DMS 250 Selected Topics in U/S

This course is designed to integrate knowledge from previous courses with current studies to produce thorough, sequential information in areas of special topics pertaining to Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Case studies will provide a means to discuss and review pathology, clinical manifestation of symptoms, differential diagnosis, sonographic patterns and protocols in scanning. In addition, review of ARDMS board examination will be implemented.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: DMS 242

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

DMS 250 Selected Topics in U/S

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: DMS 242

Course Credits and Hours

2 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is designed to integrate knowledge from previous courses with current studies to produce thorough, sequential information in areas of special topics pertaining to Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Case studies will provide a means to discuss and review pathology, clinical manifestation of symptoms, differential diagnosis, sonographic patterns and protocols in scanning. In addition, review of ARDMS board examination will be implemented.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Explain the importance of continued development of knowledge and skills in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC 3, 4)
  2. Discuss résumé preparation and interview skills. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 4)
  3. Integrate sonography principles and instrumentation concepts from previous courses to solve mock board exam questions. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
  4. Review and use content from previous technology courses to solve mock board exam questions. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
  5. Prepare a case study independently using appropriate records, patient information, and didactic knowledge of clinical skills to accurately form a sonographer's impression. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  6. Describe the fundamental elements for implementing a quality assurance and improvement program and the policies, protocols, and procedures for the general function of the ultrasound laboratory. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Explain the importance of continued development of knowledge and skills in the field of diagnostic medical sonography.
    1. Describe various professional societies and their services.
    2. Explain the importance of continuing education within the profession.
    3. Explain the process of ARDMS board exam and the importance of acquiring the registry in Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS).
    4. Explain the requirements for continuing competency through the continuing medical education (CME) credits.
  2. Discuss résumé preparation and interview skills.
    1. List the components and structure of a résumé.
    2. Discuss résumé writing and layout.
    3. Discuss interviewing skills.
    4. Discuss effective cover letter formats and content.
  3. Integrate sonography principles and instrumentation concepts from previous courses to solve mock board exam questions.
    1. Retrieve and explain proper patient care techniques to solve mock board exam questions for these topics:
      1. Patient identification/documentation
      2. Patient interaction
      3. Verification of requested examination
      4. Emergency situation
      5. Universal precaution
      6. Bioeffects and as low as (is) reasonably achievable (ALARA)
    2. Integrate and describe physical principles of sound waves and the interaction with tissue to solve mock board exam questions.
    3. Retrieve and explain the construction, characteristics, and types of transducers to solve mock board exam questions.
    4. Differentiate spatial and temporal resolutions to solve mock board exam questions.
    5. Integrate and describe pulse-echo instrumentation to solve mock board exam questions.
    6. Integrate and explain Doppler effect, instrumentation, and hemodynamics to solve mock board exam questions.
    7. Retrieve and describe quality assurance and quality control of equipment to solve mock board exam questions.
  4. Review and use content from previous courses to solve mock board exam questions.
    1. Retrieve and integrate basic anatomy and sonographic images of structures related to either abdominal, small parts, or obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) specialties to solve mock board exam questions.
    2. Integrate and explain normal physiology and pathophysiology of structures related to either abdominal, small parts, or OB/GYN specialties to solve mock board exam questions.
    3. Integrate and explain patient history, physical exam, and sonographic procedures related to either abdominal, small parts, or OB/GYN specialties to solve mock board exam questions.
    4. Integrate and explain treatment including prophylaxis, medical, surgical, and interventional procedures to solve mock board exam questions.
    5. Retrieve and describe other non-invasive and invasive diagnostic procedures to solve mock board exam questions.
  5. Prepare a case study independently using appropriate records, patient information, and didactic knowledge of clinical skills to accurately form a sonographer's impression.
    1. Describe a clinical case pertaining to technology by retrieving, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data including patient's age, gender, signs and symptoms, medical history, indication for ultrasound, type of ultrasound, procedures done, technologist's impression (describe sonographic appearance and explain specific sonographic or other features leading to diagnosis), differential diagnosis, physician's report, follow-up treatment, and prognosis.
    2. Discuss disease processes and complications, including origin, signs and symptoms, risk factors, ultrasound involvement, and treatment using the specific case and references.
    3. Compose well-structured written technical reports.
    4. Present a case study orally in a professional manner.
  6. Describe the fundamental elements for implementing a quality assurance and improvement program and the policies, protocols, and procedures for the general function of the ultrasound laboratory.
    1. Describe the elements in a quality assurance and improvement program.
    2. Discuss typical policies, protocols, and procedures for the general function of an ultrasound laboratory.
    3. Discuss current trends in healthcare systems.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Graduates will demonstrate clinical competence by performing a full range of diagnostic medical sonography procedures on all patient populations pertaining to their learning concentration.
  2. Graduates will professionally utilize verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills in patient care, procedure intervention, and professional relationships.
  3. Graduates will demonstrate professional growth and development by acting in a professional and ethical manner and comply with the professional scope of practice.
  4. Graduates will integrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as expected of a healthcare professional.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.