Schools & Divisions
Description of the Profession
Within the radiologic sciences profession, there is a need for qualified diagnostic medical sonographers. These professionals require unique skills specific to the field of ultrasonography. Under the direction of a radiologist, the diagnostic medical sonographer is concerned with the proper operation of the ultrasound equipment and preparation of patients for various types of diagnostic procedures.
Upon request of a physician, the diagnostic medical sonographer examines various parts of the body by using sound waves. This imaging technique may reveal evidence of disease, injury, or other significant medical information.
Program goals and Learning Outcomes
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has set forth the following goals and student learning outcomes:
Goal 1: Student will demonstrate clinical competence.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate proper procedural skills.
- Students will select appropriate instrumentation controls.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate written communication skills
- Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
Goal 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will detail procedural and technical adaptations for a difficult patient.
- Students will evaluate sonographic images for quality.
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate professional values.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate appropriate professional values in the clinical setting.
- Students will abide by the ethical obligations of the ARDMS Code of Ethics.
Goal 5: Students will be involved in professional continuing education activities to instill a desire for lifelong learning.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will participate in professional continuing education.
- Students will become members of professional societies.
Goal 6: To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
- Students will take and pass the SPI examination on the first attempt.
- Students will take and pass the OB/Gyn examination on the first attempt.
- Students will take and pass the Abd/Sm Pts examination on the first attempt.
- Students will successfully complete the program in an 18-month time frame.
- Employers will express confidence in the overall quality of graduates' skills.
- Graduates will express confidence in the overall quality of their skills.
Graduates of the Program
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen /Small Parts, and OB/Gyn exams offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Length of the Program
A new class begins the professional course work in Summer Session II. The students will complete their professional portion at the end of the following fall semester.
Structure of the Professional Program
Classes are held during the day. Clinical experience is scheduled in cooperation with the clinical site and are also during normal daytime hours.
Design of the Professional Curriculum
Lectures, lab, and clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program.
Opportunity for Students to Work
Students may find full-time employment during the professional year difficult.
Description of Facilities
The classroom and offices of the Radiologic Sciences—DMS Concentration Program are located in the Dunes Medical/ Professional Building at IU Northwest. Clinical experience is provided at local hospitals.
Location of Clinicals
Clinical experiences occur in local hospitals, including Community Hospital, Munster; Franciscan Health, Crown Point; Franciscan Health, Michigan City; Northwest Health, LaPorte; Methodist Hospital of Gary, Inc. - Merrillville and Gary; St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart; Northwest Health Porter, Valparaiso; Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Harvey, IL Franciscan Health Rensselaer and Lafayette.