2022-2023 College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Echocardiography, B.S.


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Department Chair: Ms. Andrea Gutmann

 

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Mount Aloysius College is designed to prepare students with the ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations required of an entry-level general sonographer. Throughout the length of the program, students will have the opportunity to study the anatomy, physiology and pathology of scanned organ systems, recognize different sonographic patterns, and provide accurate and technical clinical presentations to an interpreting radiologist.  Students may choose between two specializations: General Sonography (Abdominal, OB/GYN, Small Parts) and Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography).  

 

The Cardiac Sonography program is a four-year program in which graduates receive hands-on training on campus and out in the clinical environment to perform sonography evaluations of the heart and great vessels.

 

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Medical Imaging: Ultrasonography, the graduate will:

  1. Have a solid grounding in liberal arts that includes arts, sciences and advanced imaging modalities;
  2. Be able to effectively interact in the professional setting using various modes of communication;
  3. Understand equipment operation and be able to employ basic interventional procedures to facilitate the production of high-quality images;
  4. Possess advanced knowledge of imaging equipment and accessories, techniques, and procedures demonstrating expertise in several imaging modalities;
  5. Be able to assess various imaging examination procedures and assist in attaining pertinent information in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient;
  6. Understand the code of ethics for imaging specialists, be able to work collaboratively, and attend to patient needs; and
  7. Have developed a commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of personal and professional growth through the participation in educational and professional activities.

 

 

Departmental Program Requirements

 

General Requirements Regardless of Specific Program of Study

  1. For applicants applying directly into any associate degree program: 
    • Complete work equal to standard high school courses with satisfactory achievement (grade of “C” or better) in Algebra and Chemistry within the previous five years. If an incoming student does not have the algebra within the previous five years, the student will be required to complete MAT 001: Basic Math Concepts through NursingABC.com;
    • All applicants must have a minimum of 2.7 GPA;
    • A student who is admitted as a pre-medical imaging student or coded as pre-medical imaging during a break in enrollment in the program directly must earn a grade of “C” or better in all core courses and courses outside the major. Once the student is matriculated fully into the program, grades of “D” or better are acceptable in all non-major courses and science courses.
  2. It is important that students take the required science coursework, as prescribed by their academic advisor. Failure to do so may delay graduation.
  3. Students that are attending a clinical have multiple requirements that need to be completed and submitted electronically. A clinical experience will not be permitted without a physical exam, titers to ensure immunity to Mumps, Rubella, Rubeola, and Varicella, immunization information for Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis, and Influenza, and a two- step Tuberculosis test. The Health Service Department assists students in creating an account and using a Certified Profile system to upload documentation for approval and tracking.
  4. Students are required to have a current clear urine drug screen, submit to a criminal record check, an FBI fingerprint record check and have a child abuse history clearance.
  5. Students in a Health Studies Division curriculum are assessed a one-time fee to cover incidental expenses connected with your program’s clinical education. One American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED), one urine drug screening, one criminal record check, one FBI fingerprint record check, and one child abuse clearance (if required) are included in the fee. If additional criminal record checks, child abuse clearances or urine drug screens are required, the student will be responsible for any additional costs associated with updating their requirements.
  6. Students are required to have and maintain a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR Certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED) for the duration of their clinical experience.
  7. The associate and bachelor degree programs in Medical Imaging, Ultrasonography, and Nuclear Medicine programs may require part-time or full-time summer clinical work.
  8. Students must provide their own transportation to clinical sites and are responsible for their own room and board during the course, if necessary. Students may be required to relocate due to clinical sites being at a distance.
  9. Students in the 2+2 Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences program, who are transferring credits that apply towards the associate degree requirements, may take courses needed for the bachelor degree during their time in the associate degree program with approval of their academic advisor.
  10. Please note: Program requirements may be changed as changes in the national standards occur.

 

For acceptance at the Advanced Level:

Current Registered Technologist with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists OR Completion of an Associate of Science Degree in Radiography must provide documentation of certification through the American of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

 

Specific Ultrasonography Program Requirements (Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, or 2+2 Program)

  1. For entrance into the ultrasonography courses in the 2+2 Medical Imaging/Ultrasonography program, students must first complete the first two years of coursework in radiologic technology.
  2. For Radiographers with a hospital diploma in Radiography and graduates of an Associate Degree in Radiography they must possess an Associate of Science Degree in Radiography or provide documentation of certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
  3. Students must maintain a 2.7 GPA throughout the program.
  4. The associate degree program in the Ultrasonography program requires summer clinical course work. In the bachelor degree program, students will complete full-time clinical course work during the summer between the second and third years in the Ultrasonography program.
  5. If all program prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science Ultrasonography program are not completed prior to the start of the fall semester ultrasonography coursework, the student will be placed into the PSUSP Track.
  6. Students must attempt the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam during Summer I, the semester before the first clinical rotation.
  7. It is recommended that graduating Ultrasound students in the Medical Imaging and Sciences department should sit for the American Registry of Radiologic (ARRT) for Ultrasound or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) no later than four weeks after their May graduation date.
  8. A total of 15 students will be accepted into the Ultrasound program.
  9. Students must provide their own transportation to clinical sites and are responsible for their own room and board during the course, if necessary. Students may be required to relocate due to clinical sites being at a distance. Ultrasound clinical placements are based on curriculum GPA.



 

Core Course Requirements


Communication/Writing


Upper-Division Literature


  • ENGL 300/400 3 Credits

Art/English/Music/Theatre


  • ART, ENGL, MUSC, THEA 3 Credits

History/Political Science


  • HIST or PLSC 3 Credits

Science


Religious Studies/Philosophy


Social Science


Cultural Diversity


  • Cultural Diversity: 3 Credits

Integrated Discipline Capping


Total Credits in Core: 46 Credits


Total Credits for Degree: 130 Credits


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