Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a technique using high-frequency sound waves to create images of specific areas of the body from which pathology may be diagnosed. The diagnostic medical sonographer must have a thorough knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and pathology. The DMS Program provides the necessary classroom and clinical courses to allow graduates to work. The sonographer performs clinical sonographic exams, operates various instruments, prepares preliminary reports and clinical information for the practitioner.
Upon completion of this two-year program, students will be awarded an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is fully accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Department Contact Information
Cynthia Reber-Bonhall, Program Director
creberbonhall@occ.cccd.edu
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department Website
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, https://www.sdms.org/
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, https://www.ardms.org/
Credit Courses
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course is a required prerequisite for all students entering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program. Basic sonographic theory is taught with an emphasis on instrumentation, patient exam presets and scan planes. Basic cross-sectional and sonographic anatomy, as well as scan protocols are taught.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A110
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This is a study of specific areas of the human body in serial sections. Designed for diagnostic medical sonography and radiologic imaging technology. Emphasis is on structures observable on diagnostic medical sonography, computerized tomography and related imaging studies.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A123
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A cross-sectional anatomical and sonographic study of the female reproductive system including the nongravid pelvis as well as the gravid pelvis; includes specific study of embryology, fetal biometric data, normal and abnormal fetal anatomy, placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, menstrual cycle and pathology of the female nongravid pelvis. Topics of discussion will include appropriate laboratory tests, ultrasound scan protocols of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and other imaging modalities utilized in OB/GYN.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A126
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This is the study of physical principles and instrumentation of diagnostic medical sonography. It includes equipment design, instrumentation and application.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A150
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course is an introduction to vascular ultrasound including Doppler physical principles and instrumentation. The venous system of the upper and lower extremities is emphasized this semester.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A155
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A161
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Introduction to sonographic scanning protocol as applied to clinical practice. Course includes environment of ultrasound department, emphasis on professionalism, student behavior, medico-legal aspects, and humanistic approach to patients.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A165
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Introduction to the clinical environment and exposure to departmental organization, patient flow, PACS procedures, observation of techniques, policies and procedures of clinical cases. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A166
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Continuation of clinical experience. Exposure to departmental organization, patient flow, PACs, observation of techniques employed, policies and procedures of clinical cases, beginning hands on experience, and equipment set up. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A167
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This is an advanced vascular course with laboratory exercises. It includes physiological arterial testing of the lower and upper extremities with pathological correlation.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A255
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Clinical experience in ultrasound. Equipment handling and patient management. Departmental operation and scope. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A271
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A274
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Review of advanced scanning techniques and other ultrasound topics including physics and instrumentation. Interpretation of normal and abnormal sonography.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A275
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Intermediate clinical experience. Studies in the abdominal, obstetrical, pelvic, scrotal, thyroid and vascular anatomical areas. Variety of real-time equipment, anatomical pathology recognition. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing DMS A276
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Advanced clinical experience in the ultrasound department practicing in a variety of Sonographic studies with emphasis on the abdomen and pelvis. Advanced recognition of pathology and scan interpretation. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only.