Associate in Applied Science in Medical Diagnostic Sonography
St Joseph University
Key Information
Campus location
Roseau, Dominica
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 - 5 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 18,500
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
Scholarships
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Introduction
The Medical Diagnostic Sonography Program at St. Joseph University is a two-year or 5-semester program offering an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program prepares the student for a career as a medical sonographer, a skilled healthcare professional who uses high-frequency sound waves that produce images of internal structures of the body.
Prepare for a dynamic and rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of diagnostic medical sonography. Sonographers use highly sophisticated ultrasound technology to create detailed internal images of the body, which physicians can then use to diagnose and monitor diseases. Sonographers require patience, physical stamina, technical competency, and excellent communication skills.
- The Medical Diagnostic Sonography Program at St Joseph University is a two-year or 5-semester program offering an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
- The Medical Diagnostic Sonography degree prepares students to be competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s): Abdominal Sonography, Vascular, Obstetrics, and Gynecology sonography.
- Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, medical laboratories, government agencies, and industry.
- The Medical Diagnostic Sonography Program faculty and staff are committed to assisting students to reach their greatest potential through quality instruction and rigorous coursework.
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of the program, learners will have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes which will enable them to:
- Obtain and record an accurate patient history.
- Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain diagnostic images.
- Analyze technical information.
- Use independent judgment to recognize the need to extend the scope of a procedure, depending upon the diagnostic findings.
- Provide an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis.
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior through sonographic practice congruent with standards of practice.
- Meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exams.
- Interact effectively with individuals in a manner that reflects caring and acknowledges the holistic nature of individuals.
- Promote the growth of the health professional and awareness of health professions through education of individuals, groups, and communities of interest.
Curriculum
The Medical Diagnostic Sonography Program at St Joseph University is a two-year or 5-semester program offering an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program prepares the student for a career as a medical sonographer, a skilled healthcare professional who uses high-frequency sound waves that produce images of internal structures of the body.
General Description of Curriculum
The Medical Diagnostic Sonography degree prepares students to be competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s): Abdominal Sonography, Vascular, Obstetrics, and Gynecology sonography. Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, medical laboratories, government agencies, and industry. The Medical Sonography curriculum includes physics, sectional anatomy, physiology, abdominal, vascular, and obstetrical/gynecological sonography. Students will be placed at various healthcare facilities where they will work with hospital staff. Students will have contact with ill and injured patients.
Medical Diagnostic Sonography Programme Structure and Course Content
Year | Code | Semester 1 | Credits | Code | Semester 2 | Credits |
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| ENGL 106 | Critical Reading, Thinking, Writing | 3 | ETH 100 | Ethical and Legal Issues | 3 |
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| AP100 | Anatomy and Physiology theory | 3 | SON100 | Exploring Medical Imaging | 3 |
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| AP101 | Anatomy and Physiology Lab
| 3 | SON101 | Introduction to Sonography | 3 |
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SSCI 103 | Introductory Psychology | 3 | PHY 105 | Sonographic Physics | 3 | |
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| PHY 104 | Conceptual Physics | 3 |
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| MATH201 | College Algebra |
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Year | Code | Semester 3 | Credits | Code | Semester 4 | Credits |
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| SON 202 | Abdominal Sonography I | 3 | SON 300 | Abdominal Sonography II | 3 |
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| SON 203 | Gynecological Sonography I | 3 | SON301 | Gynecological Sonography II | 3 |
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| SON 204 | Vascular Sonography I
| 3 | SON 302 | Vascular Sonography II
| 3 |
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SON 205 | Clinical I | 9 | SON 303 | Clinical II | 9 | |
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Year | Code | Semester 5 | Credits | Code | Semester 6 | Credits |
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| SON304 | Clinical III | 9 |
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Teaching and Learning Methods
The choice should focus on those methods that would best promote self-directed learning, critical thinking, and the acquisition of competencies. A combination of different teaching and learning methods is therefore encouraged to ensure adequate and appropriate information flow and learner participation. The different teaching and learning methods are listed below, namely:
Lectures, case presentations, ICT, visual aids, individual and group assignments, seminar presentations, practicals, group learning, problem-based learning, demonstrations, case studies/projects, e-learning, readings, discussions, reflective diaries; feedback on learning and performance.
Practical teaching and learning should take place in carefully selected healthcare settings, with rich and diverse learning experiences in line with the curriculum outcomes and graduate competencies. It should be facilitated by certified sonographers as mentors.
Assessments and Evaluation Strategies
A range of formative and summative assessment strategies should be used for theoretical and practical aspects of the program. They should include: assignments/projects, tests, clinical reflection, practice, checklists, observations, skills portfolios, case presentations, peer reviews, patient assessments and reviews, logbooks, written and practical final examinations) and other relevant assessment measures. Evaluation and assessment should be based on objective and credible tools.
Both internal and external examiners should review assessments that should be in line with country and institutional provisions for acceptable assessment measures. These should conform to national standards and the quality control set by educational and regulatory bodies. Different methods should reflect learners’ abilities to apply knowledge in planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care as well as competency and ethical and cultural undertones. Both internal and external examiners should use such adopted criteria to maintain consistency.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, medical laboratories, government agencies, and industry.