General Information
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at UCSD Health offers an immersive educational experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Established in 1975, our program is committed to fostering excellence in sonography education and practice, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for their careers.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 – 113th St. North, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727.210.2350www.caahep.org
This accreditation assures that our program meets the highest standards for education in diagnostic medical sonography, preparing students for excellence in their future careers.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed so that the didactic courses will be given in a specified sequence to prepare the student prior to attending clinicals. The student will then utilize the instruction they received in the didactic setting and apply it in the clinical rotation as they learn each concentration of study. Each student will be assigned to an affiliate hospital for their clinical training. The student will add to their expertise throughout the program.
Didactic Courses
Abdominal Sonography
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology
- Vascular
- Case Review
Ergonomics
Introduction to Ultrasound Physics
- Ultrasound Equipment
Advanced Physics
Color and Pulsed Doppler Physics
Pelvic Sonography
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology
- Case Review
Small Parts Sonography (breast, thyroid, scrotum, prostate)
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology
- Case Review
Obstetrical Sonography
- Normal Anatomy
- Fetal Anomalies
- Other abnormalities associated with pregnancy
- Case Review
Neonatal Head Sonography
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology
- Case Review
Intro to Vascular Sonography
- Peripheral Venous Upper
- Peripheral Venous Lower Extremity
- Carotid
Intro to Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathology
- Case Review
Interventional Radiology
- Sterile technique
- Ultrasound guided procedures
Clinical - 32 hours a week. Didactic - approximately 8 hours a week.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the program is:
To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal Sonography-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography concentrations.
Objectives that will be met upon graduation:
- Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and Pathophysiology.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of related imaging, laboratory, and testing procedures as they contribute to the clinical evaluation of disease and pathology.
- Identify sonographic representation of normal and abnormal anatomy.
- Apply optimal scanning techniques and imaging for specific areas of interest.
- Demonstrate knowledge of permanent image record processing methods, image processing and storage, billing, and hospital computer.
- Complete all clinical exam and equipment competencies.
- Anticipate and provide basic patient care.
- Maintain patient privacy according to the HIPPA and affiliate guidelines.
- Knowledge of hospital codes, emergency numbers, fire safety, and be prepared for any hospital or natural disaster.
- Integrate patient history and physical findings to determine appropriate area(s) of interest for obtaining diagnostic examinations and demonstrate proficiency in clinical scanning in all areas of concentration.
- Demonstrate understanding of acoustical physics, Doppler principles, and medical ultrasound principles and instrumentation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interactions between ultrasound and tissue and knowledge related to biological effects.
- Exercise professional judgment and discretion in obtaining diagnostic information and correlating findings with supervising physicians.
- Exercise professional judgment and discretion in communication with patients, co-workers, and the public concerning Sonography.
- Knowledge of professional organizations, continuing medical education credits, and proper ergonomics.
Disclaimer
The information and policies contained may be changed without notice. No part of this website should be construed as a contract or an offer to contract. This is intended only as an informational guide to the UC San Diego Health Sonography Program. The UC San Diego Health Sonography Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, color, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a special disabled or Vietnam era veteran. Any applicant that meets the physical requirements of the program shall have an equal opportunity to apply for the program.
