Program Details

Sonographers create images of various structures inside the human body using specialized equipment. As a student in the diagnostic medical sonography program here at Broward College, you will learn:

• Physics as it applies to sonography
• Communication skills for health care professionals
• Sonography scanning techniques related to the abdomen, pelvis, fetus, and heart

All semesters are taught in the classroom and at clinical affiliates. Classes are capped at 18 to 20 students thereby offering more one-on-one time with your didactic and clinical instructors. Clinical education courses allow the experience of hands-on sonography training in local hospitals and clinics.

Our faculty will work closely with you to ensure your success in the program by offering constructive critique as you apply what you learn.

Quick Video: BC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

The U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by almost 14 percent through 2018-2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the aging population will only increase the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers.

Graduates of our program have found work in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Public health facilities
• Private practice physicians' offices

Browse CollegeCentral.com Sonography Jobs
Browse Ultrasoundjobs.com Ultrasound Jobs
Browse SDMS.org Ultrasound Jobs

As a student in our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, and later as a professional working in the field, a number of personal qualities will be vital to your success. These include:

• Being a compassionate and caring individual
• Having keen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Being able to offer independent judgment when needed

Your experience in the field after you graduate will include:

• Performing clinical exams using discretion and independent judgment
• Assisting physicians in medical diagnosis by acquiring, evaluating, and providing preliminary technical interpretations of ultrasound images and related diagnostic procedures

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Faculty and instructors consist of sonographers who have more than 35 years of combined experience in the health care and sonography fields. All faculty members is a graduate of this program. The faculty's many years of real-world experience facilitates learning for all Broward College Diagnostic Medical Sonography students.

In just 24 months, or six semesters (for a total of 77 credits), you could earn your AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Courses are only available at the North Campus, with General Education courses available at all campus locations. When you enroll in this program, your courses will include:

• Didactic (lecture) courses
• Hands-on training at area clinical affiliates
• General (abdomen and OBGYN) and cardiac instruction

A typical semester involves two full days of class and three eight-hour clinic days. This is a full-time program that requires approximately 34 hours per week of your time (not evenings or weekends). You must complete courses in the sonography track with a grade of "C" or better, and a grade of "S" (Satisfactory) in all Clinical Education courses. A grade of 2.0 or above is required for graduation.

Program Description

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program prepares individuals meeting certain qualifications to work with medical practitioners in the management, control, and care of patients referred for ultrasound studies. The Broward College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Clinical education is performed in local clinics/hospitals and is offered concurrently with the didactic courses. On completion of the 24-month program, students will be eligible to apply to sit for the exams of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Applicants should access admission information online or call 954-201-2892. Applicants may call the Program Manager at 954-201-2089 for all specific program admissions-related questions.

All didactic courses are taught in Building 41, Broward College, North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Boulevard, Coconut Creek Florida. Clinical affiliation sites are located throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties.

To qualify for admissions to the Associate of Science (AS) degree program. applicants must meet the following requirements:

• All applicants must fulfill the general requirements for admission to Health Science Programs
• Applicants who are first-time BC students must complete an application to the College, in addition to completion of a Health Science Limited Access Application. To apply for admission to the College, go to the College home page and click on "Future Student" then go to "Admissions". The Health Science Limited Access application is available to download on the program's website.
• If an applicant completed a two-year health science degree program, then they must submit an official and original document that indicates completion of a minimum of a two-year course of study in a health science field that is patient-care related, and which leads to Registry, Certification, or Licensure or for completion of an AS, AA, BA or BS degree.
• For all applicants, a minimum of a 2.5-grade point average (GPA) is required. The GPA used will be attained from the documentation submitted from a prior two-year health science education, bachelor's degree, or higher education. The GPA should appear on submitted documentation.
• Admission of an applicant is based on the point system. (Note: point preference is given to Radiologic Technologists)

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Program Goals

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations:

1. Abdominal sonography – Extended
2. Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
3. Adult cardiac sonography

This program is designed to develop a sonographer who:

1. Contributes to the physical and psychological comfort of the patient. The obligations assumed by those who are entrusted with the care of patients transcend mere technical expertise. Therefore, in addition to academic competence, the sonographer who graduates from this program is prepared for and is expected to demonstrate, those qualities of professional conduct to include integrity, morality, discipline, and compassion.
2. Works with the health care team to improve the quality of health care in the hospital and community.
3. Understands the importance of membership in professional organizations.
4. Keeps abreast of the changes in the ultrasound field.

Mission Statement

Transforming students' lives and enriching our diverse community through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities.

The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to prepare competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive entry-level sonographers who are dedicated to lifelong self-directed learning. The program is committed to preparing sonographers who are capable of functioning in a dynamic and ever-changing area of health care delivery. The Sonography Program exists to provide technical and professional education to benefit all segments of the community. The Sonography Program is committed to quality instruction delivered by dedicated faculty who are engaged in continued professional development.

The program is committed to accomplishing its mission through the use of effective and diverse instructional methods that encompass both traditional and technology-based strategies. The program's goal is to prepare competent entry-level general and cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program is offered on a full-time basis only with classes and clinical education held during the day. All Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes are taught at Broward College's North Campus. Clinical Education is provided through various clinical affiliates in Broward County.

In order to successfully progress through the Sonography Program, students must achieve all cognitive, affective, and psychomotor objectives. This requires that a grade of "C" or above be earned in all didactic courses and an "S" (satisfactory) grade be earned in all clinical courses. This requirement is in addition to maintaining an overall degree GPA of at least 2.0. All courses in the program are sequential. Each course must be passed with a grade of "C" or better to progress to the next scheduled course.

Please read on to find out more about the ways our program can help you to meet your academic and career goals. Our goal is to help you succeed.

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Technical Performance Standards

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer utilizes high-frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Diagnostic Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care.

In the professional courses that are required, as well as in the career field of sonography, the student and sonographer must have the ability to:

1. Lift and move patients and accessories
2. Coordinate movement of equipment, such as portable machines and accessories
3. Utilize the skills needed to perform procedures with "universal precautions" when working with all types of patients
4. Give instructions to patients, peers, and healthcare personnel
5. Hear audible cues and warnings of imaging and Doppler equipment and life support devices
6. Utilize the sense of touch in order to provide patient care and position patients for sonographic examinations
7. Exhibit the dexterity to manipulate the transducer in the necessary maneuvers to achieve the optimum examination and to operate the controls of the equipment
8. Evaluate images, distinguishing between black, white, and shades of gray tones, and recognize and evaluate shades of color in images and color flow Doppler
9. Utilize interpersonal skills to professionally and sensitively interact with patients who are experiencing physical or emotional trauma
10. Utilize oral and written communications to assess clinical records, comprehend and employ appropriate medical terminology and interact with the referring and/or attending physician with oral and written impressions regarding sonographic data as permitted by employer policy and procedure
11. Exercise professional judgment and discretion to identify a life-threatening situation and implement emergency care
12. Perform within the SCOPE OF PRACTICE (detailed below).
13. Protect the patient's rights and privacy and adhere to the Professional Code of Conduct.

Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional

Preamble:

The purpose of this document is to define the Scope of Practice for Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals and to specify their roles as members of the health care team, acting in the best interest of the patient. This scope of practice is a "living" document that will evolve as the technology expands.

Definition of the Profession:

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Profession is a multi-specialty field comprised of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (with subspecialties in abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, and ophthalmic ultrasound), Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (with subspecialties in adult and pediatric echocardiography), Vascular Technology, and other emerging fields. These diverse specialties are distinguished by their use of diagnostic medical ultrasound as a primary technology in their daily work. Certification¹ is considered the standard of practice in ultrasound. Individuals who are not yet certified should reference the Scope as a professional model and strive to become certified.

Scope of Practice of the Profession:

The Diagnostic Sonographer is a highly skilled individual qualified by academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient services using ultrasound and related diagnostic techniques. The Diagnostic Sonographer is responsible for producing the best diagnostic information possible with the available resources. Diagnostic Sonographer acquires and evaluates data while exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of the clinical examination. The Diagnostic Sonographer is able to:

1. Obtain, review, and bring together pertinent patient history, physical examination, and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic results.
2. Perform diagnostic procedures by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis.
3. Provide interpreting physicians with an oral or written summary of technical findings.
4. Provide patient and public education and promote principles of good health.

¹ An example of credentials: RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographer), RDCS (registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer), RVT (registered vascular technologist); awarded by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers®, a certifying body with NCCA Category "A" membership.
² Credentials should be awarded by an agency certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Copyright © 1993-2000 Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Dallas, TexasUSA All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Broward College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Health Science Admissions
healthscience@broward.edu                                                                         

Health Science Advisor
Marilyn Rule
mrulehei@broward.edu                                                               

Program Manager
Evan Steigrod
Esteigro@broward.edu                                                                         

Clinical Site Coordinator
Tatsiana Kandratsenka
tkandrat@broward.edu

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