Multispecialty Sonography, AS

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Sonography is an advanced technology that uses sound waves to generate images used for assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. The 21-month accredited sonography program at NMC provides students with the knowledge and hands-on clinical training to become a certified sonographer.

The curriculum at NMC focuses on different parts of the body. The obstetrics and gynecologic portion focuses on imaging of the female reproductive system and includes one of the more well-known uses of sonography - examining the fetus of a pregnant woman to follow the baby's growth and development.

The abdominal portion of the curriculum involves learning the anatomy of the abdominal cavity to help diagnose and treat conditions primarily involving the aorta, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen. During the program you will also focus on the breast, thyroid and male reproductive system.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the U. S. median salary in May 2021 for diagnostic medical sonographers was $75,380 per year, with a much faster than average projected job growth of 10 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Program Perks

This Associate of Science degree in sonography is a 21-month program.
Students are able to sit for abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology examinations by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
In addition to student-focused instruction and laboratory learning experiences, students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical training at hospitals and clinics throughout Omaha and the surrounding areas.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Multispecialty Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. (727) 210-2350. www.caahep.org

JRC-DMS
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043
jrcdms.org

Graduates are able to sit for examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)

Admissions Information

Criteria

In order to be eligible for admission into our Multispecialty Sonography program, you must meet all of the following criteria.

Prerequisite courses must be completed
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
High school diploma or GED
College academic record
Meet program technical standards for performance.
Job shadowing experience highly encouraged. We understand hours are not readily available due to COVID-19. Shadowing/observation hours are not required for the 2023 application cycle.

Requirements

To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

Undergraduate Application
Sonography admissions essay
Résumé
Program/Career Awareness Questionnaire
Official high school transcript
Official GED test scores, if applicable
Official transcripts from all colleges attended, if applicable
Sonography observation timesheet — (Optional)

Deadlines

Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted from deadlines throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and students will be notified of their application status by letter or phone.

Starting Term - Fall 2023

Standard Deadline - This program has reached capacity; however, prospective students can apply to be added to our alternate list. Alternates may be offered a seat based upon availability.

Costs & Financial Aid

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

Cost Per Credit Hour

$598

NMC Scholarships

NMC Scholarships consist of funds generously provided by the Methodist Hospital Foundation to assist our students.

Student Grants or Loans

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

External Scholarships

Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

Calculate Your Net Price

Nebraska Methodist College Net Price Calculator.

Curriculum

The program requires a minimum of 76 credit hours. All students are required to complete specific coursework. This list should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change.

Included within this list is the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum. All students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree at Nebraska Methodist College must complete this set of Arts and Sciences requirements. As an educated citizen, NMC graduates are competent practitioners and respond productively to the complex dynamics of the world, utilizing a diversity of disciplines and perspectives.

First year - First Semester

HUM 150

THE WORLD OF IDEAS: CRITICAL REASONING AND RHETORIC

DETAILS

There is a strong relationship between thinking clearly and expressing thoughts in formal writing and public speaking. Using the skills of logic and critical thinking, students will examine ideas, analyze and evaluate the arguments of others, and advocate for their own ideas. Students will be introduced to the NMC Portfolio process. HUM 150 is to be taken in the first semester, unless designated in the second semester by the program of study.

SCI 206

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY

DETAILS

This survey course begins with a major focus on cellular function and pathology, including inflammation, infection, immune response, metabolism, and fluid disequilibria. These concepts serve as the foundation for the course as alterations in various bodily functions are examined. Alterations in body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis; fluid acid/base balance; gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory, cardiac, endocrine and neurological functions are emphasized. The student will be introduced to pharmacological principles of commonly used classes of medications. The various drug classifications and general characteristics of drugs within a class are examined. These characteristics include the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, side effects, adverse effects and drug interactions of common drugs within each class.

Prerequisites: SCI 200

HPS 100

Healthcare Fundamentals I

DETAILS

This course serves as an overview for all members of the health care delivery team. The focus is placed on the basic skills needed to perform quality patient care, relationships with other health care team members, patient safety and scope of practice for each profession, vital signs, HIPAA, infection control, invasive procedures and self-care.

DMS 140

APPLIED SECTIONAL ANATOMY

DETAILS

This course provides an introduction to the basics of cross-sectional anatomy of the head, neck, chest, abdomen andpelvic anatomy with emphasis on structures visualized in diagnostic medical sonography, computerized tomography(CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. The anatomy will be evaluated in multiple planes.

DMS 206

SONOGRAPHIC PHYSICS I

DETAILS

This course will introduce fundamental sonographic theory including terminology, equipment, basic transducer construction and function, introduction to Doppler, and adjusting system controls for image acquisition. This course will cover beginning concepts in sonographic physics including pulsed sound parameters, intensities, and interactions of sound with media, range equation, transducers, sound beams, and axial and lateral resolution.

DMS 206L

SONOGRAPHIC PHYSICS I LAB

DETAILS

This lab will provide the students with hands-on experience in the use of diagnostic medical sonography equipment. Students will learn how to properly hold and manipulate the transducer, properly adjust equipment settings to create diagnostic images, identify image orientation as it relates to various scanning planes, and to properly set Doppler controls.

Prerequisites: This course is a co-requisite with DMS 206 Sonographic Physics I for multispecialty sonography students.

DMS 209

SONOGRAPHIC SEMINAR I

DETAILS

This course facilitates the student’s entry into diagnostic medical sonography. Students explore personal and professional values in relation to the healthcare setting. Students acquire skills to assist them with time management, building critical thinking skills, and the ability to professionally communicate in the field of sonography.

First year - Second Semester

DMS 221

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND I

DETAILS

This course will study the clinical applications of abdominal sonography which will include positioning and scanning protocol. Anatomical structures to be covered will include: abdominal vasculature, liver, gallbladder and biliary system, pancreas, spleen, and urinary tract. Invasive procedures and small parts protocol will also be discussed. Interpretation and critique of normal anatomy with correlation of clinical, didactic and image information will be presented. Lecture will coincide appropriately with DMS 223 to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and laboratory application.

Prerequisites: DMS 140, DMS 206, DMS 209

DMS 223

ULTRASOUND LAB I

DETAILS

This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the abdomen, female pelvis and 2nd trimester fetus and all related structures. Coursework will include techniques for proper identification and representation of the normal anatomical structures as well as demonstrations and discussion on the proper scanning techniques and positioning utilized to obtain optimum diagnostic images. Lab will coincide appropriately with DMS 221, DMS 228 and DMS 281 to facilitate a simultaneous understanding of didactic and laboratory application.

Prerequisites: DMS 140, DMS 206, DMS 209

DMS 228

GYNECOLOGIC ULTRASOUND I

DETAILS

This course is designed to explore the fundamentals of evaluating the non-gravid female pelvis as it relates to ultrasound.The primary focus of this course will be a comprehensive overview of the normal anatomy, physiology and ultrasoundevaluation of the female pelvis and reproductive system.

Prerequisites: DMS 140, DMS 206, DMS 209, SCI 206

DMS 281

OBSTETRICS ULTRASOUND I

DETAILS

This course will provide an in depth study of the specific anatomy and sonographic anatomy of the developing embryo and fetus from first -third trimester necessary for the clinical practice of obstetric sonography.

DMS 306

SONOGRAPHIC PHYSICS II

DETAILS

This course continues where DMS 206 leaves off. The following sonographic principles are covered: real-time imaging, pulse echo instrumentation, displays and image processing, dynamic range, harmonics and contrast agents, hemodynamics, Doppler principles, Doppler optimization, artifacts, quality assurance and bioeffects.

Prerequisites: DMS 206

DMS 288

HIGH RESOLUTION STRUCTURES

DETAILS

This course focuses on the anatomy, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the neck, thyroid, breast, scrotum, superficial aspect of the extremities, musculoskeletal. Coursework will familiarize the student with scanning techniques and protocols to evaluate normal sonographic appearance, abnormal sonographic appearances, and ability to identify specific pathological conditions as demonstrated on sonographic images. Correlation of pertinent clinical history, symptoms, clinical laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: DMS 221, DMS 228, DMS 272, DMS 281, DMS 306

HUM 219

MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS

DETAILS

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of medical laws, ethical principles and bioethics for the healthcare practitioner. The application of these fundamental principles will be applied using current medical-legal issues and bioethical dilemmas of today. The course is designed to improve the student’s ability to critically think and make sound decisions that are in alignment with professional ethics and values, integrity and judgment. The course will include such areas as confidentiality, privacy, consents, responsible practice, professionalism, bioethical dilemmas, and key legal aspects that influence the healthcare practitioner.

First year - Third Semester

COM 255/262

Beginning Healthcare Spanish or American Sign Language Basic Skills

DETAILS

Access to healthcare is greatly affected by one's command of language. Students in this course engage in the exploration of language and culture then apply these concepts to the healthcare environment through service-learning and community engagement. Students develop practical communication skills that enable effective cross-cultural work with health professionals and clients with backgrounds different from their own. This course lasts over the entire semester.

DMS 280

CLINICAL PRACTICUM I

DETAILS

This course is designed to provide hands-on experience in the clinical setting and to familiarize the student with the daily activities in an Ultrasound Department. By working closely with the clinical instructors and the staff technologists, the student will actively participate in exams, patient care, and everyday maintenance of the ultrasound department. The clinical rotations will help the students develop skills in abdominal, OB/GYN and high resolution sonography.

Prerequisites: DMS 221, DMS 223, DMS 228, DMS 272, DMS 281, DMS 305

DMS 276

ULTRASOUND LAB II

DETAILS

This course will focus on applying ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the abdomen, small parts, 2^nd trimester fetus and all related structures. Coursework will include techniques for proper identification and representation of the normal anatomical structures as well as demonstrations and discussion on the proper scanning techniques and positioning utilized to obtain optimum diagnostic images. Lab will build on the principles of DMS 223.

Prerequisites: DMS 221, DMS 223, DMS 228, DMS 281, DMS 305

DMS 321

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND II

DETAILS

A continuation of Abdominal Ultrasound I, with emphasis on pathology seen in the abdominal system of the adult and pediatric patient. Students will become familiar with the clinical symptoms, lab values associated with specific pathologies. Abnormal case studies will be reviewed.

Prerequisites: DMS 221, DMS 223L

HUM 220-279

The World of Ideas: Humanities Elective

DETAILS

Students may choose a World of Ideas elective course. The course must be categorized within one of the following three sections: The World of Ideas: Human Connection The World of Ideas: Historical Perspectives The World of Ideas: The Arts See All Humanities Course Descriptions for specific course information.

Second year - First Semester

DMS 285

CLINICAL PRACTICUM II

DETAILS

As a continuation of Clinical Practicum I, the students will receive hands-on experience in a variety of settings with exposure to a vast array of ultrasound systems. By working closely with the clinical instructors and the staff technologists, the student will more actively participate in exams, patient care, and everyday maintenance of the ultrasound department. The clinical rotations will help the students continue to develop their skills in abdominal, OB/GYN and high resolution sonography.

Prerequisites: DMS 276, DMS 280, DMS 288

DMS 328

GYNECOLOGIC ULTRASOUND II

DETAILS

This course is a continuation of DMS 228, Gynecologic Ultrasound I. The primary focus of this course will be a comprehensive overview of pathology related to the female pelvis, particularly the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Prerequisites: DMS 276, DMS 280, DMS 288

DMS 381

OBSTETRICS ULTRASOUND II

DETAILS

A continuation of Obstetrics Ultrasound I, this course will place emphasis on fetal anomalies that can occur across the gestational period. Importance will be placed on identification of the pathological processes, sonographic appearances, correlation with the clinical history and diagnostic testing or procedures, and clinical management options. Topics will include, but are not limited to: maternal diseases and potential fetal consequences; multiple gestation; management of high risk pregnancies; assessment of fetal well being; role of Doppler; interventional procedures; and advanced technologies currently used in obstetrics. Abnormal case studies will be reviewed.

WMI 345

ADVANCED BREAST IMAGING

DETAILS

This course is designed to explore the multiple topics in the area of breast imaging. The primary focus of this course will be a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of the breast, multiple imaging modalities focused on breast sonography, as well as benign and malignant conditions involving the breast.

DMS 360

Clinical Reasoning

DETAILS

The focus of this class will be on sonographic anatomy, developing a clinical hypothesis, and establishing a differential diagnosis for commonly encountered sonographic pathology in Abdomen, Obstetrics, GYN and small parts. Students will be called upon to integrate information from Sonographic Anatomy and Interpretation, Physics and Instrumentation, Pathophysiology, and Anatomy-Physiology.

Prerequisites: DMS 221, DMS 228, DMS 281, DMS 288, DMS 321

Second year - Second Semester

SSC 235

THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE

DETAILS

This course explores the ways in which human beings make and remake the meaning of their social world through the production of culture. It employs sociological methods to explore the construction of the dominant, white subculture in the United States. The same methodologies are employed to examine the construction of subcultures in the United States, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.

SSC 325

APPLIED ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH

DETAILS

Evidence-based practice is an important component of effective clinical management. This course allows students to develop skills in applied statistics and research while learning to critically examine healthcare information from a variety of sources, including but not limited to professional journals, governmental reports and public media.

DMS 307

SONOGRAPHIC SEMINAR II

DETAILS

Students will be required to take an ARDMS specialty examination (Abdomen or OB/GYN) as part of this course prior to graduation. This course will assist students in the transition from student sonographer to professional sonographer, including ARDMS registry exam preparation. Additional topics such as resume writing, interview and negotiation skills, understanding benefits and different avenues of the sonography career ladder are also discussed.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of all program DMS and EC Core Coursework prior to the beginning of the course.

DMS 380

CLINICAL PRACTICUM III

DETAILS

As a continuation of Clinical Practicum II, the students will receive hands-on experience in a variety of settings with exposure to a vast array of ultrasound systems. By working closely with the clinical instructors and the staff technologists, the student will more actively participate in exams, patient care, and everyday maintenance of the ultrasound department. Students are expected to take on more responsibility for imaging and patient care by performing exams with minimal assistance and supervision.

Prerequisites: DMS 276, DMS 285, DMS 328, DMS 360

DMS 352

VASCULAR IMAGING

DETAILS

This course is designed to present the most common vascular ultrasound examinations conducted in a radiology setting. The primary focus of the course is a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of the carotid and lower extremity venous systems. The lab component of this course allows students to become familiar with carotid and lower extremity venous scanning protocols.

Prerequisite: DMS 285

Elective

HUM ---

WORLD OF IDEAS: HUMANITIES ELECTIVE

DETAILS

DMS ***

PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE COURSE

DETAILS

Consult Program Director for list of electives.

DMS 420

CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP

DETAILS

A clinical externship is an opportunity for a student to complete a clinical experience at a site other than the current approved program clinical affiliates. Note: Students interested in completing this course should communicate a semester in advance with their advisor and/or Clinical Coordinator. A clinical affiliation agreement must be in place for the student to participate.

Prerequisites: Instructor permission

Meet the Faculty

Our multispecialty sonography faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use. While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal and professional experiences. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

Additional information

Sonography Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Multispecialty Sonography program will:

Be competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains in the abdomen-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations.
Model ethical and culturally sensitive professional attitudes, behaviors, and ethics that will encourage life-long learning, reflective practice and professional growth and development.
Exhibit didactic and clinical skills that include the ability to perform age appropriate patient care by assessment of physiological and psychological status incorporating communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and decision making abilities.
Attain the NMC Educated Citizen skills to become Reflective Individuals, Effective Communicators and Change Agents.

Professional Organizations

To learn more about the field of sonography, please visit the websites below:

Multispeciality Sonography Blog Posts

Sonography Written Statement

For students applying to Multispecialty Sonography, AS or BS; or Cardiovascular Sonography, AS or BS.

Please develop a thoughtful and organized response to each of the numbered prompts below. Use this as a chance to let the admissions committee get to know you, what your motivation to become a sonographer is, and what excites you to be a part of the field of diagnostic medical sonography.

The admissions committee is looking for responses that are well supported and use appropriate style and grammar.

Your complete statement should not exceed 1,000 words. If you use any references in the following answers, it is expected that you follow APA formatting guidelines. You may attach your statement to an email and submit it to the Admissions Office at admissions@methodistcollege.edu.

Instances of plagiarism within an applicant's written statement will disqualify them for acceptance to Nebraska Methodist College due to the College's commitment to academic integrity and stringent plagiarism policies.

An NMC graduate is an educated citizen who exhibits breadth of learning through the liberal arts and sciences traditions in concert with professional education. Our goal as an institution is that graduates of NMC will be able to articulate and demonstrate growth in the following areas: as reflective individuals, as effective communicators and as change agents. Considering the educated citizen goals, describe how you would envision using these characteristics as a sonographer.
Please address what or who has influenced your decision to pursue a career in healthcare.
Provide an example of a difficult situation or dilemma and describe how you demonstrated resilience.
How would you explain the field of sonography (Cardiovascular or Multispecialty/Diagnostic Medical Sonography based on the program to which you are applying) to a family friend not in the health care field?
You are working on a group project and one of the members wants to approach the project drastically different from your own ideas. How do you proceed?
Outline the steps you will take to ensure your success in this academically rigorous and time-intensive program. Specifically discuss how you will balance other roles and responsibilities in your life during this time. Please consider addressing relationships, employment, financial obligations and any additional priorities in your response.
If you have job shadowed in sonography, tell us about that experience and how it confirmed that this is the right career choice for you. If you have not shadowed, please respond: Not Applicable.
Address any and all D's, F's, W's or other discrepancies on your transcripts. If you do not have any D's, F's or W's please respond: Not Applicable.

Technical Standards

The purpose of this policy is to determine the physical and emotional abilities of a student in the Department in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.

Policy:
It is your responsibility to understand the duties, responsibilities, skills and abilities required of your chosen program/profession. In addition to the technical standards as described above, please review the information regarding Diagnostic Medical Sonography at the O*NET website.

Procedure:

Behavioral and Social Skills - Possess qualities of compassion, integrity, empathy and interpersonal skills. Possess emotional health necessary to effectively complete professional responsibilities.
Communication - Read, write, speak, hear, and observe patients to effectively communicate the patient's condition and interact with the patient and other healthcare individuals.
Integrative and Quantitative Skills - Problem solve utilizing computation, synthesis, and analysis. Visualize and analyze three dimensional relationships.
Motor and Functional Abilities - Perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
*Sonography students must assist with moving and lifting patients and equipment of up to 50 lbs or more, up to 50% of the time. Visual abilities are necessary for viewing the ultrasound screen 85% of the time. This is adapted from Methodist Health System Performance Development Plan -Job Description for the sonographer
Observation - Use instruments requiring sight, e.g., ultrasound and radiographic equipment, health assessment tools and devices, i.e. blood pressure cuff, stethoscope,etc. Make observations and evaluations. Observe results of treatment and reactions.

OUTCOMES DATA AT GRADUATION

Assessment/ Measurement

Program Enrollment
Enrollment (At Start of Program)

Attrition
Attrition

Graduation Rate

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

1
(10%)

1
(9%)

4
(36%)

2
(20%)

3
(30%)

0
(0%)

7
(70%)

10
(91%)

7
(64%)

8
(80%)

7
(70%)

10
(100%)

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE EXAM

Assessment/ Measurement

Students Taking ABD Credential

Students Earning ABD Credential from ARDMS

Students Earning ABD Credential from ARRT

Total Earning ABD Credential

ABD Credential Success Rate

Students Taking OB-GYN Credential

Students Earning OB-GYN Credential from ARDMS

Students Earning OB-GYN Credential from ARRT

Total Earning OB-GYN Credential

OB-GYN Credential Success Rate

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

100%

83%

100%

OUTCOMES POST GRADUATION

Assessment/ Measurement

Employment
Employment 6 Months after graduation

Job Placement Rate

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

100%

88%

57%

100%

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Multispecialty Sonography, AS

Quick Links

Program Perks

Accreditation & Licensure

Admissions Information

Criteria

Requirements

Deadlines

Starting Term - Fall 2023

Standard Deadline - This program has reached capacity; however, prospective students can apply to be added to our alternate list. Alternates may be offered a seat based upon availability.

Costs & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour

$598

NMC Scholarships

Student Grants or Loans

Employee Education Benefits

External Scholarships

Calculate Your Net Price

Curriculum

First year - First Semester

First year - Second Semester

First year - Third Semester

Second year - First Semester

Second year - Second Semester

Elective

Meet the Faculty

Additional information

Sonography Program Outcomes

Professional Organizations

Multispeciality Sonography Blog Posts

Sonography Written Statement

Technical Standards

Healthcare Degree Programs

Admissions

About NMC