Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S.

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Welcome to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program at Chattanooga (MDTC).

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Chattanooga College, MDTC provides students with instruction in the use of ultrasound technology to capture images of internal body structures. The curriculum combines online coursework with hands-on training in clinical settings, offering students exposure to both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Sonographers work in healthcare environments to assist physicians with imaging used in the diagnostic process. The DMS program at Chattanooga College emphasizes both the technical and professional aspects of sonography, with content aligned to industry expectations and certification requirements.

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Online and In-Person Training

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.S.

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Modality: Hybrid

Diagnostic medical sonographers operate advanced ultrasound technology to assist physicians in evaluating internal organs, vascular systems, and obstetric development. This program emphasizes imaging physics, pathology recognition, cross-sectional anatomy, and procedural accuracy. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty diagnostic clinics where precision and patient interaction are essential components of imaging services.

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Program Overview

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S equips students to become highly skilled professionals in the use of high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body, with a strong emphasis on patient technical proficiency and sonographic imaging; our comprehensive coursework and clinical practice prepare you for a vital role in medical diagnostics.

Clinical Education

Throughout your clinical education, you will demonstrate competency in various critical areas, including:

Patient Care: Skills such as BLS/CPR certification, vital signs monitoring, and infection control.
Scanning Techniques: Proficiency in Gray Scale (2D), Color Doppler, Spectral Doppler, and M-Mode imaging.
Sonography Procedures: Competence in performing abdominal, renal, gynecologic, vascular, and obstetric imaging.
Equipment Care: Proper transducer handling, cleaning, and disinfection.

Why Choose Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. at Chattanooga College?

Hybrid Learning Experience: Participate in in-depth online courses dedicated to theoretical knowledge and skill enhancement.

Expert Instruction: Benefit from instruction by radiologic technologists dedicated to your success.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Master comprehensive knowledge of radiographic procedures, equipment, patient care, and safety.

Hands-On Clinical Training: Gain real-world skills through clinical practicums at healthcare facilities, enhancing your learning with practical experience.

Career-Ready Focus: This program prepares students for certification exams and entry-level positions in the radiology field with a curriculum aligned with industry standards.

Practical Experience: Participate in rigorous on-campus sessions that include practical labs and clinical experiences during the day and weekends, maximizing exposure to real healthcare settings.

Build Essential Skills for a
Career in Diagnostic Imaging

Abdominal Sonography: Dive deep into the world of ultrasound, focusing on abdominal anatomy and pathology. Gain the skills to capture and interpret high-resolution images that reveal intricate details of the abdominal organs.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography: Explore the fascinating realm of obstetrics and gynecology through advanced imaging techniques. Learn to assess fetal development and monitor reproductive health with precision and care.

Vascular Sonography: Unlock the power of vascular imaging, mastering Doppler and other cutting-edge modalities to visualize and analyze blood flow and circulatory health.

Patient Care Techniques: Develop essential skills to ensure comfort and safety while positioning patients for optimal imaging results. Learn techniques that enhance patient interactions and create a supportive environment during procedures.

Clinical Rotations: Gain invaluable hands-on experience in actual healthcare settings, working alongside seasoned radiology professionals. These clinical rotations offer a chance to apply your skills and build confidence in a professional environment.

Clinical Competency Checklist: Key Skills for Effective Patient Care and Imaging

Students must demonstrate competency in various areas during their clinical education, as outlined in the competency checklist:

Patient Care: Including BLS/CPR certification, vital signs, and infection control procedures.
Scanning Techniques: Mastery of Gray Scale (2D), Color Doppler, Spectral Doppler, and M-Mode imaging.
Sonography Procedures: Competency in abdominal, renal, gynecologic, vascular, and obstetric imaging, among others.
Equipment Care: Proper transducer preparation, cleaning, and disinfection.

Admission Requirements:

Academic Requirements: High School diploma or equivalent; 70% or higher on the Reading and Math HESI A2 and the DAX online assessment.
Technical Requirements: Reliable computer with internet, webcam, and microphone for online learning components.

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Coursework

.Our curriculum is designed to give you a deep understanding and hands-on experience in various aspects of sonography:

Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation: Understand the scientific principles behind ultrasound technology and its safe, effective use.
Abdominal Sonography: Master the detailed knowledge required for imaging abdominal anatomy and pathology.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography: Learn specialized imaging techniques for fetal and reproductive organ assessments.
Vascular Sonography: Acquire vascular imaging skills using Doppler and other advanced modalities.
Patient Care Techniques: Develop expertise.

Woman endocrinologist making ultrasonography to a female patient in an ultrasound office. Ultrasound diagnostics

Careers

Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographers have diverse career opportunities in various medical settings:

Hospitals: Engage in diagnostic departments or specialize in units such as obstetrics or vascular imaging units.

Outpatient Diagnostic Centers: Focus on providing dedicated ultrasound services in outpatient care.

Private Medical Practices: Support sonographic services in smaller medical teams or clinics.

Certs/Licenses

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exams, which are crucial for your career as a sonographer and recognition of your professional competence.

Male doctor and a female nurse stand near a negatoscope and examine an X-ray of a wounded animal. Veterinary medicine concept.

Courses & Credit Hours

Tabbed Course Schedules

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
DMS 100	Foundations of Sonography	4
DMS 110	Gynecological Sonography	5
DMS 120	Intro to Sonography Instruments	3
DMS 130	Sonography Preceptorship I	4
DMS 135	Sonography Lab I	1
DMS 140	Abdominal Sonography I	5
DMS 145	Abdominal Pathology	4
DMS 210	Sonography Principles & Instrumentation I	4
DMS 240	Obstetrical Sonography I	4
DMS 230	Sonography Preceptorship II	3
DMS 215	Sonography Principles & Instrumentation II	2
DMS 245	Obstetrical Sonography II	4
DMS 250	Superficial Sonography	2
DMS 255	Sonography Lab II	4
DMS 260	Sonography Principles & Instrumentation Seminar	2
DMS 270	Sonography Case Studies	1
DMS 235	Sonography Preceptorship III	4
DMS 265	Sonography Lab III	1
DMS 270	Sonography Seminar	3
DMS 290	Intro to Advanced Sonography	4

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
GEN 220	English 1	4
GEN 130	College Algebra	4
GEN 220	Oral Communications	4
BIO 210	Anatomy and Physiology 1	4
BIO 220	Anatomy and Physiology I Lab	2
BIO 240	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIO 250	Anatomy and Physiology Lab II	2
CC 100	College Management	2

Course #	Course Title	Credit Hours
CC 100	College Management	2
TOTAL OTHER CREDIT HOURS		2
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY, AS - TOTAL CREDIT HOURS		90

Want to Learn More about becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

TALK TO AN ADVISOR

Program Mission

The mission of the Diagnostic Sonography Program at Chattanooga College MDTC is to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education that prepares students to become competent, compassionate, and ethical sonographers. We are committed to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes clinical excellence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Our program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to deliver high-quality patient care and to contribute positively to the healthcare community.

Program Goals

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal sonography – Extended, and Obstetrics and Gynecology sonography concentrations.
Provide Comprehensive Education: Deliver a well-rounded curriculum that covers the theoretical and practical aspects of diagnostic medical sonography.
Develop Clinical Competence: Ensure students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to perform sonographic procedures accurately and efficiently.
Foster Professionalism: Instill a powerful sense of ethical behavior, professionalism, and compassion in all interactions with patients and healthcare team members.
Promote Lifelong Learning: Encourage continuous professional development and a commitment to staying current with advancements in the field of sonography.
Enhance Critical Thinking: Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to enable students to make informed decisions in clinical settings.
Support Student Success: Provide a supportive learning environment that promotes academic achievement and personal growth.

Abdomen-Extended Concentration Goal

The goal of the Abdomen Extended concentration is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers who can perform high-quality abdominal, superficial structure, and abdominal vascular examinations with accuracy, clinical reasoning, and professionalism. Students will develop the technical skills, anatomical knowledge, and patient‑care abilities necessary to produce diagnostic images, recognize normal and abnormal findings, and work safely and effectively under varying levels of supervision in a variety of clinical settings.

OB/GYN Concentration Goal

The goal of the OB/GYN concentration is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in obstetric and gynecologic imaging who can safely perform examinations across all trimesters of pregnancy and throughout the female reproductive system. Students will gain proficiency in fetal and gynecologic anatomy, image acquisition, protocol adherence, and identification of normal and abnormal findings, while demonstrating strong communication skills, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Diagnostic Sonography Program, students will be able to:

Perform Sonographic Examinations: Conduct a variety of sonographic examinations, including abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, abdominal vascular, and small parts imaging, with proficiency and accuracy.
Analyze Sonographic Images: Evaluate and interpret sonographic images to identify normal and abnormal findings, and document results accurately.
Apply Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to sonographic imaging.
Utilize Sonographic Equipment: Operate sonographic equipment effectively, ensuring proper settings and techniques are used to obtain optimal images.
Ensure Patient Safety and Comfort: Adhere to safety protocols and infection control measures while providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort during examinations.
Communicate Effectively: Exhibit professional communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and colleagues.
Demonstrate Professionalism: Uphold ethical standards and professional behavior in all aspects of clinical practice, including patient confidentiality and respectful interactions.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Pursue ongoing education and professional development opportunities to stay current with advancements in sonography and healthcare.

JRCDMS

The Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and Technical Careers has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted

ARRT/ARDMS

The Chattanooga College Medical Dental and Technical Careers Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offered at the main campus is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to allow graduates from the program to achieve certification and registration with ARRT. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) [1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120; phone (651) 687-0048; www.arrt.org]. Successful completion of the ARRT credential is an approved pathway for graduates to achieve certification and registration with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) [1401 Rockville Pike Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852; phone (301) 738-8401; www.ardms.org.]

Portrait of happy doctors, nurses and other medical staff in hospital.

Join Us!

Get Started! Are you ready to make a difference in healthcare through diagnostic medical imaging? Apply now to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Chattanooga College, MDTC. Visit our campus or contact us for more information on starting your journey in this essential and dynamic medical field.