Program Structure

Sonographers are highly skilled professionals qualified by education to perform imaging examinations and accompanying responsibilities at the direction of a physician qualified to request sonographic procedures. The program takes seriously its role in safeguarding the community by graduating only competent sonographers. For the safety and well being of all patients and the community, all graduates entering to profession of sonography will have met the rigorous requirements for graduation, thus enabling their eligibility to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certifying examinations. To successfully complete the program, the following requirements must be met.

Competent Practice

1. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and positioning to competently and accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on a sonographic image.
2. Apply knowledge of physics instrumentation to achieve the best diagnostic quality sonographic images possible.
3. Evaluate sonographic images for appropriate positioning and overall image quality.
4. Apply problem solving and critical thinking skills in the academic and clinical settings.

Safety

1. Apply principles of ultrasound safety to patients, self and others.
2. Apply knowledge of physics instrumentation to adhere to the ALARA principle.
3. Apply principles of infection control and standard precautions for the protection of patients, self and others.

Patient Care

1. Provide basic patient care and comfort to patients across the age continuum.
2. Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate life-saving first-aid and basic life-support procedures.

Professional Practice  
 

1.  Recognize when sonographic equipment is not operating properly and report equipment malfunctions to the proper authority.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the role quality assurance and continual quality improvement play in medical imaging.
3.  Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal and written medical communication in providing patient care and maintaining professional relationships with other members of the health care team.
4.  Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging  procedures.
5.  Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics and Practice Standards and perform clinically within the industry’s standard of care.
6.  Develop professionally beyond the program’s clinical and academic performance expectations (see Professional Development policy).

Qualifications

1. Pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation board examination through the ARDMS.
2. Demonstrate ARDMS/CCI board examination readiness in the specialty exam (Adult Echocardiography).