Catalog description of program

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a technique using high frequency sound waves to create images of specific areas of the body from which pathology may be diagnosed.  A competent sonographer must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and pathology, as well as the skills to manipulate a wide variety of sophisticated instruments.  This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Description of job for which program prepares students

Works as a sonographer in the areas of the abdomen and pelvis, and small parts with introduction to vascular ultrasound.

Required program prerequisites

          q  Allied Health 010 – Health Occupations

          q  Allied Health 111 – Medical Terminology

          q  Biology 221 – Human Anatomy & Physiology

          q  Completion of general education course sequence for A.S. degree

          Recommended preparation

          q  Technology 040 math or higher (A.S. degree requirement)

          q  Counseling 102

Associate of Science Degree

This is an Associate of Science degree program.  All Associate of Science degree requirements must be completed prior to entry into the program. (See college catalog for specific requirements)

Does this program transfer?

No

Procedure for program admittance

Selections are made from students successfully completing Allied Health 010.  The formal process and application folder is completed in the Allied Health 010 – Health Occupations course.  Allied Health 010 is available as an on-campus (highly recommended) or online Internet course (see class schedule). Applicants must meet all prerequisite requirements  and A.S. degree general education prior to admittance into the program. (See School of Allied Health Admittance Policy).  Students must be admitted to the program in order to enroll in any DMS class.

Program start

The program starts in the fall semester every year.  All classes must be taken in sequence as listed in the college catalog.

Employment possibilities upon program completion

Hospitals, clinics, private physician’s offices and commercial companies.

Salary

Approximately $25-$30/hour, depending on position and location.

Courses within the program which students can take while seeking admission (subject to catalog restrictions)

Allied Health 120 – Human Diseases

Length of program

Four (4) semesters, one (1) summer session, and one (1) intersession following entry into the program.

Spaces available

Maximum of 24 depending on number of qualified contracted clinical facility spaces available.

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background check.  The background check will include Social Security number, address verification, a two-county felony criminal history, a State sex offender search, and a Medicare/Medicare Sanctioned Fraud List verification (OIG/GSA) search.  The background checks will be performed by a service provided by the District and must be completed prior to beginning of the first clinical rotation.  The student understands that the results of background checks must be provided to the clinical sites before patient care or clinical work commences.

Clinical requirements

The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities.  It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Just prior to entry into clinical students, are required to complete/obtain:

          q  A physical examination

          q  Criminal background check clearance

          q  CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H 115

          q  Student liability insurance

Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, nametag, and other program specific requirements.

Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work.  There may be exposure to hazardous materials or pathogens in the clinical setting.  Students will adhere to all safety and precautionary measures.  The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.

Employment prospects

The need for qualified sonographers remains throughout the nation.

Accreditation of program

CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited.

Other

Registered x-ray technologists and other paramedical personnel are encouraged to apply.

Contact

Cindi Reber-Bonhall, Program Coordinator             Dan Adelmann, Allied Health Advisor

Office: C & L 100-D                            Office: C&L 114 B

cbonhall@occ.cccd.edu                                    dadelmann@occ.cccd.edu

714-432-5893                                                714-432-5541

                                                                   714-432-5702 (appointments)

Allied Health Program Assistant – Jane McLaughlin – 714-432-5729