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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
The program will prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for Abdominal sonography - Extended and Obstetrics and gynecology sonography through the following goals:- Students will be clinically competent.
- Students will communicate effectively.
- Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Program promotes professional behaviors and lifelong learning.
- The program will effectively meet the needs of the community for entry level Sonographers.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate competency in command of the transducer
- Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and record specific anatomy and pathology.
- Students will demonstrate applicable patient care methods.
- Students will demonstrate effective written communication.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
- Students will demonstrate appropriate analytical and evaluative abilities in the clinical setting.
- Students will modify ultrasound procedure according to patient conditions
- Student will demonstrate professional behavior in Health Care Team.
Career Outlook
Hospitals are the primary employers for 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. 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 Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.
Employers of HGTC Alumni Include:
- Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
- Georgetown Hospital System
- McLeod Regional Medical Center
- MUSC Marion
- MUSC Florence
- Waccamaw Community Hospital
- Conway Medical Center
- McLeod Loris
- McLeod Seacoast
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. Program admissions application is available above under admissions information.
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 122 | Abdominal Sonography | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DMS 166 | Advanced Clinical Education | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth Semester - Fall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DMS 126 | Advanced Sonographic Topics | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DMS 167 | Imaging Practicum | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Credit Hours |
40 |