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St. °µÍø½ûÇø Abdomen- Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Echocardiography concentrations are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs () upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD  21043
443-973-3251

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113TH St. North
#7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350

St. °µÍø½ûÇø is committed to equal access for all and recognizes that disability is an aspect of diversity. The University’s goal is to create learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and welcoming. If there are aspects of the program's instruction or design that result in barriers to the learning environment, accurate assessment of your achievement, please contact the Student Accessibility and Accommodations office as soon as possible. The Coordinator of Student Disability Services can be reached at 651-690-8160 to discuss academic adjustments or accommodations.

Abdomen-Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology Track Goal:

1. To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentration.
2. Prepare general graduates to successfully pass the Registry Examination (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography or ARRT) within the first year of graduating from the program.
3. Prepare graduates to demonstrate ethical leadership grounded in social responsibility.

Echocardiography Track Goal:

1. To prepare competent entry-level cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the echocardiography concentration.
2. Prepare echocardiography graduates to successfully pass the Registry Examination (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography or CCI) within the first year of graduating from the program.

3. Prepare graduates to demonstrate ethical leadership grounded in social responsibility.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate will be competent in providing entry-level sonograms for all patients.

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must use critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions related to comprehensive patient care.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be able to perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician.

2. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must contribute to the enrichment of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography profession.

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be competent in the application of self-assessment skills to prepare them for life-long learning and professional growth.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be able to demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, health care professionals, and the general public.
• The diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be able to retain composure and efficiency under stress.

3. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduate must be able to initiate and assume responsibility for health promotion and use appropriate communication skills to effectively interact with diverse population groups.

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be able to recognize and manage the ethical, legal and regulatory issues related to the practice of Diagnostic Sonography.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must be able to demonstrate professional attitudes in the areas of appearance and hygiene, attendance, punctuality, and acceptance of constructive feedback.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer graduate must demonstrate ethical leadership grounded in social responsibility.

Students accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must meet specific technical standards

fundamental for successful and competent performance in sonography as determined by the essential functions

performed by sonographers in practice.

Entrance and progression in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program require the following physical, mental,

and emotional/psychological attributes and communication skills. It should be noted that, under the Americans

with Disabilities Act, "A qualified person with a disability is one who can perform the essential function of a job

with or without reasonable accommodation." Please read the standards carefully and seek clarification if

necessary. According to the nature of the work required in Sonography, the student must be able to meet the

following standards:

Must have discriminating visual capabilities for proper evaluation of the patient and ultrasound image

consistent with the abilities to assess asymmetry, discreet tissue texture changes, and color distinctions

under dimmed lighting.

• Must be able to distinguish audible sounds to hear information crucial for an appropriate response essential for the safe, effective care and treatment of patients.
• Must be free from health or medical disorders that limit the physical ability to perform, completely and efficiently the duties of a sonographer without risk to self or others.
• Must have manual ambidexterity and adeptness to coordinate the hands and eyes for manipulation of sonographic equipment controls, keyboard, and monitor while performing a procedure.
• Must have the physical stamina to complete the required course of didactic and clinical study according to established procedure and standards of speed and accuracy. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
• Must have the strength and mobility required for activities associated with daily practice, with emergencies, and with invasive sterile procedures.

• Must possess the ability to think in the abstract, specifically, to be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures.
• Must possess and utilize the mental ability to apply previously learned knowledge. Application of this knowledge includes the ability to measure, calculate, rationalize, analyze, integrate, and synthesize in a timely fashion according to established procedures and standards of speed and accuracy.
• Must make appropriate judgment decisions in routine and emergencies, and situations not clearly governed by specific guidelines.
• Must be free from health or medical disorders that limit the ability to perform, completely and efficiently, the duties of a sonographer without risk to self or others.

• Must possess the emotional health and stability required for the full utilization of their intellectual abilities, for the exercise of good judgment, for the prompt completion of all responsibility’s attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients without risk to self or others.
• Must be able to tolerate mentally, and emotionally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
• Must be able to display flexibility, versatility, dependability, diplomacy, compassion, integrity, motivation, and interpersonal and professional skills at all times in the clinical and didactic setting.
• Must be free from health or medical disorders that limit the emotional/psychological ability to perform, completely and efficiently, the duties of a sonographer.

• Must show evidence of effective and appropriate written and verbal English communication skills throughout the program to all persons in both the academic setting and the clinical health care setting. Communication includes speech, reading, writing, and non-verbal behavior and actions.
• Must have the ability to relate information to and receive information from patients in an accurate, empathetic, ethical, and confidential manner.
• Must be able to understand and convey information essential for the safe and effective care of patients in a clear, unambiguous, and rapid fashion in emergencies.

• Obtain and record an accurate patient history
• Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain diagnostic images
• Analyze technical information
• Use independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings
• Provide an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
• Provide quality patient care
• Collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team

Sonographers must also be knowledgeable about and limit the risk from possible exposure to blood and

body fluids. Many sonographers also assist in electronic and clerical scheduling, record keeping, and

computerized image archiving. Sonographers may also have managerial or supervisory responsibilities.

The technical standards as stated here reflect performance abilities that are necessary for a student to successfully complete requirements of the medical sonography curriculum: