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Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate
The technological advancement of diagnostic sonography has been incredibly beneficial for the medical field. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use sound waves at high frequencies to produce high-resolution images for physicians to visualize the body’s internal organs, muscles and joints, providing more accuracy when determining a patient's condition and course of treatment. One of the more popular uses of this technology is obstetric sonography, which allows doctors, along with expectant parents, to see the fetus as it develops and to monitor for abnormalities or health complications in the developing child. Students completing the program are eligible to take the ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) registry exams in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. See the program mission statement.
Note: Students with appropriate credits to qualify for an A.A.S. degree in General Technology may graduate with an A.A.S. in General Technology, with an Emphasis in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
For more information about Health Science Admissions visit: www.hgtc.edu/healthscience.
For more information, contact:
Caryn Atkins - (843) 477-2181
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775, 727-210-2350.
For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.
Program Mission Statement
The Medical Imaging Sciences Programs of Horry-Georgetown Technical College will provide
a student - centered environment for the development of professional attributes, technical
abilities, and critical thinking skills expected of entry-level Sonographers. The
graduate of the program will have acquired the knowledge, skills and professional
experiences necessary for success in achieving their career and educational goals
and will work as effective Sonographers in their local communities.
Program Goals
1. Students will be clinically competent.
2. Students will communicate effectively.
3. Students will demonstrate correct use and efficiency with information technology.
4. Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Students will demonstrate professional behaviors.
6. The program will effectively meet the needs of the community for entry level Sonographers.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate competency in command of the transducer.
2. Students will execute clinical competence in diagnostic ultrasound exams in the
clinical setting.
3. Students will select appropriate technical factors, with use of all ultrasound
equipment.
4. Student will develop the ability to recognize and record anatomy and pathology
using ultrasound.
5. Students will demonstrate analytical and evaluative abilities in a clinical setting.
6. Students will demonstrate and develop professional demeanor with Healthcare Team.
7. Students will apply ALARA practices.
8. Students will demonstrate applicable patient care methods.
9. Students will demonstrate effective written and oral communication.
10. Students will demonstrate competent use and delivery of information via electronic
sources.
11. Students will modify examinations according to patient condition and or technical
considerations.
12. Students enrolled in the program will graduate.
13. Students will acquire jobs in the profession.
14. Students will pass the ARDMS/ARRT certification exams.
15. Employees will be satisfied with graduates.
Career Outlook
Hospitals are the primary employers for vascular sonographers, although there are
opportunities in private physician's offices. Sonographers can earn certifications
in specialty areas such as breast, pediatrics, cardiac, and vascular sonography.
A certification as a sonographer can also open new career options for current members
of the healthcare community, such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and other imaging
specialists.
For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Horry-Georgetown
Technical College's Office of Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.
Employers of HGTC Alumni Include:
- Grand Strabnd Regional Medical Center
- Georgetown Hospital System
- McLeod Regional Medical Center
- Carolinas Hospital System - Marion
- Waccamaw Community Hospital
- Conway Medical Center
- Loris Community Hospital
- Brunswick Community Hospital
Program Information |
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Specific Admission Requirements for Program Applicants will be accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program by completing a weighted application form. Students with the highest scores will receive admission to the program. A waiting list of applicants will not be maintained for future admission. An applicant who receives notification that he/she was not admitted to the program must resubmit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Application by the program application deadline date to be considered for admission to the next available class. Weighted admission forms are available on the Health Science web page.
Course Sequence and Progression Requirements Students must pass a criminal background check and urine drug screening 30 days prior
to starting clinical each semester. |
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Curriculum Sequence
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| First Semester - Fall | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
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| DMS 112 | OB/GYN Sonography I | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 114 | DMS Cross Sectional Anatomy | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 164 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Semester - Spring | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 101 | Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 124 | OB/GYN Sonography II | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 150 | Clinical Applications I | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Semester - Summer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 120 | Sonographic Instrumentation II | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 166 | Advanced Clinical Education | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 122 | Abdominal Sonography | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Semester - Fall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 126 | Advanced Sonographic Topics | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMS 167 | Imaging Practicum | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total Credit Hours |
40 |
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