Course Description:

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of sonography, emphasizing the pivotal role of the sonographer within the healthcare team. Students will gain foundational knowledge in medical terminology, essential for both written and verbal communication within clinical settings. The curriculum covers the history of the profession, accreditation standards, and an overview of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam, preparing students for certification.

Key topics include patient privacy and confidentiality, with an in-depth look at HIPAA regulations, patient care procedures, and best practices for maintaining a sterile and aseptic environment. The course also addresses critical safety protocols such as blood and fluid precautions, body mechanics, and the safe transfer of patients using supportive equipment. Additionally, students will explore equipment knobology and ergonomic practices to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:   

·        Describe best practices for prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

·        Demonstrate proper scanning ergonomics.

·        Demonstrate how to safely transport and transfer patients and supportive equipment.

·        Explain the importance of HIPAA.

·        Describe Body and Fluid Precautions

·        Demonstrate knowledge, methods, and applications of infection control.

·        Demonstrate knowledge working in a sterile and aseptic environment.

·        Demonstrate infection prevention.

·        Demonstrate patient assessment – heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, etc.

·        Describe understanding of life-threatening situations and emergency care.

·        Demonstrate prevention of discrimination and sexual harassment.

·        Define knobology and explain basic equipment control for image optimization.

·        Explain the different types of transducers and their care.

·        Explain how to take care of ultrasound equipment.

·        Explain how morals, values and ethics are part of our professional and personal lives.

·        Describe the professional scope of practice and clinical standards.

·        List the main diagnostic imaging modalities that sonographers encounter.

Prerequisites:

Bachelor's degree that meets the ARDMS’s prerequisite 3A

https://www.ardms.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/ARDMS-General-Prerequisites.pdf