Diagnostic Ultrasound

Carolyn Coffin, MPH, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, Chair

Objectives

The diagnostic ultrasound program prepares students for the profession of diagnostic medical sonography. Founded on a concentration in basic sciences, the program affords simultaneous opportunities for receiving a liberal arts education, as well as didactic and practical exposure to a range of ultrasound specialties. This approach leads not only to competence in the practice of sonography, but also to the development of future leaders in the field.

Accreditation

The diagnostic ultrasound program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (CAAHEP).

Program Admission

Individuals may apply for the major of diagnostic ultrasound as freshmen or as transfer students from other colleges. All applicants must choose one of two specialty tracks: cardiovascular sonography or general/vascular sonography. Transfer applicants and change of major students will be considered according to admission requirements of the College of Science and Engineering and the department of diagnostic ultrasound.

Some supplementary materials are required with transfer student applications. Applicants are encouraged to participate in volunteer or paid health care related activities that promote the development of communication and interpersonal skills and provide an opportunity to evaluate their own suitability to work with patients and the public. All majors are required to meet with program faculty prior to progressing to the third year.

Departmental Requirements (Policy 81-4 and Program Specific Requirements)

Students must earn a grade of C or higher and a GPA of 2.50 or higher in PHYS 105 , 106 , MATH 131 , BIOL 161 /171 , 200 , 210 . Any biology, diagnostic ultrasound didactic, diagnostic ultrasound internship, ultrasound physics or pathophysiology course in which a grade lower than a C is earned must be repeated. No further ultrasound course may be taken until the student has earned an acceptable grade. Any course may be repeated only once.

The major requirements, as well as pathophysiology, are taken the third and fourth year of the program. Prior to the third year of the program all students will have completed the math and science prerequisites and all but fifteen (15) credits of the core requirements. Advancement to the third year courses also involves review and approval by the department chair and advisors. The final year of the program is 12 months of internship in a health care facility, which is arranged by a clinical coordinator.