Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AS)
Associate of Science Degree Program
Overview
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program offers a comprehensive, rigorous learning curriculum, combining the expanding arena of health care with the cutting edge of information technology. The DMS program will prepare the student to become an essential member of the health imaging team of professionals. The instruction is intended for students who wish to seek employment as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Abdominal and OB/GYN (general concentration) ultrasound. Topics covered include abdominal and obstetrical ultrasound examination techniques, demonstrating competency and skill in identification of the organs, systems and superficial structures of the abdominal and pelvic cavity, the female reproductive system and its function and proper imaging technique and protocols.
The DMS program is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) allowing graduates to take the ARRT certification board exam in Sonography. Learn More.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Learning Options
The medical field is always expanding and is always in need of more skilled professionals. Get your start by pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with ASA.
In our on-campus program, you will learn how to handle sonographic equipment, manipulate sonographic transducers, and evaluate images in order to help reach a diagnosis. You’ll have the chance to interact with physicians, and the final two semesters of the program include externships where you can learn on the job as well as in the classroom.
In addition to all of the scientific learning, our program also covers a discussion of ethics in the world of medicine and a rundown of the day-to-day operations of a typical, modern-day medical facility. It all begins in the classroom at our Miami campus.
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Students will be able to appropriately interpret the prescription and sonographic images as well as comprehend pathological findings and appearance on the sonographic image(s). They will learn to manipulate sonographic transducers and sonographic equipment while applying theoretical knowledge to appropriately evaluate images and communicate with physicians to reach a diagnosis. Students will learn the problem-solving techniques of a critical thinker and how to appropriately communicate in the health care arena while applying the appropriate corrective measures. Discussion of ethical, legislative, and regulatory issues relative to the day-to-day operations of a health care facility is also included in this up-to-date, real-world curriculum. Externship courses offered in the last two semesters provides students with the opportunity to supplement course work with practical work experience related to the program and its learning outcomes.
Students in the program are eligible to sit for the SPI (Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation) exam following completion of DMS 110 Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation and passing with a letter grade of C or above. Taking this step is recommended for the clinical courses.
The program is approved by the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) and graduates of the program qualify to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification board exam in sonography. Once a graduate has passed the ARRT exam in sonography, they are eligible and encouraged to sit for the ARDMS credentialing exam in the Abdomen and/or OB/GYN concentrations, a preference for Florida employers
The objective of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is to prepare graduates to consistently and professionally perform an abdominal or obstetrical (general concentration) examination in the clinical setting. The program strives to reach its objective(s) by adhering to its mission and by meeting or exceeding its goals ongoing. The program’s mission is to achieve its commitment to excellence in education demonstrated by providing a combination of entry-level education, practical skills and clinical instruction supported by assessment within the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains. The program supports the vision, values and mission of ASA College by striving to be the premier education resource in the community for sonographers.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of ASA College is committed to excellence in education demonstrated by providing a combination of entry-level education, practical skills and clinical instruction supported by assessment within the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains. The program supports the vision, values and mission of ASA College by striving to be the premier education resource in the community for sonographers.
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Perform culturally competent patient care using verbal, written, and nonverbal communication.
- Demonstrate proficiency in image production technologies utilizing basic physics and mathematical principles of ultrasound for the evaluation and selection of representative images within the general concentration.
- Exhibit leadership skills and ethical behavior while cognizant of the moral and social responsibilities of the profession.
- Employ psychomotor and affective skills development for professional growth as a commitment to life-long learning.
- Apply critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills to problem-solving.
Demand for sonography professionals will continue to increase through 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 25% increase in health care jobs as the population grows and ages. Health care occupational groups are expected to account for more than 5.3 million new jobs by 2022, about one-third of the total employment growth.
Graduates can obtain employment in hospitals, clinics, working alongside radiologists, OB-GYN practitioners as well as other related medical facilities.