Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

DMS-101. Fundamentals of Ultrasound. (1 Credit)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic ultrasound environment and basic ultrasound concepts. History of ultrasound including medical applications. Description of the roles, responsibilities, and rules of the diagnostic medical sonographer. Introduction to the fundamental principles of the use and maintenance of ultrasound equipment. Indications of diagnostic sonography procedures, positioning, safety, and image processing. Legal and ethical issues in an ultrasound department as well as principles of patient care to prepare students to work in a healthcare setting. (2 contact hours)

DMS-102. Patient Care and Procedures. (2 Credits)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic ultrasound environment and basic ultrasound concepts. History of ultrasound including medical applications. Description of the roles, responsibilities, and rules of the diagnostic medical sonographer. Introduction to the fundamental principles of the use and maintenance of ultrasound equipment. Indications of diagnostic sonography procedures, positioning, safety, and image processing. Legal and ethical issues in an ultrasound department as well as principles of patient care to prepare students to work in a healthcare setting. (3 contact hours)

DMS-103. Abdominal Sonography I. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to present a comprehensive study of normal and abnormal anatomy and sonographic appearances of abdominal structures and small parts. Normal and abnormal variants including physiology, pertinent laboratory tests, scanning techniques and protocols, transducer selection, exam preparation and correlation with patient medical history and the findings of other imaging modalities are covered in this course. (3 contact hours)

DMS-104. OB/GYN Sonography I. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to present a comprehensive study of normal and abnormal anatomy and sonographic appearances of obstetric and gynecologic structures. Normal and abnormal variants including physiology, pertinent laboratory tests, scanning techniques and protocols, transducer selection, exam preparation and correlation with patient medical history and the findings of other imaging modalities are covered in this course. (3 contact hours)

DMS-105. Abdominal Sonography II. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to present a comprehensive study of normal and abnormal anatomy and sonographic appearances of abdominal structures and small parts. Normal and abnormal variants including physiology, pertinent laboratory tests, scanning techniques and protocols, transducer selection, exam preparation and correlation with patient medical history and the findings of other imaging modalities are covered in this course. (3 contact hours)

DMS-107. DMS Clinical Practicum I. (1 Credit)

This course is designed to provide clinical experience and hands-on training of ultrasound imaging. Demonstration of image critique, image quality, technical factors, scanning techniques, and protocols as well as interpretation of normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular structures. This course also provides an opportunity for the student to review and interpret interesting case studies. (8 contact hour)

DMS-109. Principles and Instrumentation I. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the fundamental principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Topics include the properties of sound, wave behavior, interaction of sound with tissue, transducers, and image formation. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in applying physical principles to sonographic imaging. Emphasis is placed on understanding how instrumentation and physics concepts affect image quality and diagnostic accuracy, preparing students for advanced coursework and the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination. (3 contact hours)

DMS-110. DMS Clinical Practicum II. (1 Credit)

This course is designed to provide clinical experience and hands-on training of ultrasound imaging. Demonstration of image critique, image quality, technical factors, scanning techniques, and protocols as well as interpretation of normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular structures. This course also provides an opportunity for the student to review and interpret interesting case studies. (8 contact hour)

DMS-111. Principles and Instrumentation II. (3 Credits)

This course is a continuation of DMS-109, with emphasis on advanced ultrasound physics and instrumentation concepts. Topics include hemodynamics, Doppler physics, advanced image processing, harmonic and 3D/4D imaging, quality assurance, and safety standards. Laboratory sessions provide practice in applying Doppler and hemodynamic principles, identifying artifacts, and performing quality assurance testing. Successful completion prepares students for advanced scanning practice and the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination. (3 contact hours)

DMS-114. Sonography Applications. (2 Credits)

This course emphasizes the application and integration of sonographic principles across abdominal, obstetric/gynecologic, and vascular imaging. Students will review normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, and sonographic appearances while applying standardized scanning protocols and techniques. Correlation with patient history, laboratory values, and findings from other imaging modalities is explored to support diagnostic reasoning. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities to practice transducer selection, exam preparation, image optimization, and comprehensive scanning workflows. Case-based learning and simulated patient scenarios reinforce critical thinking, documentation, and professional practice skills. (3 contact hours)

DMS-116. Imaging and Cross-Sectional Anatomy. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of sectional anatomy pertinent to ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Standard transverse, parasagittal, and coronal planes are included, utilizing images from all three imaging modalities. A discussion of technique, artifacts, and pathology-related alterations of cross-sectional anatomic appearances is included. (4 contact hours)

DMS-206. OB/GYN Sonography II. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to present a comprehensive study of normal and abnormal anatomy and sonographic appearances of obstetric and gynecologic structures. Normal and abnormal variants including physiology, pertinent laboratory tests, scanning techniques and protocols, transducer selection, exam preparation and correlation with patient medical history and the findings of other imaging modalities are covered in this course. (3 contact hours)

DMS-208. Legal and Ethical Procedures. (2 Credits)

This course is designed to provide a study of advanced topics in sonography related to health care delivery systems, legal responsibilities, and ethical dilemmas. Emphasis is placed on applying the Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics to case-based scenarios, understanding health care regulations, and examining quality management in diagnostic imaging. Building upon the foundational concepts introduced in DMS-101 Fundamentals of Ultrasound and the patient care applications in DMS-102 Patient Care and Procedures, this course advances student knowledge through applied case studies, malpractice discussions, and analysis of contemporary ethical issues in health care. (3 contact hours)

DMS-212. DMS Vascular Sonography. (2 Credits)

This course introduces the principles of vascular ultrasound, including hemodynamics, Doppler applications, and imaging techniques used in evaluating cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial, and venous systems. Emphasis is placed on normal anatomy, physiology, sonographic landmarks, and basic vascular protocols. Laboratory practice includes scanning vascular structures, applying Doppler, and performing preliminary vascular studies. (3 contact hours)

DMS-213. DMS Clinical Practicum Ill. (4 Credits)

This course is designed to provide clinical experience and hands-on training of ultrasound imaging. Demonstration of image critique, image quality, technical factors, scanning techniques, and protocols as well as interpretation of normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular structures. This course also provides an opportunity for the student to review and interpret interesting case studies. (24 contact hours)

DMS-215. DMS Clinical Practicum IV. (4 Credits)

This course is designed to provide clinical experience and hands-on training of ultrasound imaging. Demonstration of image critique, image quality, technical factors, scanning techniques, and protocols as well as interpretation of normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular structures. This course also provides an opportunity for the student to review and interpret case studies. (24 contact hours)

DMS-217. DMS Capstone. (1 Credit)

This course is designed to prepare students for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification examinations in Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) and specialty areas such as Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN). Through discussion, case study analysis, image evaluation, mock examinations, and review of key didactic and clinical concepts, students will reinforce the knowledge and skills required for successful credentialing and entry-level practice. Emphasis will be placed on advanced image interpretation, integration of patient history with sonographic findings, and professional readiness. (1 contact hour)