The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is designed for individuals who already have training and experience in a profession that provides direct care or treatment to people. This program prepares competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains. Examples of examinations performed by sonographers include abdominal, gynecological, fetal, breast, vascular, small part and superficial structures. Graduates are prepared to sit for a national certification exam in diagnostic medical sonography.
Diagnostic medical sonographers provide patient services in a variety of medical settings assisting physicians with assessing and diagnosing medical conditions as well as monitoring fetal development. Diagnostic medical sonographers use specialized equipment that produces high-frequency soundwaves to create images of organs, tissues and blood vessels within the body.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees.
- Complete the following courses with a minimum grade of C:
- Submit a diagnostic medical sonography program application according to instructions and deadlines on the program website.
- Provide documentation of:
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The following immunizations: Hepatitis B titer showing immunity, Hepatitis A, MMR, TDap, and Varicella
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Current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification
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Completion of a minimum of 8 hours of sonographer observation at an imaging facility and documented on the program observation form.
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All students will initially be admitted to pre-major status. Admission to pre-major status does not guarantee subsequent admission to the major. As a pre-major, students work with an advisor to assist them in completing pre-major requirements and preparing to apply to the full major. The program website provides details on the admission requirements, process, and deadlines.
Special Considerations
- Once admitted to the full major, students will be required to submit results of a national-level criminal background check.
- Students will be required to physically attend at the main Anchorage campus the first year of full major status.
- Students may be required to complete clinical training at sites around the state during the second year to satisfy training and graduation requirements. The travel, lodging, and other associated costs with assignment outside the Anchorage area is at the student's expense.
- Students may be required to show proof of health insurance prior to the start of clinical training.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL A111 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
BIOL A111L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 |
BIOL A112 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
BIOL A112L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
DMS A104 | Foundations of Sonography and Patient Care | 3 |
DMS A105 | Principles and Instrumentation I | 3 |
DMS A107 | Abdominal Sonography I | 2 |
DMS A109 | OB and Gyn Sonography I | 3 |
DMS A205 | Principles and Instrumentation II | 3 |
DMS A207 | Abdominal Sonography II | 2 |
DMS A209 | OB/Gyn Sonography II | 2 |
DMS A213 | Vascular Technology | 2 |
DMS A215 | Breast Sonography | 1 |
DMS A217 | Fundamentals of Sonography Lab | 1 |
DMS A219 | Practical Sonography Lab | 3 |
DMS A221 | Pediatric Sonography | 1 |
DMS A295A | Clinical Practicum I | 9 |
DMS A295B | Clinical Practicum II | 9 |
DMS A392 | DMS Seminar | 3 |
DMS A395 | Clinical Practicum III | 3 |
MA A101 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
MATH A105 | Intermediate Algebra 1 | 4 |
RADT A151 | Radiographic Physics | 2 |
Total | 67 |
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Or a course for which MATH A105 is a prerequisite
A minimum of 75 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the diagnostic medical sonography program, students will:
- Demonstrate appropriate technical and effective skills in the clinical setting.
- Demonstrate patient-centered imaging.
- Analyze images to determine diagnostic quality.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in both the didactic and clinical setting.
- Apply written communication skills to the construction of documents of record that follow established professional guidelines.
- Apply oral communication skills to the explanation of ideas and scientific terminology.
- Explain cultural diversity and evaluate the role of cultural competency, values, and ethics in the patient care setting.
- Demonstrate proper work ethics.
- Examine the value of leadership, professional development, and growth.