BGSU FirelandsDiagnostic Medical Sonography
Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers also known as ultrasound technologists or sonographers are highly-skilled professionals who use specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. Sonographers demonstrate behavior and ethics consistent with standards and ethics of all imaging science professionals. Sonographers are involved in critical thinking skills, clinical decision making and patient education.
Career Opportunities
The profession of diagnostic medical sonography includes general sonography, cardiac sonography, vascular technology and various other subspecialties. BGSU Firelands provides a rigorous program that instructs students how to recognize, identify and appropriately document normal and variant anatomical structures. Medical sonographers are employed in hospitals, clinics, private practices, mobile services, laboratories and public health facilities. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research and in commercial companies such as education/ application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.
Graduates will be held to the Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography as defined by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Admission Requirements
Following admission to the University, the student is responsible for filing a separate application with the program director.
Students must meet the following criteria:
1. Graduated from an accredited high school having attained a GPA of 2.0 or GED or have completed twelve semester hours of college work with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher;
2. Formally admitted to BGSU;
3. Completed developmental courses in general studies writing, reading and study strategies, or math, if more than six credits are required (based upon COMPASS test results);
4. Completed Physics, Medical Terminology, Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Pathophysicology
5. Completed Strong Interest Inventory testing;
6. Completed a 4-8 hour observation experience in a clinical ultrasound location;
7. Participated in a personal interview in which attitude and enthusiasm for the program will be considered;
8. Submit a criminal history background check allowing them to enter clinical settings, as required by Ohio law.
After gaining admittance to the program, students must meet the following minimum requirements to be in good standing and continue in the program:
1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher;
2. Earn a grade of “C” or higher in DMS 1000, 1010, 1110, 1120, 1210, 1220, 1410, 2410, 2110, 2120, 2210, 2220, and 2510. Also BIOL 3310,3320, AHTH 2300 and BIOL 1040 or 2050 if chosen as an elective or prerequisite;
3. Earn a “S” in DMS 1810, 1820, 2810, 2820 and 2830;
4. Demonstrate the achievement of competency in all areas of clinical practice;
5. Complete prerequisite coursework in good standing. Nothing less than a C in prerequisite courses will be accepted
6. Comply with DMS clinical policies and procedures; failure to comply will result in ineligibility to continue in the program.
To be admitted to clinical directed practice, the student must meet the following requirements:
1. Complete prerequisite coursework in good standing;
2. Pass a criminal history background check/drug test;
3. Meet all physical requirements to perform the essential functions of a student sonographer, as evidenced by a completed physical examination on file with the program;
4. Sign a BGSU liability waiver form;
5. Submit a copy of a current CPR card, indicating successful completion of an AHA Health Care Provider course;
6. Review and agree to comply with guidelines in the Student Clinical Handbook.
While admission to the program is closely tied to the number of clinical spaces, occasionally exceptions can occur that are beyond the control of BGSU Firelands. In the event that the number of eligible students exceeds clinical space available, admission to the clinical directed practice may be determined by a rank order based upon date of acceptance into the program, college grade point average, program hours completed, and the recommendation of program personnel.
Students are responsible for the following expenses related to participation in the clinical directed practice:
1. Pre-clinical physical examination, including lab work and immunizations;
2. Textbooks and/or clinical training manuals and folders;
3. Lab fees;
4. Transportation to and from clinical sites;
5. Scrub attire, lab coats, and other appropriate uniform attire;
6. BGSU Firelands student name tag;
7. Trajecsys reporting system fee.
Items that may be provided to students by clinical sites at no cost include:
1. Facility identification badges/name tags;
2. Parking at most clinical sites;
3. Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by BGSU and is not a student expense
Learning Outcomes
Graduates from this program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:
• Understand the relationship between theoretical and clinical components of the curriculum and apply these principles to proper anatomical part presentation, pathological adjustments required for optimal examination, quality of image, and care for all patient age groups at a rate not less than 75%, as evidenced in student grade and competency records.
• Apply interpersonal skills appropriately to meet the needs of patients in a variety of clinical settings, as documented in directed practice assessment portfolios at the level of satisfactory.
• At the completion of the BGSU Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate didactic knowledge and clinical information relative to their role as entry-level general sonographers.
• At the completion of the program, the graduate of the BGSU Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will demonstrate technical proficiency in clinical and scanning skills necessary to fulfill the role of entry-level general sonographer for the general concentration.
• At the completion of the program, the graduate of the BGSU Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer standards and expectations for an entry-level general sonographer.
• Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
• Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician.
• Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
• Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and/or other diagnostic services.
• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues.
• Act in a professional and ethical manner.
• Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and/or other diagnostic vascular techniques, and promote principles of good health.
• Complete the credentialing examination administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) at a pass rate of not less than 75% on the first attempt, as documented by the report of Registry results to the program.
• Exercise independent decision making and demonstrate competent skills performance in the role of primary care provider in a broad range of sonography and intervention services, as determined by an analysis of employer surveys.
For Further Information
Cara Vickery, Program Director
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
BGSU Firelands
One University Drive
Huron, Ohio 44839
419-433-5560 ext. 2-0884
email: cvicker@bgsu.edu
Sylvia Hermo-Fedro, Program Director
Radiologic Technology
BGSU Firelands
One University Drive
Huron, Ohio 44839
419-433-5560 ext. 2-0666
email: shermo@bgsu.edu
Debralee Divers, Director
Enrollment Management & Student Retention Services
419-433-5560 ext. 2-0629
email: divers@bgsu.edu
Cheryl L. Chafee, Asst. Director
Admissions and Financial Aid
419-433-5560 ext. 2-0683
email: cchafee@bgsu.edu
Your University Opportunity
BGSU Firelands, located in Huron, Ohio, is a regional campus and one of the seven undergraduate colleges of Bowling Green State University. We offer many of the advantages and resources of a major university, but in a smaller, more personal environment.
Generally, students are able to complete at least two years of coursework toward most of the 200-degree programs at BGSU before transferring to the main campus, or to another college or university.
BGSU Firelands offers students a wireless environment campus wide. Kiosks and public-access computers located in most campus buildings provide easy Internet access. In addition, there are several on-campus computer labs with a variety of computers and software programs.
The library, containing more than 30,000 volumes, is computer-linked to the more than 4 million items available through BGSU's libraries to provide excellent research opportunities.
Academic advisors work individually with students to plan their degree programs and small class sizes allow students to have close, personal contact with their professors. Free tutoring is readily available through the Teaching and Learning Center. Scholarships, grants and loans are available to assist students with tuition.
Apply to BGSU Firelands
Apply Now
Printable Application
Office of Admissions
Finance your Education
Scholarship Brochure
Financial Aid Estimator
Office of Financial Aid
Explore Your Opportunities
Programs & Degrees
Campus Events
Employment
We Network Socially
Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook now!
