Associate of Occupational Science in Ultrasound Technology

The purpose of this course is to understand the organization and general plan of the body and the importance of how the human body functions. This includes an introduction to the human body, chemical aspects of the life, cells, tissues, membranes, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

This course will cover mathematical logic, Boolean algebra, set theory, number abstractions, operations and their properties, monomials, polynomials, equations and inequalities.

The purpose of this laboratory course is to develop an understanding of the organization and general plan of the body, maintaining homeostasis, and the importance of how the human body functions through applied and practical learning. Practical exposure to systems of study will include, but is not limited to: the study of cells and tissues, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Concepts of development, metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, pregnancy, prenatal development, genetics and their impact on human movement and health are included. Laboratory learning activities will include identification of anatomical structures, surface anatomy, and their function and relationship to homeostasis.

This course provides instruction in the process of effective written communication for a variety of formats. It initially focuses on four basic areas of effective writing: unity, specifics, coherence, and grammar. The course will utilize reading, discussion and personal insight to increase students capacity to write simple paragraphs, formal essays, reports and research projects. Students will be equipped with techniques that facilitate creative, academic, and professional written communication. Additionally, students will be given library activities to enhance research skills.

This is an introductory course covering the fundamental principles of the physical world. The course explores mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and introductory atomic and nuclear physics.

Special focus is given to how physics concepts apply to health sciences and medical imaging, including diagnostic ultrasound, X-rays, and MRI. Through lectures, demonstrations, and problem-solving, students will develop critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills needed for real-world and clinical applications. By course end, students will have a strong physics foundation for further studies in ultrasound physics and advanced healthcare courses.

This course covers the essential physical and technical principles underlying diagnostic medical sonography. Students will learn how sound waves generate diagnostic images by studying acoustic principles, wave interactions with tissues, pulsed ultrasound, Doppler principles, and transducer technology.

The course emphasizes ultrasound instrumentation, image processing, system controls, artifact recognition, quality assurance, and safety standards. In the lab, students gain hands-on experience operating equipment, mastering control settings, and optimizing image quality.

By course completion, students will be prepared for the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam.

This course is an introduction to basic medical imaging terminology and prepares students for more advanced coursework in subsequent courses by providing an introduction to general medical imaging terminology. Students will study the roots, prefixes, suffixes, and abbreviations as well as general terms and their appropriate usage in medical imaging practice.

This course covers the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of abdominal organs and superficial structures assessed by diagnostic medical sonography. Students will develop the knowledge and hands-on skills to perform quality abdominal and small parts ultrasound exams using standardized protocols.

Topics include the sonographic evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, major vessels, thyroid, scrotum, breast, and other superficial structures. The course emphasizes correlating clinical findings with sonographic appearances and identifying common pathologies.

In the lab, students will practice scanning techniques, image optimization, documentation, and preparation of preliminary findings. Professionalism, patient safety, and effective communication are stressed throughout.

Upon completion, students will be competent in abdominal and small parts scanning, image analysis, and clinical documentation, preparing them for advanced courses and clinical practice.

This course provides students with practical skills for sonography and effective patient care. The professional role of the sonographer, basic principles of medical ethics, patient care, and expectations in clinical settings are emphasized.

Key topics include communication, documentation, vital sign assessment, infection control, and the technologist’s responsibilities in medical emergencies. Students will also gain confidence using sonography equipment. Additionally, students will explore career pathways, licensure options, and the wide range of clinical applications in the field of sonography.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and clinical applications of obstetric and gynecologic sonography. Students will gain an understanding of both normal and abnormal conditions affecting the female reproductive system and the developing fetus.

The lecture component focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the uterus, ovaries, and fetal structures throughout various stages of pregnancy. Students will learn to correlate sonographic findings with clinical presentations and patient history to support accurate diagnostic interpretation.

In the laboratory component, students will develop hands-on proficiency in performing gynecologic and obstetric ultrasound examinations. Emphasis is placed on proper scanning techniques, image optimization, protocol adherence, and accurate documentation. Students will also practice obtaining biometric measurements, recognizing normal and abnormal fetal growth paterns, and preparing initial preliminary reports for review by the interpreting physician or radiologist.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for performing high-quality OB/GYN ultrasound examinations in a clinical setting.

This course introduces the medico-legal and medical ethics principles of the healthcare profession specific to the imaging profession.

This course introduces vascular ultrasound imaging with a focus on hemodynamic principles and how vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology affect ultrasound findings.

The lecture portion covers the anatomy and physiology of peripheral and central vessels and common vascular pathologies such as stenosis, occlusion, aneurysms, thrombosis, and venous insufficiency. Students learn to interpret related sonographic paterns.

Lab sessions offer hands-on training in vascular scanning and Doppler evaluation, including duplex studies of carotid arteries as well as arteries and veins in the upper and lower extremities. Emphasis is placed on image acquisition, waveform analysis, patient positioning, protocol adherence, and preliminary reporting.

Upon completion, students will be able to perform standard vascular ultrasound exams, recognize abnormal flow paterns, and contribute to accurate vascular diagnoses.

This course serves as the culminating capstone experience of the Ultrasound Technology Program. It is designed to assess each student’s readiness for professional practice and national certification examinations through hands-on demonstration of clinical proficiency.

This course reinforces clinical judgment, patient care, sonographic technique, and professional ethics, preparing students to enter the workforce as competent, confident, and credential-ready sonographers.

During this course, students will be assigned to, and directly supervised in a Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound imaging facility such as a hospital, clinic, or imaging center. The student will be introduced to the clinical setting and departmental organization. Under direct observation by a supervising sonographer or physician serving as the Clinical Instructor (preceptor), and the school’s Clinical Coordinator, the student will begin to acquire the hands-on skills necessary for the sonographer in a clinical site. This is accomplished through observation and participation in clinical case studies of patients undergoing ultrasound examinations.

This course provides a focused review of the fundamental and advanced concepts of ultrasound physics and instrumentation for sonography students preparing for the ARRT (S) exam. Topics include the principles of sound wave propagation, acoustic parameters, atenuation, image formation, Doppler principles, and common artifacts. Essential aspects of equipment operation, safety, and quality assurance are emphasized, alongside practical exam strategies. Learning activities combine lectures,

image review, and mock exams to ensure competency in sonography physics and readiness for the ARRT (S) certification test.

This course is designed as a more advanced continuation of Clinical Practicum I. The student will continue to perfect his/her skills in the clinical environment and learn more advanced imaging techniques required of the sonographer. The student will gain more experience in performing ultrasound imaging of the patient undergoing abdominal, small parts, gynecologic, obstetric, or vascular ultrasound examinations. The student will continue to develop skills with greater independence while supervised by the Clinical Instructor (preceptor), and the Clinical Coordinator.

This course provides an in-depth review of advanced obstetric and gynecologic sonography for ARRT (S) exam preparation. Emphasis is placed on female pelvic anatomy, fetal development across all trimesters, and recognition of various pathologies. Students practice image interpretation, protocol review, and clinical correlation through case studies and mock exams. The course equips students with the knowledge and test-taking skills needed for the ARRT (S) OB/GYN exam section.

This course is designed as a more advanced continuation of Clinical Practicum I and II. The student will continue to perfect his/her skills in the clinical environment and learn more advanced imaging techniques required of the sonographer. At this point, the student is expected to perform all ultrasound exams independently under Clinical Instructor (preceptor) observation and review. The student will gain more experience in performing ultrasound imaging of the patient undergoing abdominal, small parts, gynecologic, obstetric, or vascular ultrasound examinations.

This course offers a comprehensive review of advanced abdominal sonography for ARRT (S) exam preparation, focusing on the sonographic appearance of normal anatomy, major abdominal organs, and various pathologies. Students practice image interpretation, case analysis, and scanning protocols, with an emphasis on clinical correlations and ARRT exam-style reasoning. Interactive activities and mock assessments ensure mastery of key concepts and test-taking strategies specific to the abdominal section of the ARRT (S) exam.