About Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The field of diagnostic ultrasound or medical sonography utilizes high frequency sound waves to image and evaluate organs and soft tissue structures of the body. The diagnostic medical sonographer is a skilled person qualified by academic and clinical education to perform sonographic examinations under the supervision of a qualified physician. The sonographer will perform a variety of diagnostic examinations to include evaluations of the brain, abdomen, peripheral blood vessels and studies of the pregnant and non-pregnant female patient. The skilled sonographer has a unique and vital role in the diagnostic process and continues to offer many excellent opportunities for employment.

Program Description
Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a two-year curriculum of full-time study in diagnostic medical sonography leading to an associate in applied science degree. Students receive theoretical and clinical instruction in all aspects of diagnostic ultrasound in preparation for entry-level positions as a diagnostic medical sonographers. Upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations in physics, abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology.

We recognize the profession of diagnostic medical sonography as an integral part of the diagnostic medical team. We believe that through the practiced skills of the sonographer we assist both the patient and the physician in the accurate detection of disease. We therefore support and encourage individuals to enter this profession.

We believe that education is a process of learning through a balance of didactic and clinical instruction which adequately prepares the individual equally for the registry examinations and for employment. Through the flexible design of our program, we strive to achieve this goal and take advantage of the full learning potential of each individual.

Mission
The mission of the program is to meet the needs of the healthcare community by providing qualified individuals to become competent diagnostic medical sonographers.

• Function as an integral part of the diagnostic medical imaging team, providing patient services efficiently and in a professional, sensitive manner.
• Incorporate concepts learned through classroom instruction and clinical practice, ensuring accurate, meaningful sonographic evaluations.
• Serve as a resource and an advocate for the use of ultrasound in medicine.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the professional role through life-long learning.

Admission Criteria Specific to This Program
For complete College admissions requirements, see our Admissions page (link on the left side of this page). Applicants for the two-year associate degree program must meet the general admission requirements.  Individuals who have completed a two-year post-secondary allied health program, or have earned an associate degree or higher are eligible to complete the diagnostic medical sonography diploma curriculum. Individuals entering the diploma track will start in the spring semester of the first year, beginning in January.  Diploma candidates must complete the following post-secondary courses with a grade of "C" or better: English composition, physics, human anatomy and physiology I & II, medical terminology, and methods of patient care. Certain courses may be offered as co-requisites during the spring semester.

Clinical Facilities
The main clinical affiliate of the program is the Lancaster General Hospital. Last year over 60,000 sonographic procedures were performed throughout the Lancaster General health system. Clinical affiliations are also maintained with other hospitals in the region. At each of these clinical facilities, the students are exposed to a wide range of diagnostic examinations including abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, superficial structures, neonatal, vascular, trauma, intra-operative and invasive sonographic procedures.

Class Standing
Diagnostic Medical Sonography students designated as Level I and Level II are defined as follows:
Level I: 0-37 credits
Level II: 38-69 credits

• DMS 100.  Ultrasound Imaging I.
• DMS 110.  Ultrasound Imaging II.
• DMS 200.  Ultrasound Physics.
• DMS 201.  Abdomen.
• DMS 202.  Obstetrics I.
• DMS 203.  Ultrasound Imaging III.
• DMS 210.  Doppler Procedures.
• DMS 211.  Superficial Structures.
• DMS 212.  Obstetrics II.
• DMS 213.  Ultrasound Seminar.
• DMS 214.  Ultrasound Imaging IV.
• DMS 220.  Ultrasound Imaging V.

Updated 11/30/07