Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate of Achievement Program 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Updated 7/18/2018 Letter to Students 3-4 Overview 5 Mission and Philosophy 6 Program Goals 6 Program Admission Requirements 7 Selection Criteria Worksheet 9-11 Application 12-14 Submission Checklist 15 Program/Curriculum 16 Course Descriptions 17 Program Expenses 18 2
Thank you for your interest in the Great Basin College (GBC) Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program (DMS). Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a challenging and rewarding profession and an integral part of today s healthcare team. Members of this profession can attain employment in hospital, out-patient and physician office settings. Sonographers have the unique ability to use real time ultrasound scanning to evaluate and image both normal and abnormal tissues of the body. General sonographers use their skills to perform examinations on many anatomical parts, ranging from abdominal and pelvic organs to fetuses, vascular structures, neonatal heads, breasts, testicles, musculoskeletal structures, and more! Completing the GBC certificate will prepare prospective sonographers with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pass their registry through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certification by these agencies makes the graduate desirable for gainful employment in the imaging field. In 2015, there were 48 job listings in Nevada alone (heath Care Careers, 2016). The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 17% growth in the overall need for registered Sonographers between 2016-2026 (bls.gov), and the State of Nevada expected growth rate is 43% (Career One Stop, 2018), making the outlook for graduate employment bright. The GBC Sonography program is approximately four semesters long including curriculum, didactic and clinical experience. This program does not currently include Echocardiography or extensive vascular curriculum. Please note the clinical sites are chosen by a random draw at the beginning of the program for a clinical start date in the second semester of the program (typically Spring). Clinical sites are spread throughout Nevada and students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own living arrangements for any out of town rotations. Clinical hours are unpaid so financial planning in advance is essential. We encourage all students to submit an application for Financial Aid, as there may be funding available to you. The main goal of our program is to prepare students with the knowledge, cognitive, psychomotor and affective (behavioral) skills to enter the workforce as entry level general sonographers committed and able to provide quality diagnostic exams to all patients within the community. The program will require significant student dedication. While, we at GBC, provide the student with the tools of success, it is up to the student to provide the time and hard work. 3
The DMS program requires a great time commitment, including attendance at all labs and classes, as well as, 36 hour a week clinical assignments. Didactic courses will typically require a minimum of three hours outside class study time for every credit hour taken (ex. First semester: 13 credit hours x 3 outside of class study hours= 39hrs per week study time). The employment outcome for sonographers is bright, however, due to the limited medical centers/physicians in the area, many graduates may need to relocate to find a job in this field. This application guide should answer all your questions. However, if you have any additional questions or I can help you in any way, please contact Reme Huttman by email at reme.huttman@gbcnv.edu or by phone at (775)753-2019. A faculty advisement prior to application is strongly encouraged. We look forward to working with you to make your application process as simple as possible. Respectfully, Mary Doucette GBC Radiology Director 4
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY The mission of Great Basin College s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to provide quality education that prepares the diagnostic medical sonography student for practice in a variety of health care settings, bettering health care in the community in which they practice. DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Diagnostic Medical Sonography faculty endorse the mission, goals, and outcomes of Great Basin College. The DMS faculty act on the college mission and values through the pursuit of excellence in teaching, promoting student success, and providing service to rural Nevada citizens to enhance their health and quality of life. The faculty of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Great Basin College believes and accepts the following department philosophies: 1. The sonographer is a viable member of the health care team. As a provider of care, the student will demonstrate caring and critical thinking skills by assisting the individual, family or group to identify and meet basic health needs in a wide variety of settings in the continuum of care. The student will assist in the coordination of cost-effective quality care using a culturally competent, collaborative interdisciplinary approach. 2. Through the development of sound diagnostic medical sonography curriculum, the student will develop entry-level skills and knowledge in basic radiology technology. 3. Upon completion of the program the student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiology Technologists Examination for sonographers or the Registry through American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers for and will be prepared to function as an entry-level Sonographers. 4. It is the responsibility of the faculty to recognize the individuality of the student and help develop his/her potential. We also believe that the student is responsible for his/her own learning and that the faculty serves as a facilitator and resource person. 5. The planning, implementation and evaluation of the radiology technology curriculum is the responsibility of the faculty. PROGRAM GOAL 1. To prepare students with the knowledge, cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills to enter the general sonography workforce as entry level sonographers willing and able to provide diagnostic exams to all patients within the community. ACCREDITATION GBC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools (NWCCU). 5
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE Certificate of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program OVERVIEW The Great Basin College Certificate of Diagnostic Medical Sonography program includes courses that prepare the student for entry level sonography practice in a variety of health care settings. In support of this, the Sonography faculty provides experiences that assist the student to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to achieve the identified student learning outcomes. The practice of sonography continually changes due to financial, structural, and regulatory requirements in the health care delivery system. The change necessitates adaptation on the part of the program to meet both the educational needs of students and the health care needs of individuals, families, or groups in a manner that addresses both quality and cost. The sonography faculty is committed to mobility in education. Educational mobility provides learners with opportunities to meet their individual educational needs and goals. Teaching. The role of the teacher is to facilitate the learner in the learning process. Teachers are responsible and accountable for creating an environment that stimulates curiosity, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and growth while fostering each student s feelings of respect, worth, and dignity. The faculty believes that the teaching-learning process is a shared responsibility between students and instructor. The teacher uses methods that encourage the student to assume responsibility for his own learning. Learning is a goal-directed, lifelong process that changes behavior. Learning is most effective when the learner clearly understands the relationship between the learning requirements and the identified learning goals. Learning takes place more readily in an accepting and stimulation environment where students are encouraged to freely express themselves. The student/faculty interaction is enhanced by the sharing of ideas and experiences between faculty and students. Learning is facilitated by activities that proceed from simple to complex, provide opportunity for practice, and provide satisfaction from the experience. The uniqueness and diversity of students is reflected in the various rates and styles that characterize learning. The faculty strives to understand individual differences in learning and to adjust instruction through curriculum planning, learning strategies, and teaching methods. The instructor is a facilitator of learning. 6
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (It is up to the student to make sure the application is complete and turned in prior to October 1 st, 2018.) For consideration of acceptance into this program a student must: 1. Have completed a general GBC application, if not already a GBC student. 2. Be 18 years or older by the starting date. 3. Have proof of completion of a two-year allied health degree (such as Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Paramedics, ect.) The allied health program must consist of 24 full time calendar months of instruction, 60 semester credits, or 84 quarter credits and must be awarded by an institution authorized by an accrediting agency. Transcripts must be presented and contain proof of completion of coursework in the following areas: o Algebra, Statistics or higher math o General college level physics and/ or Radiographic physics o Communication skills o Human anatomy and physiology o Patient care o Medical terminology If not already included in the applicant s allied health degree curriculum, the following requisites must be met prior to or within the first year of the program: Medical ethics and law Pathophysiology Cross sectional anatomy 4. Mail the application packet to the Health Sciences Human Services Department by the stated deadline and keep one for the student s personal records. The packet should include: 1. A completed Diagnostic Medical Sonography application (found at the end of this packet). 2. A copy of an official ID, such as, a driver s license (for age/residency verification). 3. A professional resume including education and healthcare work experience. 4. Proof of your allied health degree (diploma). 5. College transcripts (if not a current GBC student). Official transcripts must be sent to admissions at GBC to ensure that these credits will transfer to GBC. 6. Up to two letters of recommendation. These should be sent directly to the Program Director by the person writing them. It would be beneficial to you to supply the person writing the letter with an addressed, stamped envelope for them to mail the letter in. o Ensure your reference is using the same name you will be applying with o Address: Great Basin College Mary Doucette, M.S. Radiology Technology Program 1500 College Parkway Elko, NV 89801 7
7. Any current certifications or licensures as a health care professional, CNA, RN, ARRT, Paramedic, ect. 9. Please submit documentation if you are a Veteran. Our Process: Once the complete application has been received, the program director reviews all applications and point summaries. The final point summary and applications are then reviewed by the Health Sciences and Human Services Admission and Progression (A&P) Board for final approval. Students are notified of admission decisions within two weeks of the A&P class roster approval. Students not initially approved for admission may be placed on an alternate list in which case, if a position opens up, an alternate may be offered that position in the program. 8
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Application Process/ Selection Criteria Worksheet (For completion by GBC Faculty upon receipt of application materials) Student Name: Student ID #: To be considered for admittance in the GBC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, a prospective student must have completed a two-year Associates degree in a healthcare related field and maintain credentialing in their respective field. They must also have completed all required prerequisites with a C or higher. Any co requisite must be successfully completed in the first semester of the program. Acceptable Allied Health degrees must consist of 60 semester credits or 84 quarter credits and must be awarded by an accredited college. Official transcripts must be provided by the applicant for consideration. **Students who are not already accepted into GBC must successfully complete a GBC college application to be accepted into the program. SECTION I Transcripts from all education and documentation of registries must be provided with this application (ex. ARRT card). Health Related Degree held: Registry organization: Registry number: Degree accepted by program director: yes no ARRT registered technologists and GBC HSHS will be given priority for admittance in this program. If the applicant is a holder of an ARRT registry they will be given an additional 1 point. All GBC HSHS graduates receive an additional 1 point. ARRT Registered yes / no GBC HSHS Graduate yes/ no Pts. /2 possible 9
SECTION II Cumulative Grade Point Average: 4.0-3.7 3.5-3.7 3.2-3.5 3.0-3.2 2.5-2.9 Below 2.5 5pts. 4pts. 3.0 pts 2 pts. 1 pts. 0 pts. Pts. /5 possible SECTION III The following curriculum requisites must be met prior to the beginning of the core curriculum of the diagnostic medical sonography education program; they must be included in college level courses and be Completed with a C or above (these must all be yes for consideration): Course yes no Algebra,Statistics or a igher math course Communication Skills (English, Speech or Composition) Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 223/224 or comparable) SECTION IV All successfully completed yes/no The following curriculum requisites must either be met prior to the diagnostic medical sonography education program or as a program corequisite (curriculum may be included in other college level coursework; such as Medical terminology included in RAD 112): Successful completion of each of these courses (with a C or above) will acquire the student 1 point. If curriculum coursework is not completed or accepted, these courses can be taken as co- requisites in the program and must be completed in the first semester of program coursework or the student will be released from the program. Content Course Institution Completed Accepted Points (0 or 1) Medical Terminology General college or radiographic physics Pathophysiology Medical Ethics/Law Pts. /4 possible 10
SECTION V Up to two positive reference letters will be accepted. One point will be given to the student for each letter reflecting the student has appropriate skills and attitude for this program. SECTION VI Pts. /2 possible The GBC Diagnostic Medical Sonography program application and a copy of the student ID must be completed and submitted with all appropriate documentation by the stated deadline. ID will be used to verify student residence. Students who are residents of the GBC service area receive 1 point. Pts. /1possible SECTION VII Students with a current health related registry such as ARRT, RN, Paramedic will receive 1 point for each accepted credential up to 2 points (credentials may be accepted at the program director s discretion). SECTION VIII Pts. /2 possible Veteran status: any veteran proving documentation of service and/or honorable discharge will receive 1 point. Pts. /1 possible Required Documents Present and accepted: Final Documentation/Point Calculation 1. Two year health related associates degree transcripts yes/no 2. GBC Diagnostic Medical Imaging Application yes/no 3. GBC College Application (if applicable) yes/no 4. Transcripts verifying completion of all prerequisites with a C or better yes/no Point Calculation 1. SECTION I (ARRT Registry/GBC HSHS Graduate) /2 2. SECTION II (GPA) /5 3. SECTION IV (co-requisites) /4 4. SECTION V (reference letters) /2 5. SECTION VI (GBC service area resident) /1 11
6. SECTION VII (Health Care Registry) /2 7. Veteran Status /1 Total /17 12
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS 1500 COLLEGE PARKWAY ELKO NV 89801 775.753.2102 FAX 775.753.2311 ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED LAST FIRST M.I. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER *(response optional) DATE OF BIRTH MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PERMANENT ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP DAY TELEPHONE EVENING TELEPHONE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME RELATIONSHIP TELEPHONE MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP RESIDENCE STATUS A R E YOU A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes G No G If no, please answer the following: Yes No Only aliens with permanent resident cards and Nevada High School graduates will be given resident status in Nevada. Permanent Resident D D F1 Visa (F) D D Citizen of (Country): (resident documentation will be required) NEVADA RESIDENCY? NV Physical residency began: Guardian s physical residency began: PROVIDE YOUR LAST ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE) FOR THE PAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS: Month Day Year Month Day Year If you have relocated to Nevada in the past twelve (12) months for employment purposes, you must provide a letter from your employer written on company letterhead to include: full-time or part-time status and date of hire. Did anyone other than your spouse claim you as a tax exemption this year or last? Yes D No D Did anyone other than your spouse provide at least half of your assistance this year or last? Yes D No D OPTIONAL RESPONSE Gender: D Male Ethnicity: D Asian or Pacific Islander (AS) D Hispanic (HI) D Female D Black (Not Hispanic) (BL) D American Indian or Alaskan Native (AM) D White (Not Hispanic) (WH) *Furnishing this information is voluntary. If you do not wish your Social Security Number used, you will be assigned a 9- digit N Number. For an explanation of your rights and the uses to which the Social Security Number will be put, please see the GBC Catalog. I certify the information provided on this application is accurate and complete. I agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of Great Basin College. I understand a felony conviction may prevent me from obtaining a registry in radiology technology. 13
Signature Required: Date: EDUCATION Official Transcript(s) must be received by the Admissions and Records Office and a copy must be received by the Radiology Technology Program Instructor. NAME OF SCHOOL LOCATION OF SCHOOL FROM MONTH/YEAR TO MONTH/YEAR DID YOU RECEIVE A DIPLOMA? DEGREE CERTIFICATE WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR/MINOR? HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY ISSUED BY DATE TYPE LICENSE NO. PROFESSIONAL LICENSE CERTIFICATION HEALTH RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE NAME OF EMPLOYER TELEPHONE NUMBER MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FROM TO NATURE O F JOB REASON FOR LEAVING FULL-TIME PART-TIME NAME OF EMPLOYER TELEPHONE NUMBER MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FROM TO NATURE O F JOB REASON FOR LEAVING FULL-TIME PART-TIME REQUEST FOR REFERENCES 14
REFERENCE NAME OCCUPATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER 1 2 3 Three references are required from employers, counselors or teachers. Do not list personal friends or relatives. The student must have all letters of reference sent directly to the program instructor. Please provide complete mailing address and telephone number on all three names listed below. 15
Final Application Submission Checklist: Great Basin College Application (if not already a student) Diagnostic Medical Sonography application Official Identification with Date of Birth and Address Resume Allied Health Diploma College Transcripts (if not GBC graduate) Up to two letters of recommendation Current Certification Cards Veteran Documentation if applicable Submit by due date for consideration 16
Program Curriculum First Semester CMI350 Ultrasound Instrumentation and Physics (4 Credits) CMI351 Abdominal Ultrasound (3 Credits) CMI353 Gynecological Ultrasound (3 Credits) CMI376 Cross sectional anatomy (3 Credits)** Co Requisite PHY 100 Intro to Physics (3 credits) ** (if not included in previous allied health degree curriculum) Second Semester CMI490 Clinical Education (12 Credits) CMI352 Obstetrical Ultrasound (3 Credits) Third Semester CMI491 Clinical Education (12 Credits) CMI492 Fourth Semester Clinical Imaging (12 Credits) Credit Totals: Sonography- 16 Credits Clinical-36 Total Course Credits- 52credits **Co-Requisite credits required if not included in previous allied health degree - 3 To schedule an advisement appointment contact: Reme Huttman Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program 775.753.2019 reme.huttman@gbcnv.edu 17
Course Descriptions CMI 350 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (4 Credits)- hybrid course This course will cover the principles of acoustical physics, Doppler ultrasound, and ultrasound instrumentation. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. CMI 351- Abdominal Ultrasound (3 credits)- hybrid course This course will cover the recognition and identification of the sonographic appearances of normal anatomical structures, disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology of the abdomen. Prerequisite: Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and enrollment into all the concurrent semester program courses. CMI 352-Obstetric Ultrasound (3 credit)- hybrid course This course will provide the student with recognition and identification of the sonographic appearance of normal maternal, embryonic, and fetal anatomical structures and obstetric disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology. Prerequisite: Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. CMI 353- Gynecologic Ultrasound (3 credits)- hybrid course This course will cover the recognition and identification of the sonographic appearance of normal anatomical structures of the female pelvis and gynecological disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology. Prerequisite: Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. CMI 376 Sectional Anatomy in Medical Imaging (3 credits)- online course This online course will cover transverse, coronal, and sagittal anatomy of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. Areas of discussion include skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, nervous. lymphatic, and visceral anatomic relationships. Prerequisite: Must have completed BIOL 223 CMI 490- Comprehensive Medical Imaging Clinical Education (12 credits)- online course This course consists of clinical applications of instrumentation, quality control, patient care, and performance of diagnostic imaging procedures at an assigned clinical site. The student will apply knowledge gained in the classroom to work experience while being supervised by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. CMI 491- Comprehensive Medical Imaging Clinical Education (12 credits)- online course This is a continuation of CMI 490. This course consists of clinical applications of instrumentation, quality control, patient care, and performance of diagnostic imaging procedures at an assigned clinical site. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. CMI492-Comprehensive medical Imaging Clinical Education (12 Credits)- online course This is a continuation of CMI 491. This course consists of clinical applications of instrumentation, quality control, patient care, and performance of diagnostic imaging procedures at an assigned clinical site. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all didactic coursework in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. 18
Program Costs (Costs are estimates and cannot be guaranteed accurate for all student situations/semesters) Resident $161.75 x 52=$8,411 Tuition Non-Resident $242.75x52=$12,623 College Application Fee $25 Books $600 Clinical Tracking Program $100 Differential Fees $25 x 52 cr.= $1300 Uniforms $100-200 Background Check $100 CPR $50-80 Physical Exam $50 Flu Vaccine $10-$50 Medical Insurance Varies Malpractice Insurance $35 annually Travel/Housing Varies Graduation Fees Graduation Application $15 Announcements $1 each Cap and Gown $25 ARDMS Exams $250 each exam 19