ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN
DIANOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
All students interested in the DMS program MUST attend an information meeting; students will not be eligible to petition unless they have attended a meeting. The meetings will highlight the new DMS selection process and will be conducted by DMS and Student Services staff.
Also called Vascular Technology
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, commonly called ultrasound, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce medical images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.
The profession of diagnostic medical sonography includes general sonography, cardiac sonography, vascular technology, and various subspecialties. The profession requires critical thinking and good judgment to provide appropriate health care services. Sonographers/vascular technologists are highly skilled professionals qualified by education to provide patient services using diagnostic techniques under the supervision of a physician. Although most sonographers work in hospital based medical imaging departments performing abdominal, pelvic and vascular examinations or cardiology departments performing cardiac and vascular examinations, sonographers are also employed in dedicated vascular departments or obstetric departments, where specialized ultrasound examinations are performed, and many sonographers work outpatient clinics and mobile imaging services.
Program Mission
The mission of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to prepare the student to become a highly qualified sonographer who will practice Diagnostic Medical Sonography with competence.
The didactic and clinical education, as well as the critical thinking framework presented to the students will prepare them to successfully write the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examinations in Abdomen, Obstetrical/Gynecological and Vascular Technology, as well as their respective Physics examinations.
Program Goal
The Goal of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to fulfill the program mission through the achievement of the following Program Outcomes:
Academic Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will possess the knowledge and academic skills necessary to practice Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the clinical setting as well as successfully write the ARDMS certification examination in Abdomen, Obstetrical/Gynecological, and Vascular Technology.
Clinical Education Outcome
The Graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will be able to competently practice general and vascular Diagnostic Medical Sonography in any clinical setting.
Graduate Certification Outcome
Upon Completion of the Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, learners will successfully complete the certification examination in Abdomen, Obstetrical/Gynecological and Vascular Technology prepared by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) within ARDMS eligibility requirements at a rate that meets or exceeds National and State averages.
Student Retention Outcome
Students of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will complete the program at a rate of 75% of all students starting the Diagnostic Medical Sonography curriculum within 1.5 times of the normal program completion time.
Patient Care and Safety Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will provide patient care and comfort as well as recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate emergency life saving first aid and basic life support.
Patient Interaction Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will communicate effectively and professionally in the medical environment and function as a team member in the sonography and/or vascular labs.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will possess the critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to act appropriately in non-routine and emergency situations.
Professional Development Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will participate in professional activities and continuing education, and utilize insights gained in general education courses to promote continued professional and personal growth.
Graduate Placement Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program seeking employment will be placed in the workforce as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and/or a Vascular Technologist, or continuing the educational process in a specialty area of Sonography, i.e.: Echocardiography.
Graduate Satisfaction Outcome
The graduate of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will be satisfied with the educational experience with respect to both academic and clinical abilities.
Employer Satisfaction Outcome
Employers of graduates of the Blackhawk Technical College Associate Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will be satisfied with the content knowledge, affective behaviors, and clinical skills of these graduates. Knowledge, affective behaviors, and clinical skills of the graduates.
Application Process:
In order to begin the application process to the DMS program, students MUST document completion of a patient care course and/or training. Acceptable training programs are, but not limited, to the following:
Radiography Physical Therapist Assistant
Paramedic Respiratory Therapist Assistant
Registered Nurse Occupational Therapist Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse Advanced Nursing Assistant
The following (though not a complete list) are programs that DO NOT satisfy the patient training requirement:
Surgical Technician Chiropractic Radiographer
Dental Assistant Dental Hygienist
EKG Technician Health Unit Coordinator
EMT (First Responder) EEG Technician
Medical Assistant Sleep Study Technician
Clinical Lab Technician Laboratory Technician
Phlebotomy Assistant
Complete the admission process to the college and the DMS program. The process includes:
- Submitting the BTC application and the $30 application fee
- Submitting copies of high school, GED HSED, and/or college transcripts
- Completing a pre-admission assessment (COMPASS, ACT, SAT or ASSET)
Program Ready Requirements (all of the following courses MUST be completed with a grade of “C” or better in order to petition for a spot in the core courses):
- Intermediate Algebra with Applications* – 804-118 or equivalent course
- Survey of Physics* – 806-139 or equivalent course. Radiography physics is acceptable for those who have completed a radiography program.
- General Anatomy & Physiology* - 806-177 or equivalent course
- Written Communication* - 801-195 or equivalent course
- Medical Terminology - 501-101 or equivalent course
* Course has prerequisite or test score requirement
Additional Notes:
- Prior to beginning core DMS courses, students will need to clear a “Caregiver’s Background” check. Students with occurrences in their history are encouraged to discuss them with Melissa Genovese, DMS Instructor, early in the process.