Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)
Program Goals: To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Students demonstrate essential knowledge, technical skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and diagnostic abilities within the scope of practice for diagnostic medical sonography.
- Students demonstrate essential knowledge and values related to professional demeanor, including the implementation of confidentiality and privacy in the practice of diagnostic medical sonography.
DMS 50A • DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PRINCIPLES & PROTOCOLS
| Units: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 4 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | BIOL 40A, BIOL 40B and BIOL 40C. |
| Corequisite: | DMS 50B, DMS 60A and DMS 72A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
A comprehensive course covering the fundamentals of sonographic principles and protocols. Content includes description and acquisition of the major abdominal organs and vasculature, female reproductive system, and obstetric applications. In addition, sonographic terminology, image optimization, orientation, and descriptions of normal versus abnormal structures. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 50B • SONOGRAPHY & PATIENT CARE
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | AHS 52 or an equivalent medical terminology course. |
| Corequisite: | DMS 50A, DMS 60A and DMS 72A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to the role of the sonographer as a member of the health care team in a clinical setting. Patient and sonographer safety are discussed in addition to ethical practice and legal and regulatory requirements for diagnostic medical sonography. Includes scope of practice, established standards of care and professionalism, with an emphasis on patient-centered care. Prepares students for the expectations of competency based clinical education of the diagnostic medical sonography program. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 51A • SECTIONAL ANATOMY
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | BIOL 40A, BIOL 40B and BIOL 40C or equivalent. |
| Advisory: | Not open to students with credit in R T 75. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
| Cross-Listed: | R T 75 |
Healthcare professionals are introduced to human anatomy of the head and body cavities through transverse, sagittal, and coronal imaging planes, with a specific focus on sonographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. The course utilizes anatomic reference points, intersecting planes, and medical terminology to explore organ relationships and pathological changes. DMS 51A covers the same content as R T 75. DMS 51A is intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, and R T 75 is intended for students in the Radiologic Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in these programs.
DMS 52A • PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 50A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
The course includes physical principles of diagnostic ultrasound, wave characteristics, sound parameters, and review of mathematical skills. In addition, the course emphasizes topics including Doppler, sound beam characteristics, display modes, transducers, and patient-centered equipment settings. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 52B • PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 52A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
The course is a continuation of DMS 52A with detailed emphasis on concepts including pulsed echo instrumentation, image processing, transducers, and hemodynamics, as well as harmonics and contrast agents. In addition, the course details image display and processing which focuses on patient-centered equipment settings. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 52C • PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 52B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
A continuation of DMS 52B with an emphasis on advanced principles of ultrasound image optimization, volume rendering, Doppler imaging, and quality assurance. In addition, this course prepares students for the national registry examination. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 53A • DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 50A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Introduction to anatomy and physiology related to abdominal organs and abdominal vasculature. Includes normal abdominal anatomy and pathology, clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests related to normal and abnormal abdominal findings. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 53B • DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 53A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second in the series of anatomy and physiology courses related to abdominal organs, with a focus on kidney, spleen, and small parts. Includes the thyroid, breast, and scrotum. A continuation of DMS 53A and the study of normal anatomy and pathological findings. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 53C • DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 53B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Third in the series of anatomy and physiology courses. A continuation of DMS 53B. Includes bladder, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract, with an emphasis on clinical presentations in the pediatric patient. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 54A • GYNECOLOGY
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
2 lecture, .5 laboratory per week (30 total per quarter) Laboratory meets every other week (1 hour per laboratory meeting). |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 50A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
First course in the series of female pelvic anatomy and physiology. Includes normal female pelvic anatomy and pathology. Emphasis on the clinical presentation of the nongravid female patient. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 54B • GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
2 lecture, .5 laboratory per week (30 total per quarter) Laboratory meets every other week (1 hour per laboratory meeting). |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 54A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second course in the series of female pelvic anatomy and physiology. Continuation of DMS 54A. Includes anatomy and physiology related to the nongravid pelvis and first trimester obstetrics with an emphasis on the clinical presentation of the nongravid and gravid female patient. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 55A • OBSTETRICS I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
2 lecture, .5 laboratory per week (30 total per quarter) Laboratory meets every other week (1 hour per laboratory meeting). |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 54B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course includes anatomy and physiology related to second and third trimester obstetrics. The course describes obstetrical exam protocols and sonographic appearance according to the accepted standards. It also defines maternal and fetal anatomy and physiology during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In addition, it defines exam technical factors for the improvement of image quality. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 55B • OBSTETRICS II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
2 lecture, .5 laboratory per week (30 total per quarter) Laboratory meets every other week (1 hour per laboratory meeting). |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 55A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second in the obstetrical course series. Continuation of DMS 55A. Includes advanced pathology related to second and third trimester obstetrics. Emphasis on fetal and maternal pathology and complications during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 56A • VASCULAR SONOGRAPHY
| Units: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 50A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
First course in a series of vascular anatomy and physiology, and vascular principles. Includes Doppler physics and interpretation of spectral analysis, arterial and venous anatomy, and cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular applications. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 56B • ADVANCED APPLICATIONS OF VASCULAR TECHNOLOGY
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 56A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second course in the vascular series. Continuation of DMS 56A. Includes the advanced applications and principles of vascular technology. Emphasis on advanced examination of arterial and venous applications, including peripheral arterial and abdominal vascular systems. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 60A • CRITIQUE & PATHOLOGY I
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | BIOL 40A, BIOL 40B and BIOL 40C. |
| Corequisite: | DMS 50A, DMS 50B and DMS 72A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Interpretation and critique of normal and abnormal anatomy of the abdomen, female pelvis, and obstetrics. Includes didactic, clinical, and image findings. Emphasis on descriptive and effective communication skills through written, oral case presentations, and critiques. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 60B • CRITIQUE & PATHOLOGY II
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 60A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second course in the critique and pathology series. Continuation of DMS 60A. Includes critique and analysis of normal and abnormal anatomical images of the abdomen and female pelvis. Emphasis on the clinical presentation of the female patient. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 60C • CRITIQUE & PATHOLOGY III
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 60B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Third course in the critique and pathology series. Continuation of DMS 60B. Includes critique of normal and abnormal small parts (thyroid, breast, scrotum) and first trimester obstetrics. Emphasis on the clinical presentation of the male and female patient. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 60D • CRITIQUE & PATHOLOGY IV
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 60C. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Fourth course in the critique and pathology series. Continuation of DMS 60C. Includes critique of normal and abnormal anatomical images of pediatrics and second and third trimester obstetrics. Emphasis on the clinical presentation of pediatric and female patients. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 60E • CRITIQUE & PATHOLOGY V
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 60D. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Fifth course in the critique and pathology series. Continuation of DMS 60D. Includes advanced critique of abnormal anatomical images of second and third trimester obstetrics with an emphasis on the clinical presentation of the pregnant patient. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 60F • CRITIQUE & PATHOLOGY VI
| Units: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 60E. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Sixth course in the critique and pathology series. Continuation of DMS 60E. Includes advanced critique of normal and abnormal anatomical images as a review for abdomen-extended, gynecology, and obstetrics registry board exams. Emphasis on effective communication skills via written and oral case presentations and image critiques. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 70A • CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP I
| Units: | 11.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
416 laboratory per quarter (416 total per quarter) This is a 13 week course - 32 hours laboratory per week. |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 72A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This course builds on the clinical competencies of DMS 72A. Preceptorship to obtain technical expertise with emphasis on mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform sonographic studies and procedures. Emphasis is on elementary level for abdominal and gynecological examinations as to delineate complete anatomic and functional information for interpretation. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 70B • CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP II
| Units: | 10.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 32 laboratory per week (384 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 70A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Second course in the DMS 70 clinical rotation series. Includes technical expertise with emphasis on mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform sonographic studies and procedures in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and performance for abdominal, obstetrics, and gynecology examinations. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 70C • CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP III
| Units: | 9.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
352 laboratory per quarter (352 total per quarter) This is an 11 week course - 32 hours laboratory per week. |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 70B. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Third course in the DMS 70 clinical rotation series. Preceptorship in a medical setting that allows the student to obtain technical expertise with emphasis on mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform sonographic studies and procedures. Major emphasis is on intermediate-advanced level of knowledge and competency for abdominal, gynecology, obstetrics, and vascular sonography. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 70D • CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP IV
| Units: | 11.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: |
416 laboratory per quarter (416 total per quarter) This is a 13 week course - 32 hours laboratory per week. |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 70C. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Fourth course in the DMS 70 clinical rotation series. Includes technical expertise with emphasis on the advanced mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform sonographic studies and procedures in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and performance for abdomen, obstetric, and gynecology examinations. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 70E • CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP V
| Units: | 10.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 32 laboratory per week (384 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 70D. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Fifth course in the DMS 70 clinical rotation series. Preceptorship to obtain technical expertise with emphasis on the advanced-graduate mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform sonographic studies and procedures. Emphasis is on final competencies leading to program completion. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 72A • DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROCEDURES & APPLICATIONS
| Units: | 11.5 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 1 lecture, 32 laboratory per week (396 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | BIOL 40A, BIOL 40B and BIOL 40C. |
| Corequisite: | DMS 50A, DMS 50B and DMS 60A. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Develops the fundamental skills, procedures, and applications for sonographic image acquisition. Includes instruction in establishing technical quality, image interpretation, analysis, and case presentation. Students have hands-on experiences in a structured lab setting with an emphasis on patient care simulation and live scanning exercises. This course also includes clinical preceptorship for obtaining technical expertise with emphasis on knowledge, skills, and abilities to acquire sonographic exams and procedures. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
DMS 80A • ADVANCED SONOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES
| Units: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Prerequisite: | DMS 60D. |
| Degree and Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
This is a comprehensive course, intended for the review of normal and abnormal anatomical structures in order to prepare the students for abdomen-extended, obstetrics, and gynecology ARDMS board exams. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.