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Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

(We are not currently accepting applications for this program)

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY

Earning an Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography typically takes 22 months of full-time study. The degree plan is a 78-credit program divided into six semesters, including general education requirements. 

The FVI DMS program prepares students to earn an industry certification in preparation for entering this exciting and growing career field.  

Start your Diagnostic Medical Sonography journey at FVI School of Nursing and Technology – Contact us today to book a career planning session. We’d love to discuss with you our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. 

The Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is offered at FVI School of Nursing –  Miramar Campus.  

What Can I Expect?

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program prepares students for employment as an entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer specializing in abdominal, obstetrics and gynecological diagnostic sonography. An Associate of Science (AS) degree will be awarded on successful completion of this 6-semester program. The DMS program teaches students to use ultrasound to produce diagnostic images that assist healthcare providers in various healthcare settings in diagnosing medical conditions.

Curriculum

The program is designed to train students to care for patients, apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and document findings. FVI offers students extensive on-campus experience scanning in labs using current technology. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate clinical competency and build confidence while interning in community clinical affiliates.

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

  • Abdominal sonography-extended  
  • Obstetrics and gynecology sonography  
  • Vascular Technology

For more information on our DMS program in the Miramar Campus, please refer to our School Catalog.

Program Outcomes

The Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has identified the following program outcomes:

  • The graduate will be educationally prepared and clinically competent entry-level sonographers who can provide quality patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures for abdominal, obstetrics, and gynecology sonography.
  • The student will complete the program within 150% of the program
  • The graduate shall be ready to sit for an industry certification with the National Board credential agency to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
  • The graduate shall be prepared to secure entry-level employment as a certified Sonographer.
Course # Course Title Credits
TERM I
BIO 2085 Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (Online) 4
BIO 2086 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (Online) 4
ENC 1101 English Composition (Online) 3
MTT 1105 College Mathematics (Online) 3
TERM II
PSL 2012 General Psychology (Online) 3
HUM 1205 Human Diversity (Online) 3
PHY 1001 Introduction to Applied Physics (Online) 3
HSC 2531 Medical Terminology (Online) 2
TERM III
DMS 2004 The Foundations of Sonography (Residential) 3
DMS 2014 Sonography Physics and Instrumentation (Residential) 3
DMS 2105 Abdominal Sonography I (Residential) 4
DMS 2115 Abdominal Sonography II (Residential) 4
DMS 2206 OB/GYN Sonography I (Residential) 4
TERM IV
DMS 2216 OB/GYN Sonography II (Residential) 4
DMS 2307 Vascular Sonography (Residential) 4
DMS 2808 Clinical Preceptorship I (Clinical) 6
DMS 2818 Clinical Preceptorship II (Clinical) 8
DMS 2828 Clinical Preceptorship III (Clinical) 8
TERM V
DMS 2930 Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Review (Online) 1
DMS 2931 Abdominal Sonography Review for RDMS exam (Online) 2
DMS 2932 Ob/Gyn Sonography Review for RDMS exam (Online) 2

Employment Opportunities

Sonographers are employed in imaging centers, physicians’ offices, clinics and hospitals.  Rapidly developing new technologies and increasing use of ultrasound procedures indicates the sonography field will continue to expand.  Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers continues to grow faster than other occupations.  

For more information on career and employment outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

male sonographer

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, the graduate will demonstrate cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) competencies to

  • Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
  • Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and physiologic data for interpretation by a physician within the scope of concentrations (abdominal, obstetrics and gynecological sonography).
  • Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician within the scope of concentrations (abdominal, obstetrics, and gynecological sonography).
  • Demonstrate appropriate oral and written skills to communicate and cooperate in an educational setting with peers and faculty, and in professional settings with patients, physicians, colleagues, and employers.
  • Facilitate appropriate patient care and patient care partnerships regarding the Sonographic examination.
  • Demonstrate qualities of professional conduct to include integrity, morality, discipline, and compassion.
  • Understand the importance of membership in professional organizations; and
  • Commit to being a lifelong learner.