Revised 08/2008

DMS 100 - Orientation to the Sonography Profession (1 CR.)

Course Description

Presents brief history of sonography profession, code of ethics, scope of practice, and technical standards. Lecture 1 hour per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to introduce the sonography student to the origins of sonography as a medical science and the role of the sonographer as a member of the health care team. Instruction is provided for the basic methods of maintaining patient privacy and safety. The physical demands required of students in the clinical setting will be reviewed before they are assigned to a health care facility. Course Prerequisites/Co-requisites None

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify the practice of sonography as a profession,
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sonography nomenclature and medical terminology as it applies to ultrasound,
  • Identify the imaging specialties within the sonography profession and describe the function of each,
  • Identify other components of the health care delivery system,
  • Discuss the philosophy and mission of the hospital,
  • Identify key administrative personnel and discuss their relationship with the sonography department,
  • Define accreditation, credential certification, licensure, and registration,
  • Describe purposes, functions and activities of professional organizations,
  • Identify national, state, and local organizations for the sonographer,
  • Discuss the general employment outlook and economic return for the graduate sonographer,
  • Discuss career advancement opportunities for the sonographer,
  • Identify the benefits of continuing education as related to patient care and professional enhancement,
  • Explain the purpose of technical standards as it applies to personnel and patients,
  • Describe student responsibility for patient safety.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Introduction, Course Mechanics, and Expectations
  • Personal Adjustment of the Sonography Student to Ultrasound Education
  • Dynamics of Learning
  • History of Medicine
  • Sonography: A Historic Perspective
  • Imaging Equipment and Image Quality
  • Language of Medicine
  • Ultrasound Examinations: Diagnosing Disease
  • Ethics and Professionalism in Patient Care
  • The Hospital Organization: An Overview
  • The Sonography Department
  • Growing with the Profession
  • Technical Standards and Protective Measures