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Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) Specialization
Diagnostic medical sonography, also called ultrasound, is the science of using high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow within the human body. Sonographers work in hospitals, clinics, private physician offices, and other medical facilities performing examinations under the direction of a physician.
After completing two years of general studies and HCM classes, students are on campus for lectures and scan labs to include abdomen, small parts, OB/GYN, and vascular ultrasound. Small classes of up to 20 students and an ultrasound scan lab that includes a scan simulator and multiple phantoms offer students a personalized experience. The senior year is completed at clinical internships. Students are eligible to take the Abdomen and OB/GYN credentialing examinations and become certified sonographers prior to graduation. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at SIU is Illinois’ only accredited bachelor’s degree program in general sonography.
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Degree Requirements
Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Science- Sonography and a minor in Health Care Management (HCM) by fulfilling therequirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39credit hours
- Sonography Requirements: 51 credit hours
- Health Care Management Requirements: 18 credit hours
- Additional Requirements: 12 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guide (PDF), which helps outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View the handbook, all related undergraduate coursesandMaster Syllabus.
Health Care Management Minor
Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program also earn a minor in Health Care Management. Students become familiar with medical terminology, health care policy and ethics, U.S. healthcare systems, information management, and legal aspects.
This credential is a beneficial addition to a bachelor’s degree in Sonography, enhancing its value and related employment opportunities.
Student Organizations
Sonography students are encouraged to join registered student organization The Scanning Salukis. This is a great way to experience and learn more about sonography, build friendships, network with peers and underclassmen, and create rapport between faculty and students.
SIU has more than 300 student organizations you can join.
Careers
Graduates of our program enjoy a high job placement rate in a variety of careers. Possibilities include working as a diagnostic medical sonographer, researcher using ultrasound technology, sales representative or application specialist for an ultrasound equipment manufacturer, a traveling sonographer, teaching sonography, and administrative roles within a hospital or imaging department.
Program Starting Points
Freshman (Year 1): Applicants are ranked according to high school GPAs. Entering at the freshman level offers the best chance of acceptance. As a competitive program, admission to the university does not guarantee admission into the Sonography program. A maximum of 20 slots are available.
Sophom*ore (Year 2): Year 2 slots depend on availability. To be considered for a Year 2 slot, applicants must have completed or be currently in progress of the following courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Physics
- College Algebra or higher
Selective Admissions Criteria
Accreditation
The program is accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of the JRC-DMS.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
6021 University Boulevard
Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-973-3251
www.jrcdms.org
SIU Institutional Accreditation
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
800-621-7440 / 312-263-0456
www.hlcommission.org
Program Effectiveness Data
Mission, Goals, and Objectives:
- Program Mission
- Program Objectives
- Obtain, review, and process patient history and clinical data to obtain optimum diagnostic information.
- Perform appropriate sonographic procedures, recording anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic information pertinent to the requested study.
- Deliver finalized exam to interpreting physician with appropriate oral and/or written summary of technical findings.
- Demonstrate discretion and good judgment in communication skills with both the patient and fellow health-care professionals.
- Promote patient and public information in matters of health and sonography.
- Program Goals
- To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychom*otor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal- extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology concentrations.
- All applicants shall have equal opportunity to be accepted into the program.
- All students shall have equal opportunity to succeed when enrolled in the program.
- Acknowledging the dignity, worth, and individuality of the learner, faculty shall assume responsibility for the guidance of the learning activity.
- Faculty shall continually evaluate and modify curriculum requirements to comply with the Standards as defined by the accrediting agencies responsible for the sonography program and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
- Graduates will be cognizant of sonography as an art and science committed to serving humanity.
- Graduates will be professionally and morally obligated to life-long learning in an ever-changing field of diagnostic imaging.
- Additional Program Cost
- Background Check & Drug Screen: $100 - $200
- 2-Step TB Test: $20 - $50
- Flu Vaccine: $20 - $50
- CPR Certification: $25- $100
- SIU Student Badge: $15 - $30
- Scrubs: Maroon Scrubs- will be worn during clinical semesters- $50 - $100per pair
- Relocation/ Travel/ Living Expenses For 2 Clinical Semesters
- SDMS Student Membership: $40 (optional)
- Scanning Salukis: $20 (optional)
The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Specialization is providing qualified individuals with adequate educational opportunity, both in theory and practice, to allow proficiency in the areas of abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology ultrasonography.
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. These images are used by physicians to make medical diagnoses. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. Upon completion of the DMS program, the student shall possess the technical skills necessary to:
The College of Health and Human Sciences seeks to inspire and cultivate vision through personal involvement of students with faculty and staff as they achieve technical expertise in their field of study so they can be successful in a diverse and changing society. Based on the above stated philosophy and available resources, the DMS program will strive to attain the following goals:
Additional Program Cost*
*All costs listed are approximations and are subject to change at any time and may vary with clinical site requirements.
Contact Information
Shannon Anderson,
Program Director
ASA Room 14A
1365 Douglas Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-453-2375
sanderson@siu.edu
Lisa Bickel,
Clinical Coordinator
ASA Room 11D
1365 Douglas Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-453-8884
lisa.bickel@siu.edu
Michael Rowell,
Academic Advisor
ASA Room 15E
1365 Douglas Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-453-8869
michael.rowell@siu.edu
