Diagnostic Medical Sonography Course Sequence

This course covers the basics of college level algebra emphasizing understanding of the basic principles through investigation. The topics covered range from a basic algebra review to exploration of linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions along with a study of rational expressions, inverse relations, function operations, complex numbers, and systems of equations. Prerequisites: Math 0670 with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement in course based on Multiple Measures for Course Placement – Math Decision Band Chart. MnTC (Goals 4/MA and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

This is a laboratory science course covering the principles of general, organic and biological chemistry with emphasis on chemical applications in biological systems.  Topics include the scientific method, atomic theory, chemical bonding, organic functional groups, biological chemicals, and metabolic processes.

      MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab)

This is a one-semester survey course covering basic physics concepts and laws that govern everyday physical phenomena. This course is intended for students with no previous physics experience. Topics include mechanics, properties of matter, heat, waves, and electricity. Students will learn to apply basic physics principles through problem solving and laboratory experiments. The algebra skills required for this course are met by two years of high school algebra.

• Prerequisite: Student meets placement criteria for MATH 1050 (Math for Liberal Arts) or a higher-level math course.

• Corequisite: Students who do not meet math placement criteria will be required to take PHYS 0010 concurrently with PHYS 1000.

• MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 2/CT); (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the endocrine system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system, and acid-base balances. Human embryology and development may also be covered.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 2021.

• MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT);

• (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course is the first semester of a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the scientific method, anatomical terminology, cell structure and function, metabolism, histology, the integumentary system, the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.

• Prerequisite: CHEM 1121 or 1202.

• MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 2/CT);

• (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

This course will introduce students to the sonography field, covering the origins and evolution of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The students will learn the sonographer profile, sonographer safety; legal, ethical, and legislative issues; current sonographic examinations; and basic patient care skills.
(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)

This course focuses on a detailed study of the normal anatomy and physiology of the
abdomen, neck, musculoskeletal, neonatal brain and non-cardiac chest using ultrasound.
Emphasis will focus on structure orientation and its significance in cross-sections of
anatomy. Students will be able to determine normal sonographic appearances and recognize
variances and sizes of organs and vessels. This course will introduce the hemodynamics
patterns and spectral waveforms found in the abdominal vasculature.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Students will be exposed to different pathologies of the abdomen organs, blood vessels, thyroid, and neonatal head. This course will focus on ultrasound findings, scanning techniques, patient history, laboratory data, and other imaging modalities to help better understand how to interpret pathology. Emphasis will focus on descriptive and anatomical terminology, clinic data, grayscale imaging and Doppler characteristics as seen with various pathologies. Students will be determining what needs to be included on a sonographer worksheet.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course will include the study of the basic principles and concepts of acoustical physics, which include the parameters of sound, and pulsed and continuous waves; the interaction of sound and media; the components of the ultrasound machine; the application of resolution and acoustic artifacts; ultrasound image optimization with consideration of patient exposure to acoustic energy; and emerging technologies and their use.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course will introduce students to the aspects of ultrasound scanning of abdominal organs in a simulated clinical laboratory setting. Emphasis will be placed on protocol, instrumentation, imaging, and identification of normal sonographic anatomy.
(2 Cr – 0 lect, 2 lab)

This course focuses on a detailed study of the normal anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive system, obstetrics covering all trimesters, breast sonography and vascular systems as it relates to the ultrasound field. Students will be able to determine normal sonographic appearances and recognize variances and sizes of organs and vessels. This course will explore the hemodynamics patterns and spectral waveforms found in the male and female pelvis and obstetrics.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG1401, DMSG1402, DMSG1404, DMSG1405, DMSG1406.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Students will be exposed to different pathologies of the male and female reproductive systems, obstetrics covering all trimesters, breast and vascular systems. This course will focus on ultrasound findings, scanning techniques, patient history, laboratory data, and other imaging modalities to help better understand how to interpret pathology. Emphasis will focus on descriptive and anatomical terminology, clinic data, grayscale imaging, protocols, and Doppler characteristics as seen with various pathologies.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG1401, DMSG1402, DMSG1404, DMSG1405, DMSG1406.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Practical training in a simulated clinical laboratory will focus on completing and becoming proficient in scanning of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on instrumentation, protocol, record findings along with associated calculations, and anatomy identification of the abdomen, thyroid, pelvis, obstetrics, breast, and vascular systems.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG1401, DMSG1402, DMSG1404, DMSG1405, DMSG1406.
(4 Cr – 0 lect, 4 lab)

This course is designed to transition students from the classroom and lab setting into a clinical setting. Students will be able to recognize the functional skills required to be a diagnostic medical sonographer. Students will observe the day-to-day operations of different ultrasound departments and share their personal reflections.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG1401, DMSG1402, DMSG1404, DMSG1405, DMSG1406.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This course provides an overview of central issues in medical ethics. Students investigate the nature of ethics and ethical theories and principles before moving on to examine such topics as medical research and technological developments in medicine. The course will provide both historical and contemporary background on a number of ethical issues in the health-care field and will consider proposed answers to what we should do about the questions they raise. Course delivery may include the presentation and discussion of various ethical and health-care perspectives. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 9/EC); (3 credits - 3 lecture, 0 lab)

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Students are assigned to various clinical rotations where they gain hands-on experience under the direction and supervision of assigned clinical preceptors. Students will focus on becoming proficient in the scanning of abdominal organs, non-cardiac chest, superficial structures, pelvis, obstetrics, and vascular systems. Students will expand scanning and patient care skills and as the semester progresses more clinical responsibilities will be given.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG 1411, DMSG 1412, AND one of these two (DMSG 1410, DMSG 1415).
(9 Cr – 0 lect, 9 lab)

This course examines the interconnections between communication and culture and the need for intercultural communication competency in our global and ever-changing world. Students will assess the impact of cultural perceptions and bias, and how they affect communication behaviors in real contexts. Students read, observe, discuss, listen, and present about how culture impacts communication processes and shapes cultural identity and communication. There will be an emphasis on learning communication skills to better enable students to communicate with people from other cultures.

• MnTC (Goals 1/C and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course will help students prepare to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) specialty examinations in Physics, Abdomen and OB/GYN in a simulated atmosphere. It is designed to be used as an addition to students' regular study and as a method to determine their strengths and weaknesses so that they can study more effectively. This course will cover test taking skills and preparation on the computer. Students will be able to better recognize pathology through case study presentations.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG2425.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

This is the final course in the Sonography Program. The student will focus on becoming proficient in the scanning of the human body. Students will perform under the guidance and supervision of assigned preceptors, in hands-on scanning in abdominal, superficial structures, OB/GYN, and vascular systems. Upon completion of this internship, students will be able to perform routine duties and be ready for the workplace as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Prerequisite(s): DMSG2425.
(10 Cr – 0 lect, 10 lab)