Central New Mexico Community College

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

General Information

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a rapidly growing imaging modality, which permits the localization, and imaging of internal structures and provides the information needed to diagnose medical abnormalities.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) training guides the student in developing the skills needed in order to function as a diagnostic medical sonographer.  Theory, relating to these skills, is taught to provide the student with the background of knowledge and behaviors pertinent to effective sonography skills.  The curriculum includes a background of basic science, the study of interpersonal relationships and simple to complex sonography learning tasks.  Theoretical concepts are applied in planned laboratory assignments and clinical experiences.  Individual supervision is provided with the purpose of helping each student achieve optimum potentials including interactive communication skills, psychomotor skills & cognitive skills.  Training includes instruction in the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology and superficial structures.  Upon completion, students can expect to be employed in an outpatient diagnostic facility, a private physician’s office, a private sonographic practice or a hospital. 

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a technologist who is well versed in human anatomy & physiology and skilled in the operation of specialized imaging equipment.  A sonographer uses advanced computerized technology and high frequency sound waves to produce images of human anatomy to assist the physician in the diagnosis of medical abnormalities.  The sonographer must possess excellent communication skills, be able exercise good judgment, must work well with other team members, or work autonomously.  The successful sonographer has the ability to conceptualize in 3-dimensional form, has good psychomotor skills, employs intellectual curiosity, uses accurate analytical capabilities, is self-directed, has emotional maturity, and is highly motivated and dedicated to the care of others.

 PROGRAM CURRICULUM

JANUARY 2008

Course Descriptions

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

According to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, sonographers must be able to:

JOB PLACEMENT

The DMS Program currently a 100% job placement rate.  Some Graduates have relocated – not all placements have been in the Albuquerque area.

JOB MARKET

Please log on to this US Bureau of Labor and statistics website for the national occupational outlook: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2001/summer/art04.pdf .  You will find more information on the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers website: www.sdms.org .

INFORMATION SESSIONS:

Program Description/Petitioning Process – 2008-2009

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a four-term (fourteen month) program that provides didactic, lab and clinical experiences to attain the knowledge skills and professional behaviors necessary for employment in medical facilities and physicians’ offices. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to perform medical imaging procedures using diagnostic medical sonography techniques. The program prepares graduates to sit for the national board exams administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Successful completion of this exam results in attaining the RDMS credentials (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer). The program is currently accredited  by CAAHEP (Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs)

16 students begin the DMS Program each January.  Qualified applicants must Petition for entry into the Program.  All Prerequisite Courses and General Education Courses must be completed prior to Petitioning.

Prior to enrollment in DMS Clinical Courses (second semester of the Program) students are required to complete a physical exam and provide evidence of current immunizations. Students are required to provide their own transportation to classes, labs and clinicals. Students will be required to attend Clinical Rotations up to 2 hours away from Albuquerque, and may be scheduled on weekends or evening shifts.  A $60.00 uniform fee covers cost of uniform scrubs, name tags, parking, and preventive lab tests in case of exposure to blood. Students must purchase their own textbooks.

PLEASE NOTE: The DMS Program has revised the selection process and entry requirements; the following reflects the new requirements.

Pre-requisites:

§         High School Diploma or GED

§         Completion of TVI Application for Admission

General Education Requirements

Other Requirements:

Workeys Assessment Tests with a score of 5 (five) or greater:

•        Reading for Information

•        Locating Information

•        Applied Mathematics

You may take the tests in the Workeys Testing Center located in the Ted Chavez building, room 107.  These tests must be completed prior to petitioning for entrance into the Program.  Contact Maggie Sumruld at 224-4235 to schedule your tests.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Core Requirements

THE PETITION PROCESS – Fall 2008

The DMS Program will begin accepting Petitions in the fall of 2008 for the class beginning in January 2009

Qualified applicants must follow a selection procedure in which specific academic information is submitted as a packet to the Director of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.  This “Petition for Selection” process allows us to determine when students will enter the Program.  You must complete the “Petition Packet”, including all required documents and submit them to the Health, Wellness & Public Safety Support Center in JS 310 of the Jeannette Stromberg Building.

PETITION PACKETS:

Petition packets will be available from the Health, Wellness & Public Safety Support Center (JS 310) at the start of the fall term.  Completed packets will be accepted until mid-October.

You must have the following Arts & Sciences classes successfully completed (grade "C" or better) before you petition.  Combined GPA in these courses must equal 2.5 or greater.