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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.
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.
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, Clinical Education, Graduate Certification, Student Retention, Patient Care & Safety, Patient Interaction, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Professional Development, Graduate Placement, Graduate Satisfaction, Employer Satisfaction.
The Descriptions and Evaluation of BTC Diagnostic Medical Sonography program outcomes are available upon request to the DMS Program Director.
APPLICATION INFORMATION and PROGRAM READY REQUIREMENTS
Students must meet the program ready requirements outlined below in order to submit a petition form for the core clinical courses. Students are encouraged to complete the general education courses prior to the core courses. Please check the BTC website (www.blackhawk.edu).
It is the student’s responsibility to submit a petition form during the designated petition period in order to be considered for the core clinical courses. If not selected, students will need to submit a petition form each year thereafter as a means of indicating a continued interest in beginning core courses.
APPLICATON PROCESS:
2. Once students have completed or can document the patient care training, they must complete the admission process to the college and the DMS program. The process includes:
a. Submitting the BTC application and the $30 application fee
b. Submitting copies of high school, GED, HSED, and/or college transcripts
c. Completing a pre-admission assessment (COMPASS, ACT, SAT or ASSET)
PROGRAM READY REQUIREMENTS:
The observations MUST be arranged with Michelle Cordio, DMS Program Coordinator (mcordio@blackhawk.edu or 608.743.4571). Appropriate paperwork MUST be submitted at the completion of the observation experience.
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 Michelle Cordio, DMS Program Coordinator, early in the process.Students who wish to transfer credits from another college should consult with a Counselor or Advisor so that appropriate paperwork can be submitted.
Students, who have completed all program ready requirements and are prepared to begin core courses, must submit a petition form during the designated petition period. The petition dates are determined annually and are available on the BTC website at www.blackhawk.edu or in the Counseling Center at the Monroe or Janesville campuses. If not selected, students must submit a petition form (during the petition period) each year thereafter as a means of indicating a continued interest in beginning the core courses.
Accreditation Information: Blackhawk Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 159 N. Dearborn, Chicago IL 60601, 312-263-0456.
The BTC Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has been awarded accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), 2025 Woodlane Drive St. Paul, MN 55125-2998 Phone: 651-731-1582.
Graduates of the BTC Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are eligible to sit for certification examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Specific details related to graduate certification eligibility are available upon request.
Criminal History: In accordance with Wisconsin Caregiver Background law, applicants with criminal history may be denied placement by clinical affiliates. Additionally, criminal history may affect eligibility for the national certification examinations prepared by the ARDMS. Applicants with any criminal background are strongly advised to meet with the sonography program director prior to program entry.
