About the Program
This program description reflects updated curriculum that apply to the students entering in 2011.
This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography and is an intensive, six-semester program designed for individuals new to patient care. The last three semesters of the program are primarily clinical experience, and students may be placed in various hospitals and/or clinics in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, or beyond.
The program has limited enrollment and admits one class each summer.
Prerequisite courses must be completed or in progress prior to application for program admission. Prospective students interested in the program may contact the program director for details about the program admission process and timeline.
Courses and clinical experiences are offered as a weekday program, although some weekend clinicals may be scheduled.
Accreditation
The LCCC DMS Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of JRC-DMS.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727.210.2350
About the Career
The diagnostic medical sonographer
is a skilled person qualified academically and clinically to perform ultrasound exams while working closely with a qualified physician. To create an ultrasound image, the sonographer must have an in-depth knowledge of physics, disease processes, human anatomy, and sonographic technique. Physicians depend on the sonographer’s knowledge to evaluate normal and abnormal body parts.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a
diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the human body. Sonographers use state-of-the-art technology to scan patients and obtain images of the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, and fetus to aid in the diagnosis of a disease. Sonography is a profession that requires a high degree of independence, judgment, knowledge, maturity, and stamina.
Most sonographers seek employment in medical clinics and hospitals.
Drug Screening and Criminal Background Checks
Clinical sites require a drug screening and criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting. (Any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student.) Clinical sites may also require random drug testing and/or drug testing for reasonable cause. Testing positive on the drug screening or evidence of tampering with a specimen will disqualify a student from participation from clinical assignment.
In addition to drug screening, for the safety of patients and health care workers, child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies prior to a clinical assignment. Certain criminal activity, as evidenced by a criminal background check, may also disqualify a student from clinical participation.