The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Program at North-West College provides students with the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to potentially gain entry-level employment as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Ultrasound Tech working with ultrasound equipment in medical clinics, imaging centers, hospitals, mobile imaging services and other medical facilities.

This 84-week program is divided into thirteen class course modules plus three 216-hour clinical externships where students will apply the skills they learn in the classroom in actual health care practice settings.

Courses for this program include:

• College Success – This initial course in the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program is designed to increase student success in his/her professional and personal life through discussions and activities that promote achievement of career skills. Topics covered include time management, test-taking skills, goal setting, study habits and techniques, self-esteem, image, and motivation. Strategies to strengthen reading, writing, research, and quantitative abilities are emphasized. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 10 hours for this class

• Anatomy and Physiology I – A & P I presents, in detail, structural organization, cells/tissues, glands and membranes, skeletal system, muscular system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Anatomy and Physiology II – This course presents, in detail, the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, blood/lymphatic system, urinary system, and medical terminology. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Anatomy and Physiology III – A & P III presents, in detail, the nervous system, sensory and integumentary system, digestive system, and endocrine/respiratory systems. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Physics I – The course provides an understanding of the physics of ultrasound including the transducer, image formation, and display. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Physics II – The course provides an introduction to the technology of ultrasound including knobology, Doppler, color flow, m-mode, 2-D scanning, instrumentation, and safety. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Introduction to Vascular Technology – Vascular Technology is an introduction to vascular Sonography, hemodynamics, spectral analysis, vascular anatomy and pathology. The course is not designed to prepare students as Vascular Technologists. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Abdomen I – This course develops an understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the aorta, IVC, liver, and gallbladder. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Abdomen II – The class continues the understanding of anatomy combined with basic scanning skills of the gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and spleen. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Small Parts – This course presents small parts anatomy and pathology along with the continued development of scanning skills. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Gynecology – The course focuses on an understanding of anatomy, pathology, and scanning skills to perform various gynecological ultrasound procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Obstetrics II – The course addresses the anatomy, pathology, and scanning skills to perform first, second, and third trimester pregnancy procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Obstetrics III – Building from 104/II, this course continues to refine the scanning skills associated with the anatomy and pathology of first, second, and third trimester pregnancy procedures. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Externship I – Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Externship II – Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class

• Externship III – Working in the industry on a non-paid clinical externship. Externship schedules are similar to typical industry work days. Students will be assigned out-of-class work of approximately 24 hours for this class