Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Trocaire student using imaging equipment.

Certificate Program
Division of Allied Health and Professions | Medical Imaging

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a skilled person qualified by academic and clinical preparation to perform ultrasound exams under the supervision of a qualified physician. The Sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings, where the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures.

Specifically, the graduate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will be prepared with the skills necessary to perform ultrasound examinations, provide patient care and record the anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by the physician.

The program of study includes thirty-six (36) credit hours of didactic, college laboratory and clinical sessions. Learning experiences emphasize ultrasound physics, abdominal, and OB/GYN sonography.  Sonography related to small body structures and special procedures is also included. Extensive clinical experience is provided at Western New York health care facilities.

The graduate is eligible to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certifying Examinations for Physics, Abdominal, and OB/GYN Sonography.

Trocaire has established opportunities for student recognition and career networking, including: 

 Lambda Nu – the National Honor Society for the radiologic and imaging sciences. The Trocaire Chapter, New York Beta, recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated exemplary scholarship and dedication to their chosen profession.  

Certificate: Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Format
Time of Program: Evening classes/Day clinical
Mode of Delivery: On site/Seated

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Resources
Program Requirements
Specific Admission Requirements for DMS Program:

Candidates for admission to this program must be a graduate from a patient facing Allied Health/Life Sciences program with an A.A.S., B.S. Degree (i.e. Respiratory Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Physical Therapy, Surgical Technology, Nursing, Radiography).

  • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative average.*
  • Official transcripts from secondary and post-secondary institutions required.
  • Immunizations/physicals:  updated medical records from within one year of the start of the program are required and are to be submitted prior to attending clinicals.

*Diploma Graduates: Transcripts will be reviewed to determine compliance with academic requirements.

Minimum Certificate Requirements:

A total of 36 credit hours with a Quality Point Average of 2.0

Graduation Requirements:
Technical Standards
Courses
  • Semester 1
    17
    DMS 300
    Cross Sectional Anatomy
    3

    This course will focus on the basic sectional anatomy of the neck, abdomen and pelvis building upon the basic knowledge of anatomy. It will prepare the student to recognize sectional anatomy of major human structures amenable to sonographic technique. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 301
    Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    3

    This course provides the student with an orientation to the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography followed by the techniques for assisting and monitoring patients. Ethics and patient care procedures pertinent to sonography will be covered. Chart reading and record keeping relative to clinical medicine will be presented. The student will study and investigate the principles underlying sonographic visualization. This will include the theoretical concepts of image reproduction, pertinent equipment considerations and alternative methods of information storage and display. This course includes college laboratory experience on basic scanning technique relative to college lecture material. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 306
    Physics of Ultrasound I
    2

    Fundamental principles of acoustical physics including wave propagation, acoustical impedance properties, and transducer characteristics will be presented. Basic types of equipment and instrumentation are discussed. Doppler Principles are introduced. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 310
    Abdominal Sonography I
    2

    Abdominal Sonography I provides the student with information necessary to perform an abdominal sonographic examination. Normal anatomy will be reviewed as well as an emphasis on the detection of pathology, anomalies and deviation from the normal sonographic appearance. Correlation with clinical tests and related clinical signs and symptoms will be included. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 311
    Abdominal Sonography Laboratory I
    1

    The student is provided with college laboratory experiences on abdominal scanning techniques and protocol relative to the abdominal structures and their physiology. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 315
    Pelvic Sonography
    2

    Pelvic sonography provides the student with information necessary to perform a pelvic sonographic examination. Normal anatomy will be reviewed as well as an emphasis on the detection of pathology, anomalies and deviation from the normal sonographic appearance. Correlation with clinical tests and related signs and symptoms will be included. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 316
    Pelvic Sonography Laboratory
    1

    The student is provided with college laboratory experiences on pelvic scanning techniques and protocol relative to the pelvic structures and their physiology. (Fall Semester)

    DMS 320
    Sonography Clinical Practicum I
    3

    This course concentrates on the development of initial practical skills in basic sonographic procedures. Emphasis is on the role of initial observer to assistant under the close supervision of faculty and sonography staff, and is provided at area diagnostic medical sonography clinical sites. (Fall Semester) Twenty four hours per week.

  • Semester 2
    13
    DMS 405
    Obstetrical Sonography
    3

    This course provides the student with the fundamentals of obstetrical scanning of normal and abnormal anatomy. Fetal development, including abnormal etiology and diagnostic techniques are presented. The detection of abnormalities, pathologies and deviation from normal are stressed. (Spring Semester)

    DMS 406
    Physics of Ultrasound II
    1

    This course focuses on practical applications of principles and concepts presented in “Physics of Ultrasound I.” In addition, the student is provided opportunities for preparation for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification examination in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation. (Spring Semester)

    DMS 410
    Abdominal Sonography II
    2

    This is a continuation of the in-depth study of abdominal sonography. The didactic and clinical knowledge necessary to perform basic sonographic examinations of anatomy classified as “small parts” will also be presented. (Spring Semester)

    DMS 411
    Abdominal Sonography Laboratory II
    1

    The student is provided with college laboratory experiences on advanced abdominal scanning techniques and protocol relative to the abdominal structures and their physiology. (Spring Semester)

    DMS 415
    Seminar/Research Course
    1

    This course is devised to help the student become familiar with describing sonographic images and correlating the descriptions with clinical histories. This is accomplished with case study presentations. The student will also develop research skills by writing a paper on an approved topic. A brief presentation of their topic will complete the course. (Spring Semester)

    DMS 419
    Special Sonographic Procedures
    2

    This course introduces the student to the field of vascular sonography with the main focus on the carotid arterial and lower peripheral venous system. Obstetrical and Gynecological doppler applications will also be presented. (Spring Semester)

    DMS 420
    Sonography Clinical Practicum II
    3

    This supervised off-campus experience continues to provide the student development of skills in scanning abdomens, with progression into the areas of obstetrical and gynecological applications. Small parts and Doppler techniques will be introduced. (Spring Semester) Twenty four hours per week.

  • Semester 3
    6
    DMS 430
    Sonography Clinical Practicum III
    6

    In this final and extended period of clinical study, the student progresses to full independence under the supervision of faculty and sonography staff. Upon demonstration of full competency, the student will have an opportunity to refine his/her skills through more independent practice. (Summer) Forty hours per week for twelve weeks.