Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AASDMS

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers also known as ultrasound technologists or sonographers are highly skilled professionals who use specialized equipment to create images or structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. Sonographers demonstrate behavior and ethics consistent with standards and ethics of all imaging science professionals. Sonographers are involved in critical thinking skills, clinical decision making and patient education.

The profession of diagnostic medical sonography includes general sonography, cardiac sonography, vascular technology and various other subspecialties. BGSU Firelands provides a rigorous program that instructs students how to recognize, identify and appropriately document normal and variant anatomical structures. Medical sonographers are employed in hospitals, clinics, private practices, mobile services, laboratories and public health facilities. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research and in commercial companies such as education/ application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.

Graduates of the program will be held to the Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography as defined by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Following admission to the University, the student is responsible for filing a separate application with the diagnostic medical sonography program director.

Students must meet the following criteria:

1. Graduated from an accredited high school having attained a GPA of 2.5 or GED or have completed twelve semester hours of college work with an overall GPA or 2.5 or higher;
2. Formally admitted to BGSU;
3. Completed developmental courses in the university writing program, reading and study strategies, or math, if more than six credits are required (bases upon COMPASS test results);
4. Completed a 4-8 hour observation experience in a clinical ultrasound location;
5. Participated in a personal interview in which attitude and enthusiasm for the program will be considered;
6. Submit a criminal history background check allowing students to enter clinical settings, as required by Ohio law.

After gaining admittance to the program, students must meet the following minimum requirements to be in good standing and continue in the program:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
2. Earn a grade of “C” or “S” or higher in DMS program courses.
3. Demonstrate the achievement of competency in all areas of clinical practice.
4. Comply with DMS clinical policies and procedures; failure to comply will result in ineligibility to continue in the program.

To be admitted to clinical directed practice, the students must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete prerequisite coursework in good standing;
2. Pass a criminal history background check and drug screening;
3. Meet all physical requirements to perform the essential functions of a student sonographer, as evidenced by a completed physical examination on file with the program;
4. Sign a BGSU liability waiver form;
5. Submit a copy of a current CPR card, indicating completion of an AHA Health Care Provider course;
6. Review and agree to comply with guidelines in the Student Clinical Handbook.

While admission to the program is closely tied to the number of clinical spaces, occasionally exceptions can occur that are beyond the control of BGSU Firelands. In the event that the number of eligible students exceeds clinical space available, admission to the clinical directed practice may be determined by a rank order based upon date of acceptance into the program, college grade point average, program hours completed, and the recommendation of program personnel.

Students are responsible for the following expenses related to participation in the clinical directed practice:

1. Pre-clinical physical examination, including lab work and immunizations.
2. Textbooks and/or clinical training manuals and folders.
3. Lab fees.
4. Transportation to and from clinical sites.
5. Scrub attire, lab costs, and other appropriate uniform attire.
6. BGSU Firelands student name tag.

Items that may be provided to students by clinical sites at no cost include:

1. Facility identification badges/name tags;
2. Parking at most clinical sites;
3. Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by BGSU Firelands.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from this program will possess the following knowledge, skills and behaviors:

• Understand the relationship between theoretical and clinical components of the curriculum and apply these principles of proper anatomical part presentation, pathological adjustments required for optimal examination, quality of image, and care for all patient age groups at a rate not less than 74%, as evidenced in student grade and competency records.
• Apply interpersonal skills appropriately to meet the needs of patients in a variety of clinical settings, as documented in directed practice assessment at the level of satisfactory.
• Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate didactic knowledge and clinical information relative to the role as entry-level general sonographers.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in clinical and scanning skills necessary to fulfill the role of entry-level general sonographer for the general concentration.
• Demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer standards and expectations for an entry-level general sonographer.
• To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for or Abdominal sonography- extended.
• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for Obstetrics and gynecology sonography.
• Complete the credentialing examination administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARMDS) as documented by the report of the registry results to the program. Pass rate to exceed programmatic accreditation standards.
• Demonstrate independent decision making and competent skills performance in the role of primary care provider in a broad range of sonography and intervention services, as determined by an analysis of employer surveys and graduate surveys.