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DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHYPROGRAM HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction . 1Key Personnel and Contact Information . 2Accreditation . 3Description of the Profession . 3Essential Functions of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer . 4DMS Program Information. 4non-discrimination policy . 5Program Mission Statement. 5Program Learnning Outcomes . 6Program Objectives . 6Degree Granted . 6Licensure . 6American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certification . 7American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Sonography Primary Pathway. 8Schedule . 8DMS General Program Information . 8General Didactic Information . 9Clinical Lab and Scanning Practice . 9General Clinical Externship Information . 9Clinical Externship Completion . 10Clinical Externship Placement . 10Clinical Externship Site Not Available . 11Dismissal from a Clinical Education Site . 11Externship and Employment. 11Student Work and Educational Schedule . 12Learning Resources . 12Academic Tutoring . 12CAREER SERVICES . 12DMS Program Curriculum . 13prerequisites . 13Core Program . 13
General Education . 16Academic Standards . 17Didactic Grade . 17Clinical Lab Grade . 17Final Program Competencies . 17Clinical Externship . 18Make-up and Retakes . 18Online Course Grading . 18Clinical Externship Attendance . 19PHYSICAL PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS . 19Academic Policies and Procedures . 20Dress Code . 20Health and Safety . 22Health Requirements . 22Background Check . 22Health Insurance . 23Standard Precautions and HIPPA . 23Latex Allergy . 23Pregnancy Volunteer Notification Program . 23Program Policies and Procedures . 24Laboratory CLASS . 24Field Trips . 24Code of Ethics for the Profession of Diagnostic Medical Sonography . 24Participation in Professional Organizations . 26Student Membership . 26Acknowledgement of Receipt . 28
INTRODUCTIONWelcome to Casa Loma College's Imaging Program. Students are responsible for reading and complyingwith the information which appears in the current Casa Loma College Catalog and Diagnostic MedicalSonography Program Student Handbook and Clinical Handbook. It is the intent of this handbook to ensurepatient safety and professional, ethical, and legal conduct of all Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programstudents. Failure to comply with College and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program policies will lead toa review of student behavior and possible disciplinary action, including dismissal from the DiagnosticMedical Sonography Program. Imaging students who fail to read this student handbook will not be excusedfrom compliance with the policies and requirements herein.It is the responsibility of the College to provide instruction and to advise students regarding Programrequirements, graduation, and requirements to take the national certification examinations by the AmericanRegistry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. It isthe student’s responsibility to see that these requirements are met. Failure to meet the requirements mayresult in termination of a student from the Program or delay graduation and eligibility to take the Registryexaminations.Directors Message:I am very pleased to welcome you to both Casa Loma College and the DMS Program specifically. I amconfident that you will enjoy your experience in learning with us. The DMS team is enthusiastic andmotivated in assisting your learning and success in your future profession.Please be sure you read through the Student Handbook and College Catalog DMS. Any questions,concerns, and feedback can always communicate through discussion or email to me. All related issues thatare academic, attendance, programmatic or personal (if needed), should be brought to my attention toassist you in the solution. There is no issue too big or small; I have an open-door policy for all students.Know that the most common means of communication as a college student at CLC is email. Please be surethat we have your most up to date email address that you most often are checking.All CLC students are responsible for their email communication, Moodle announcements and course relatedassignment communication. This also includes your address. When we begin the externship placementprocess, we will always reference your home address.I wish you the best moving forward.Lakhwinder Dhillon, B.S., RDMSProgram Director1 P a g e
KEY PERSONNEL AND CONTACT INFORMATIONVan Nuys Campus:Casa Loma College6725 Kester Ave., Van Nuys, CA 914-5Phone: (800) 270-5052Fax: (818) 785-2191Nashville Center:Casa Loma College750 Envious Lane, Nashville, TV 37217Phone: (800) 270-5052Email: contact@casalomacollege.edu http://www.casalomacollege.eduDr. Scott SandLakhwinder Dhillon, B.S., RDMSChristy RuoffKimberly DuncanPresident/Campus Director, ext. 214Program Director, ext. 221Senior Director, Student Finance, ext. 204College Registrar, ext. 207DMS Instructing Team:The campus has an education team of primary instructors for all core residential instructing. Online andgeneral education course staff can vary based on availability.DMS Instructors and Clinical Team:Arthur Kostanyan, MD, RDMSBahaa Karatahan, MD, RDMS,Arnak Hovasapyan, MS, RDMSGhazal Afzal, BA, RVTPaul Collins, BS, RDMS, RVTCristita Ionescu, RTCatherine McVerry, RDMS2 P a g e
ACCREDITATION AND APPROVALS Institutionally accredited by The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) 7777Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 N. Falls Church, VA 22043; Phone (703) 917-9503; Email:info@abhes.org; website www.abhes.org California State Approval: Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), Physical Address:1747 North Market, Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834; Phone: (916) 574- 8900 or (888) 370-7589;Website: www.bppe.org;Casa Loma College is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau forPrivate Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with theminimum standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (asamended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureaufor Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form,which can be obtained on the Bureau’s Internet Web site at www.bppe.ca.gov Tennessee State Approval: Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) granted CasaLoma College Optional Expedited Authorization (OEA) as a postsecondary educational institutionin Tennessee. Texas State Approval: Casa Loma College under Texas Educational Code chapters §132.001(1)(A) and §132.001(1)(B) is in the Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools andColleges database as a “not regulated” school.The Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. Degree Program is recognized and approved by the AmericanRegistry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for primary pathway certification and registration inSonography; 1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120; (651) 687-0048; https://www.arrt.org/DESCRIPTION OF THE PROFESSIONThe following professional description is taken from the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for theDiagnostic Medical Sonographer.Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a multi-specialty profession comprised of abdominal sonography, breastsonography, cardiac sonography, obstetrics/gynecology sonography, pediatric sonography, phlebologysonography, vascular technology/sonography, and other emerging clinical areas. These diverse areas alluse ultrasound as a primary technology in their daily work.The diagnostic medical Sonographer is an individual who provides patient care services using ultrasoundand related diagnostic procedures. The diagnostic medical Sonographer must be educationally preparedand clinically competent as a prerequisite to professional practice. Demonstration and maintenance of3 P a g e
competency through certification by a nationally recognized sonography credentialing organization is thestandard of practice in sonography, and maintenance of certification in all areas of practice is endorsed.The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Functions as a delegated agent of the physician; and Does not practice independently.Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are committed to enhanced patient care and continuous qualityimprovement that increases knowledge and technical competence. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers useindependent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonographicprocedures.A fundamental approach to the safe use of diagnostic medical ultrasound is to apply elements of the AsLow as Reasonably Achievable (“ALARA”) Principle including lowest output power and the shortest scantime consistent with acquiring the required diagnostic information. The diagnostic medical Sonographeruses proper patient positioning, tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanningtechniques to promote patient comfort and prevent compromised data acquisition or musculoskeletal injuryto the diagnostic medical Sonographer.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER Possess visual skills necessary to adequately differentiate between subtle shades of gray, and colordistinctionsPossess auditory skills necessary to distinguish audible sounds of a Doppler signal, communicatewith patients, and communicate with other health care professionals.Possess sufficient oral and written skills in English to communicate with patients and other health careprofessionals.Stand, walk, and sit for up to 30 minutes at a time.Stand and walk for up to 8 hours during an 8-hour shift.Lift or move a maximum of a 290-pound patient in a 2 person or 3 person transfers.Move loads of up to 50 pounds up to 25 times per hour.Push a patient confined to a wheelchair or gurney up to 300 feet or more, depending upon the structuraldesign of the medical facility.Bend, crouch, or stoop up to 20 times per hour.Reach forward up to 18 inches while holding an object weighing 15 pounds.Push ultrasound equipment on wheels weighing up to 300 pounds or more.Possess manual dexterity to manipulate and operate all diagnostic medical Sonography equipment.DMS PROGRAM INFORMATIONHere in the DMS Program we make learning an easy and pleasant experience. All DMS Programapplicants, potential, and enrolled students are welcome to set up a time to come in and meet with the DMSDirector/Clinical Coordinator to discuss the DMS Program. Time will be allowed for the applicant orinterested candidate to review the program policies & procedures prior to application and/or acceptance.Time can be allowed to discuss both questions, and concerns.4 P a g e
Prior to and at the start of the program we encourage potential candidates and students to pay closeattention to the standards and code of ethics an individual in the field of Imaging is held to. Here at CasaLoma College, we support and educate these philosophies to be embraced as a natural standard youprofessionally hold yourself to. Meeting the ARDMS and ARRT standards, a technologist can expect to beof great support to their patient and profession.Listed below are links to the standards, code, and resources for sonography programs. Please visit theorganizations websites to read through the current standards and code of ethics or conduct.ARDMS: http://www.ardms.org/; SDMS: http://www.sdms.org/; ARRT: https://www.arrt.org/NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYCasa Loma College is committed to maintaining an inclusive community that values diversity and fosterstolerance and mutual respect. All individuals have the right to participate fully in Casa Loma Collegeprograms and activities free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protectedcategory.Casa Loma College prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, religion orcreed color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related orgenetic characteristic), pregnancy, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age,marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or because he or she is perceived to have oneor more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or moreof these actual or perceived characteristics.The prohibition on harassment includes sexual harassment, as well as sexual misconduct, dating anddomestic violence, and stalking.The College forbids and will not tolerate any form of discrimination and harassment and has enactedadministrative procedures to assure equal opportunity and to recognize and eliminate violations of thispolicy in accordance with state and federal laws. It is both illegal and prohibited by this policy to retaliateagainst any individual for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries or complaints regarding nondiscriminationpolices:Veronica Pantoja, Senior Director, Administrative 5-2726 ext. 223PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENTThe Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program’s mission is to develop competent entry-level diagnosticmedical sonographers who, by virtue of theory and practice, are proficient in safely performing a variety ofsonographic procedures while maintaining personal qualities of integrity, dependability, and reliability asactive members of the healthcare profession.A further aim is to promote qualities of leadership and to assist in developing a credentialed imagingprofessional with a high degree of adaptability. It is the hope of Casa Loma College that through the5 P a g e
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, a sense of pride in the profession will prevail and that theimportance of continuing education will become a lifelong process.The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program further maintains that the patient is, and shall remain, theprimary focus of the sonographer.PROGRAM LEARNNING OUTCOMESGraduates of the Casa Loma College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will: Perform appropriate ultrasound scanning examinations and procedures, and record anatomic,pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician. Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitateoptimum diagnostic results. Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic diagnostic services, Provide appropriate and compassionate patient care for patients undergoing ultrasoundexaminations. Demonstrate excellent communication skills with patients and other health care professionals,and act in an ethical and professional manner. Complete the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Ultrasound Physics andInstrumentation exams complete the ARRT DMS Primary Pathway Exam and complete theARDMS abdomen and small parts exam as post-primary pathway.PROGRAM OBJECTIVES To train Diagnostic Medical Sonographers of the highest caliber, consistent with the standards ofa graduate of Casa Loma College.To enhance the quality of didactic instruction that will enable the student to comprehend andapply the principles of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.Enhance the quality of clinical instruction that will enable the student the opportunity to developadequate clinical skills necessary to function as an effective entry-level diagnostic medicalsonographer upon graduation.To graduate students who exhibit the qualities of professionalism that will enable them to functionas an integral member of the health care team.To graduate students who possess the knowledge and clinical skills to provide optimal patientcare.DEGREE GRANTEDUpon successful completion of all coursework and program requirements, the student is granted anAssociate in Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.LICENSUREThere is no state or national licensure requirement for Sonographers; however, it is becoming extremelycompetitive to work in this field without advanced certification. Casa Loma College prepares its graduatesto take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentials (ARDMS) and the American6 P a g e
Registry of Radiologic Technologists Sonography Primary Pathway Exam (ARRT). The advancedcertification will increase opportunities for advancing in the field of DMS.AMERICAN REGISTRY OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY CERTIFICATIONAll applicants for ARDMS Certification must meet the criteria to be eligible to sit for the ARDMS certificationexam. Candidates are required to complete both physics (SPI) and instrumentation exam and a specialtyexam within five years. The only means of earning an ARDMS is by examination. For the RDMS, applicantsmust pass two comprehensive exams: (1) the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI); and (2) atleast one corresponding specialty exam. The exams may be taken in any order.SPI - ARDMS Certifying ExaminationActive students in the DMS program are prepared and encouraged to sit for the ARDMS SPI examinationwhile in the program. DMS students are educated with the appropriate information to take the exam by theend of DMS 240/240L, Physical Principles and Instrumentation. As a student, you set yourself up to standout, in the competitive market of Sonography, having this examination complete. The SonographyPrinciples and Instrumentation (SPI) examination tests basic physical principles and instrumentationknowledge essential to Sonography professionals and students. You can visit the ARDMS site for moreinformation: www.ardms.org/get-certified/Pages/SPIARDMS Certification MethodsThere are 4 routes to becoming ARDMS Certified. You qualify under one of the below:1. Students entering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program who hold a Bachelor’s Degree (BSor BA) or higher will be eligible to sit for the ARDMS certifying examination immediately uponcompletion of the program.2. Students entering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program who have prior education in a twoyear allied health care field (single subject) that is patient care related will be eligible to sit for theARDMS certifying examination immediately upon completion of the program. A two-year alliedhealth education program is defined as (1) 24 consecutive calendar months OR (2) 60 semestercredits OR (3) 84 quarter credits. Examples of such allied health occupations include but are notlimited to radiologic technologists (RT), registered nurse (RN), respiratory therapist, or occupationaltherapist.3. Students entering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, who hold an active certificationwith Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or American Registry of RadiologicTechnologists (ARRT), or Australian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM), will be eligible tosit for the ARDMS certifying examination immediately upon completion of the program. *Our currentgraduates are eligible to sit for the ARRT-S examination, see info below.4. Students entering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program who do not have any of the aboveprior education prerequisites must work for one year (1680 hours) as a Diagnostic MedicalSonographer before they are eligible to sit for the ARDMS examination.The DMS Program is a general concentration program. Upon completion of this program, the educationreceived will prepare you to sit for the ARDMS Abdominal and Small Parts and/or the OB/GYN certificationExams. The DMS program is not designed as a complete preparation to take the vascular certifying exam.The Vascular course is intended as an introduction to vascular ultrasound imaging; an additional six monthsplus of training is required for the RVT.7 P a g e
To obtain more information about the ARDMS certification examinations, you may contact The AmericanRegistry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, MD 20850.You may also visit their web site at www.ardms.org.AMERICAN REGISTRY OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS’ SONOGRAPHY PRIMARYPATHWAYAll applicants for the ARRT Sonography Primary Pathway Exam must have:1. Completed a DMS educational program that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the ARRT.(Casa Loma College is approved for the DMS primary pathway exam)2. Applicants to the ARRT will have three years from the date of program completion to submitapplication.3. Must have earned an academic degree4. Must demonstrate competency in didactic coursework and an ARRT specified list of clinicalprocedures by completing the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Didactic and Clinical CompetencyRequirements. Satisfaction of that requirement must be indicated by signature of your program director —and, if required, an authorized faculty member — on your application for certification andregistration.5. Must comply with the Rules of Ethics contained in the ARRT Standards of Ethics6. Application fee of 200.007. Graduates who pass this exam are immediately eligible to sit for the ARDMS Exam.SCHEDULEVan Nuys CampusVan Nuys CampusPM ProgramNashville CenterAM ProgramNashville CenterPM ProgramMonday - Thursday8:30 AM – 2:00 PMMonday - Thursday6:00 pm – 11:00 pmTuesday - FrodayNot AvailableAM ProgramOnline Classes: Scheduling based on course and faculty. Refer to Academic Catalog and coursesyllabus for detailsExternship: Five days per week at 40 hours per week. See Academic Catalog and course syllabusfor details.DMS GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATIONThe Associate in Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program prepares the graduate tosecure both their American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentials and their AmericanRegistry of Radiologic Technologists Sonography Primary Pathway credentials and entry level work in theabdomen and obstetrics/gynecology specialty areas. Instruction is also received in vascular sonography. Aclinical hospital experience in abdominal, small parts, vascular and obstetrics and gynecological ultrasoundis provided.8 P a g e
The DMS program consists of 2408 hours which include 1028 hours of theory, 480 hours of skills lab and900 hours of clinical externship.In addition, the DMS Program has general education courses, scheduled throughout the seven semesters.General education supports the general mission of the College to prepare students to enter the workforcewith a well-rounded knowledge base including written and verbal communication skills, the ability to solveproblems, to work well with others, and to adapt to a changing workplace.General education requirements vary among the programs - some programs require the majority of generaleducation be taken prior to advancing to the core program; others intersperse general education throughoutthe program. While we understand the students desire to concentrate on the core program, it is also thestudent’s responsibility to complete a minimum number of courses in general education.GENERAL DIDACTIC INFORMATIONDidactic is scheduled in a definite format to provide the proper ratio of practical and classroom experience.Therefore, full-time attendance is compulsory. Didactic instruction is a blended format between onlineinstruction and classroom instruction and will vary according to course schedules during the coursesemesters. Students who miss lecture material are responsible for obtaining the missed information; aswell as being responsible to know the information. It is the students’ responsibility to pursue the missedinformation and discuss any questions with the instructor.CLINICAL LAB AND SCANNING PRACTICEClinical Lab is designed to expose students to scanning techniques, planes of the body, and normalstructures within the body. To accomplish this, students are encouraged to participate as both the scanner,and the scanned. If any student does not want to participa
patient safety and professional, ethical, and legal conduct of all Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program students. Failure to comply with College and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program policies will lead to a review of student behavior and possible disciplinary action, including dismissal from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
