 3 UNIV 459 - Senior Capstone
- 3 ENGL 307 - Appalachian Literature
13 Total credits
120 Total credits for program
SONO courses with an * indicates that one or more Liberal Learning Outcomes are embedded in the course.
STUDENTS MUST MAINTAIN A 2.75 CUMULATIVE GPA AND A 2.75 GPA IN ORDER TO PROGRESS IN THE DMS PROGRAM AND IN ORDER TO GRADUATE.
Associate of Science Curriculum
Effective for Students who Enter the DMS Program after March 21, 2016.
Prerequisite Semester
Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” is required prior to taking Intro Courses for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- 3 MATH 121 College Algebra
- 3 COMM 101 Freshman Writing
- 3 BIOL 212 Intro to Human Anat & Phys
- 1 BIOL 212L Intro to Human Anat & Phys Lab
- 3 General Physics for Sonography
13 Total credits
After completion of the prerequisite requirements, students will be permitted to take courses in the first fall semester of the DMS program. Full acceptance into the DMS program requires a student to complete all prerequisite and SONO courses in the first fall semester with a minimum grade of “C”.
Two Year Curriculum
First Semester Fall
- 3 SONO 101 - General Physics for Sonography
- 3 SONO 201* - Foundations of Patient Care
- 3 SONO 202 - Medical Terminology for Sonographers
- 4 SONO 204 - Intro to Diagnostic Imaging
- 1 SONO 204L* - Intro to Diagnostic Imaging Lab
14 Total credits
Second Semester Spring
- 3 SONO 203* - Sonography Principles & Instrumentation
- 3 SONO 207 - Abdominal Sonography
- 2 SONO 208 - Pelvic Sonography
- 2 SONO 212L - General Sonography Scan Lab I
- 3 SONO 214* - Medical Ethics and Law
13 Total credits
Third Semester Summer
- 3 SONO 209* - OB Sonography
- 3 SONO 211 - Special Topics in Sonography
- 3 SONO 213* - Superficial Sonography
- 2 SONO 215L* - General Sonography Scan Lab II
- 1 SONO 303 - Seminar in Sonography Principles and Instr
- 3 Humn 101 - Intro to Humanities
15 Total credits
Fourth Semester Fall
- 1 SONO 307 - Seminar in Abdomen Sonography
- 5 SONO 309 - Clinical Practicum I General Sonography
- 5 SONO 314 - Clinical Practicum II General Sonography
- 3 SSCI 105 - Issues in Social Science
14 Total credits
Fifth Semester Spring
- 1 SONO 308 - Seminar in OB/Gyn Sonography
- 5 SONO 318* - Clinical Practicum III General Sonography
6 Total credits
75 Total credits for program
SONO courses with an * indicates that one or more Liberal Learning Outcomes are embedded in the course.
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
CAREERS AND BEYOND
DMS career options include clinic, hospital or laboratory-based sonographers, and mobile sonographers, with additional opportunities in education, administration, or research. The following sites have more information and details:
Career Information
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
2745 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 350
Plano, TX 75093-8790
Phone: 1-800-229-9506
Fax: 214-473-8563
www.sdms.org
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
14750 Sweitzer Ln, Suite 100
Laurel, MD 20707-5906
Phone: 1-800-638-5352"
www.aium.org
American Society of Echocardiography
2100 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Ste. 310
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: 919-861-5574
Fax: 919-882-9900
www.asecho.org
Society for Vascular Sonography
4601 President’s Dive
Lanham, MD 20706-4831
Phone: 1-800-788-8346
Fax:301-459-5651
www.svunet.org
To demonstrate proficiency, sonographers may apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to take national certifying exams. Additionally, Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers certifying exams in cardiac and vascular. See sites for specific details.
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600
Rockville, Maryland 20852-1402
Phone: 301-738-8401 Toll Free: 1- 800-541-9754
Fax:301-459-5651
www.ardms.org
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 1-800-326-0268
Fax:919-787-4916
www.cci-online.org