Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Certificate

Bedford Campus - Day (Friday only)

Program Description:

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate program is open to individuals who are uncertified, although employed in the sonography field in a health care setting with access to a DMS (Ultrasound) department, and others seeking to enter the field who can meet the admission prerequisites and secure their own clinical site. The 12 credits of coursework provide formal instruction helpful in preparing for registry status in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Students find career opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics. The present career outlook for graduates is extremely positive and not expected to change in the near future.

Helpful Hints:

Students with no prior medical training should complete a course in medical terminology.

Note: Students must complete at least 1,680 hours of full-time clinical ultrasound experience to be eligible to sit for the Registry Exam.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate program are prepared to:

Identify and evaluate the abdominal structures: gallbladder/biliary system, liver, spleen, great vessels, pancreas, renals and retroperitoneum/peritoneum;
Demonstrate, identify and evaluate abdominal pathology; measure as indicated using appropriate caliper placement;
Identify and evaluate pelvic organs and structures using transabdominal/transvaginal imaging;
Demonstrate, identify and evaluate gynecologic pathology; measure as indicated using appropriate caliper placement;
Identify and evaluate first-, second- and third-trimester pregnancies, pelvic organs, and structures; obtain, identify and evaluate accurate fetal measurement parameters in the first, second, and third trimesters; demonstrate, identify and evaluate fetal cranial, thoracic anal=tomy, abdominal and musculoskeletal anatomy, and fetus well-being in the first, second and third trimesters;
Identify and evaluate superficial structures: breast, scrotum, soft tissue, prostate, appendix, pediatric hips, thyroid and vascular structures; demonstrate, identify and evaluate superficial structures pathology; measures as indicated using appropriate caliper placement;
Evaluate patient needs and acoustic characteristics; select, maintain and adjust equipment to provide optimal sonographic evaluation.

Required Courses

Total Credits: 12

Admission Information

Required Prerequisites: Completion of a two-year, patient care-centered training program (e.g. Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiologic Technology, Registered Nurse) or a bachelor’s degree in any major.

Required Documents:

Admission Application
Medical Imaging Admission Requirement Certification Form
Evidence of the above schooling/training is required
Official college transcripts (required from all colleges, except Middlesex Community College) documenting completion of a bachelor’s degree or two-year patient-care-centered training program.
Original letter from supervising sonographer/technologist verifying that the student has secured clinical internship site under the supervision of a physician and/or registered sonographer.

Admission Notes: Student must complete 12 months or 1,680 hours of full-time clinical ultrasound experience and be directly involved in a minimum of 800 cases during the clinical experience.

Students enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in clinical settings in order to remain in the program.

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check.

Standard/Technical Skills Notice: To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required to performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (www.middlesex.mass.edu) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.