Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Accreditation

Idaho State University is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities (NWCCU).

Overview

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is designed to facilitate the development of professional diagnostic medical sonographers who have acquired the technical skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill the needs required in the medical imaging setting. The sonographer plays a vital role in the health care team. Due to the rapid growth of technology in the health care setting, there is an increased demand for qualified personnel.

Philosophy

Idaho State University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program was developed with the philosophy that didactic education and clinical experience, which includes “hands on,” should happen together for continuity during learning. Therefore, during the entire program, the student learns in the laboratory setting and applies those acquired skills in the clinical setting. This happens on a weekly basis. Furthermore, in the classroom, students acquire the theoretical information necessary to perform as sonographers. The next step involves laboratory experiences where the opportunity to apply technological skills is acquired by using phantoms and simulations. Students then progress and perfect their skills by working with sonographers in a clinical environment. Additionally, several of the classes taught in the program focus on specialized areas of sonographic imaging, such as pediatrics, echocardiology, and perinatology and are taught by experts in their respective fields. This is atypical of most Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs and is a unique feature that sets the program apart from other programs. Our philosophy is that students who learn from experts become experts. When graduation approaches, students are ready to enter the profession confidently.

Mission

The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to provide students with both the academic and technical foundations to competently and safely perform sonography exams and procedures, to prepare qualified diagnostic medical sonographers who will ethically respond to the needs of patients with technical competence and compassion, and to assume a vital professional role as a medical team member.

Core Values

The Radiographic Science Program is committed to the following core values:

  • Academics – promoting excellence in all academic endeavors.

  • Knowledge – recognizing the significance of new knowledge in a profession that is predisposed to change while maintaining traditional values and emphasizing the needs of the patient.

  • Dedication – helping meet the statewide and regional needs by providing access to quality education to prospective students.

  • Community – helping meet the needs of the community in the health care setting by providing competent, qualified sonographers who are eligible upon graduation to sit for the national certification examination in diagnostic medical sonography sponsored by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Certificate Program

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Idaho State University offers a certificate program.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is an undergraduate, 3 or 4 consecutive semesters (depending on the track chosen) beginning in the summer. To qualify for the program, applicants must first be graduates of a radiography program and currently registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (or be students in their final semester of a radiography program). During the first semester of the program student takes introductory sonography courses based in general imaging procedures and sonographic principles and instrumentation. During the next two or three semesters (depending on the track chosen), the student studies and practices the clinical application of sonography in the university laboratory and at affiliated hospitals and clinics. The graduate is eligible to take the national examination for certification administered by the ARDMS.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is designed to develop the technical skills and knowledge necessary for the student to satisfactorily function as a sonographer. Learning experiences enable the student to demonstrate competency in the technical aspect of the profession as well as human relations. The program further seeks to develop student interest in the professional societies and provides methodology to maintain competency upon graduation.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to work as a sonographer in a hospital, clinic, or private office and effectively perform his/her duties with patients in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner. Because of the rapid growth of the medical field, there is a need for well-trained sonographers.

Academic Standards

A grade of “C-” or better is required in all prerequisite and program specific courses. A student who fails to achieve a minimum of a “C-” grade in a course designated Radiographic Science (RS) will be dismissed from the program and prohibited from taking any further courses with the RS designation until the course(s) in question has/have been completed with (a) minimum grade(s) of “C-.”

The student is required to reapply to the program, in writing, at least one (1) month prior to the first day of classes of the semester in which readmission is sought. Additional details regarding readmission can be found in the current  Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Handbook.

Admission Procedures

Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive. Students will be evaluated and points awarded by using grades in radiography program curriculum including anatomy and physiology (with labs), cross-sectional anatomy, patient care, and pathophysiology. Radiography program GPA will also be evaluated; a minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required. Additional points are awarded to ISU graduates and residents of the State of Idaho. Procedures for admission to the program include:

  1. Complete procedures for admission to the University.

  2. Complete and return the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Application Form and $100 fee.

  3. Completion of either an associates or bachelors degree from an accredited radiography program.

  4. Submit official transcripts of all college and/or university courses completed, including advanced placement or dual-enrolled courses.

Application Deadline

The above admission procedures must be completed and received by the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program by February 15th of the year the student is seeking admission. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the application must be received by the Friday preceding the deadline date. The sonography program begins in the summer semester.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program

A student may be awarded a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography by fulfilling the following requirements:
Professional Curriculum

DMS 4400Introduction to Sonography1
DMS 4401Abdominal Sonography I2
DMS 4402Abdominal Sonography II1
DMS 4404OB/GYN Sonography I1
DMS 4405OB/GYN Sonography II1
DMS 4406OB/GYN Sonography III1
DMS 4407Sonography Physics and Instrumentation I1
DMS 4408Sonography Physics and Instrumentation II1
DMS 4409Sonography Physics and Instrumentation III1
DMS 4410Fundamentals of Sonography Lab I1
DMS 4411Fundamentals of Sonography Lab II1
DMS 4412Fundamentals of Sonography Lab III1
DMS 4413Sonography Case Studies I1
DMS 4414Sonography Case Studies II1
DMS 4415Sonography Case Studies III1
DMS 4416Vascular Sonography2
DMS 4417Superficial Structures in Sonography1
DMS 4418Breast Sonography1
DMS 4419Sonography Specialty Areas1
DMS 4451Research Principles in Sonography2
DMS 4476Sonography ARDMS Registry Review1
DMS 4491Applied Sonography I 14-6
DMS 4492Applied Sonography II 16-8
DMS 4493Applied Sonography III 16-8
DMS 4494Applied Sonography IV 26
Total Credits 46
1

Credit varies for 12-month vs 16-month curriculum.

2

Only required for 16-month curriculum.