Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The pre-professional curriculum can be completed in 4 semesters. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their academic advisor when scheduling courses during this time. The professional program will include clinical and didactic curriculum and be conducted during a 2 year period. At the start, the students will spend more time in the classroom and scan laboratory, but will still be involved in clinical training at local hospitals and clinics. As the student gains more clinical skills, classroom time is reduced and the clinical component is increased. To graduate, the student will have attained at least 1680 hours of clinical experience and been involved in 1,200 sonography exams. Students must maintain all academic and clinical standards set by the DMS program.

Pre-sonography students take a core of liberal arts education as well as classes in anatomy & physiology, biology, physics, medical terminology, medical ethics & law, and pathophysiology.

Learn more about the curriculum here.

The CUW Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has established curriculum based on the recommendations of the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Education Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. These standards are adopted by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). For more information see the JRC-DMS webpage.

Students will apply their sophomore year to gain acceptance into the CUW DMS program or other clinical affiliate. The Sonography program is very competitive and students are not guaranteed placement. Interested applicants should review the CUW program catalog for additional program standards. Grades, prior health care experience, job shadow hours, recommendations, and a personal essay will be considered.  Upon acceptance, the student will take a prescribed curriculum and begin clinical experiential work. During the professional program, the student is required to make a 40 hour a week commitment in classroom and clinical work. This does not include readings, homework, and other assignments.

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Entry into the sonography program is dependent upon:

• Completion of the pre-clinical required courses with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Completion of coursework in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with 100 documented hours of patient care work
• Submission of a personal essay on why the applicant chose a career in sonography
• Professional and/or academic references
• A minimum of 8 hours of job shadowing, 4 in general ultrasound and 4 hours in echocardiography
• Completion and submission of the application form
• Please note: The time commitment for the CUW DMS program is 40 hours per week for didactic coursework and clinical hours. This does not include time for travel or study. Due to the demanding schedule, it is recommended that DMS students restrict or eliminate employment during their schooling to promote success in the program.

Once accepted you will need:

• Background check
• Drug screen
• Physical exam
• Health and auto insurance coverage
• CPR certification up to date throughout program

Academic Advisor

For questions regarding pre-clinical coursework and requirements for admission to the CUW DMS program, please contact the academic advisor:

Rachel Dietrich
CUW Academic and Career Advisor
12800 N Lake Shore Drive (Stuenkel 103), Mequon WI 53097
262-243-4566
rachel.dietrich1@cuw.edu

Goals

• To prepare competent entry-level general, and vascular in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• To meet the need for entry-level sonographers.
• To further the mission of CUW by incorporation of our core values of Christ-Centered, Truth & Integrity, Excellence, and Service. This will be exhibited by our students being recognized for their superior knowledge, compassionate patient care, and clinical excellence.

Objectives

• To monitor the community needs for sonographers and respond to those needs.
• To monitor the practice of Sonography within our community and adjust our academic and clinical training to meet those needs.
• Facilitate, monitor, and support the implementation of best practices in sonography education.
• Develop an empathetic approach to the patient as a person, rather than a bearer of disease or injury.
• Acquaint the student with the emotional and technical aspects of being a member of a health care team.
• Incorporate meaningful relationships between didactic and clinical experiences.
• Provide a personalized curriculum within the guidelines of school policies and procedures.
• Foster an environment that enables students to master the skills necessary for functioning as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
• To have 80% of our graduates, as measured on a rolling 3 graduating class average, take and pass the ARDMS boards that the school is accredited for.
• To further the mission of our sponsoring institution, Concordia University of Wisconsin.

Program Outcomes

• 100% program completion rate
• 100% of our graduates successfully obtain credentialing within one year
• 100% positive job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
• See more of our program outcomes here

For additional information regarding sonography, please see the following professional organizations

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)

The affiliating Diagnostic Medical Sonography clinical sites must be approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).