Available courses

Acoustic Physics For High Frequency Sound Waves

Summary

DS 101

*6 Credit Hours

The essential instrumentation necessary for a sonography career is examined. The physics of sound waves entering the body for diagnostic imaging purposes is introduced. Safety, knobology, and basic machine components that make diagnostic ultrasound possible are discussed. Students learn how to eliminate unwanted artifacts in images and keep informative artifacts for the best diagnosis possible.

Topics

  • Introduction to Sound Waves
  • Ultrasound Fundamental Properties
  • Transducers Operation
  • Ultrasound Machine Components and Archiving Equipment
  • Doppler Principles
  • Procedures and Safety
  • Patient Care

Imagine  

As you perform ultrasound examinations you will find that your patients have many anatomical and physiological differences. Age, size, and biological systems vary. Therefore, you will need to learn how to adjust the ultrasound machine components to generate the best images possible. Your knowledge of acoustic physics and instrumentation is the foundation for diagnostic ultrasound imaging. This course prepares you to overcome obstacles that arise during an exam.

*3 credit hours for midwife sonography track.


Abdomen and Small Parts

DS 200

6 Credit Hours

Students are introduced to the compartments and cavities of the abdomen, associated organs, and corresponding blood vessels. Students will learn to recognize normal and abnormal anatomy and blood flow using gray-scale imaging and acoustic Doppler components where and when appropriate. Small parts that are imaged with ultrasound include thyroid, breast, superficial structures, musculoskeletal structures, and scrotum and its contents. Students gain an advanced understanding of relationships of systems and how they appear on diagnostic imaging displays. Students learn about the usefulness of diagnostic ultrasound in musculoskeletal anatomy.

Topics

  • Abdominal Vasculature
  • Abdominal Wall
  • Peritoneum
  • Liver
  • Spleen
  • Biliary System
  • Urinary System
  • Pancreas
  • Retroperitoneum
  • Gastrointestinal Track
  • Thyroid
  • Scrotum and Contents
  • Breast
  • Musculoskeletal

Imagine  

The setting for an abdominal and/or small parts ultrasound can be in the ultrasound department exam room, on a portable in a patient’s room, or in a different department. If ordered as a stat immediate attention is necessary. The exam is performed before other routine scheduled and walk-in patients. You perform the ordered exam and you are the point-of-care for the duration of the exam. Usually, the patient is transported to an ultrasound room. You take a patient history pertinent to the signs and symptoms related to the diagnosis listed on the patient’s exam order written by his/her physician. Once you are finished exploring the area of interest and the images are obtained following your department protocols, you will show the images to a radiologist or physician. Your images will be accompanied by a personal report you fill out to outline the details you have imaged.