Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMSC & DMSG)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Cardiovascular (DMSC) or General Imaging (DMSG)

The diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create diagnostic images.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Cincinnati State prepares students to become entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in two specialty areas:

  • Cardiac and vascular sonography (DMSC)
  • Abdominal, obstetric, and gynecological sonography (DMSG)

Program graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree that includes general education and technical sonography courses. The program also includes supervised clinical experience on site at various health care facilities in the Greater Cincinnati area. Clinical experiences are unpaid. 

Courses in this program are scheduled primarily between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 to graduate. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers national certification examination.

The program is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), 9355 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Website: http://www.caahep.org. Phone: (727) 210-2350. FAX: (727) 210-2354.

For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography—Cardiovascular (DMSC)

Students seeking admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Cardiovascular program must complete specific requirements. After completing Semester 2 of Year 1, students should apply for selective enrollment into the DMS program. Year 2 courses begin in Fall Semester. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss eligibility and deadlines for selective enrollment.

First Year
Semester 1LecLabCredits
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
MCH 104Comprehensive Medical Terminology ( B) 303
BIO 151Anatomy and Physiology 1 ( G) 324
MAT 161College Algebra for Diagnostic Medical Sonography ( G) 324
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
Semester 2  
BIO 152Anatomy and Physiology 2 ( B) 324
DMS 100Survey of Sonography ( B) 223
PHY 110Health Physics ( B) 233
MCH 1XX Multicompetency Healthcare Elective (B)  132
After completing Year 1, Semester 1 and 2 courses, apply for Selective Enrollment into the DMSC program.  
Second Year
Semester 1  
DMSC 110Advanced Electrocardiography ( B) 122
DMS 111Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 1 ( T) 303
DMSC 120Cardiovascular Sonography ( T) 303
DMSC 121Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 1 ( T) 062
ENG 1XX English Composition Elective (G)  303
Semester 2  
DMS 112Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2 ( T) 202
DMSC 122Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 2 ( T) 062
DMSC 131Vascular Sonography 1 ( T) 303
DMSC 141Echocardiography 1 ( T) 303
PSY 110Introduction to Psychology ( G) 303
Semester 3  
DMSC 223Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 3 ( T) 031
DMSC 281Cardiovascular Internship 1 ( T) 0241
Third Year
Semester 1  
DMSC 224Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 4 ( T) 042
DMSC 232Vascular Sonography 2 ( T) 202
DMSC 242Echocardiography 2 ( T) 202
DMSC 282Cardiovascular Internship 2 ( T) 0241
Semester 2  
DMSC 250Cardiovascular Imaging Seminar ( T) 122
DMSC 283Cardiovascular Internship 3 ( T) 0322
Total Credits:  4711766

Electives

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
Multicompetency Healthcare Elective
MCH 138Patient Care Skills2
MCH 130Nurse Aide Training4

Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.

  • This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
  • The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Diagnostic Medical Sonography—General Imaging (DMSG)

Students seeking admission to the Diagnostic Medical Diagnostic Medical Sonography - General Imaging program must complete specific requirements. After completing Semester 2 of Year 1, students should apply for selective enrollment into the DMS program. Year 2 courses begin in Fall Semester.  Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss eligibility and deadlines for selective enrollment.

First Year
Semester 1LecLabCredits
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
MCH 104Comprehensive Medical Terminology ( B) 303
BIO 151Anatomy and Physiology 1 ( G) 324
MAT 161College Algebra for Diagnostic Medical Sonography ( G) 324
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
Semester 2  
DMS 100Survey of Sonography ( B) 223
PHY 110Health Physics ( G) 233
BIO 152Anatomy and Physiology 2 ( B) 324
MCH 1XX Multicompetency Healthcare Elective (B)  132
After completing Year 1, Semester 1 and 2 courses, apply for Selective Enrollment into the DMSG program.  
 
Second Year
Semester 1  
DMSG 110Sterile Techniques ( B) 122
DMS 111Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 1 ( T) 303
DMSG 120General Imaging Sonography ( T) 303
DMSG 121General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 1 ( T) 062
ENG 1XX English Composition Elective (G)  303
Semester 2  
DMS 112Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2 ( T) 202
DMSG 122General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 2 ( T) 062
DMSG 131Abdominal Sonography 1 ( T) 303
DMSG 141Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 1 ( T) 303
PSY 110Introduction to Psychology ( G) 303
Semester 3  
DMSG 223General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 3 ( T) 031
DMSG 281General Imaging Internship 1 ( T) 0241
Third Year
Semester 1  
DMSG 224General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 4 ( T) 042
DMSG 232Abdominal Sonography 2 ( T) 202
DMSG 242Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 2 ( T) 202
DMSG 282General Imaging Internship 2 ( T) 0241
Semester 2  
DMSG 250General Imaging Seminar ( T) 202
DMSG 283General Imaging Internship 3 ( T) 0322
Total Credits:  4811566

Electives

FYE Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
Multicompetency Healthcare Elective
MCH 138Patient Care Skills2
MCH 130Nurse Aide Training4

Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.

  • This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
  • The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Cardiovascular (DMSC)

  • Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
  • Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician.
  • Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and all members of the healthcare team.
  • Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards.  
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sonographic biological effects and proper application of sonographic instrumentation relative to imaging and image quality.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform adult cardiac sonographic examinations according to protocol guidelines established by national professional organizations and the protocols of the employing institutions utilizing real-time equipment and Doppler display modes.​
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform vascular sonographic examinations according to protocol guidelines established by national professional organizations and the protocols of the employing institutions utilizing real-time equipment, Doppler display modes, and physiologic testing.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography - General (DMSG)

  • Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
  • Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician.
  • Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and all members of the healthcare team.
  • Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards.  
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sonographic biological effects and proper application of sonographic instrumentation relative to imaging and image quality.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures, and non-cardiac chest according to protocol guidelines established by national professional organizations and the protocols of the employing institutions utilizing real-time equipment and Doppler display modes.​
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform sonographic examinations of the gravid and nongravid pelvis according to protocol guidelines established by national professional organizations and the protocols of the employing institutions utilizing real-time equipment with both transabdominal and endocavitary transducers, and Doppler display modes.​

DMSC Courses

DMSC 110 Advanced Electrocardiography
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on electrocardiography principles and techniques. Topics include: patient preparation, 12-lead ECG setup and interpretation, common dysrhythmia recognition, myocardial infarct patterns, and chamber enlargement.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the DMS program through the selective enrollment process, and instructor consent

Instructor Consent Required

DMSC 120 Cardiovascular Sonography
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on cardiovascular scanning techniques and the operation of ultrasound systems. Topics include: professional standards and behaviors, basic ultrasound machine controls, scan planes, demonstration of appropriate imaging, and use of descriptive terminology associated with cardiac and vascular studies.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
Corequisites: DMSC 121: Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 1

Instructor Consent Required

DMSC 121 Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 1
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A course on developing skills in the scanning techniques and protocols related to cardiac and vascular structures and physiology.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
Corequisites: DMSC 120: Cardiovascular Sonography DMS 111 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 1 DMSC 110 : Advanced Electrocardiography

Instructor Consent Required

DMSC 122 Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 2
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSC 121, emphasizing increased experience using scanning techniques and protocols related to cardiac and vascular structures and physiology.
Prerequisites: DMSC 121 (minimum grade C)
Corequisites: DMSC 131 : Vascular Sonography 1 DMSC 141 : Echocardiography 1 DMS 112 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2

DMSC 131 Vascular Sonography 1
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on theory and principles of vascular sonography. Topics include: vascular anatomy and physiology; etiology of pathologies; imaging techniques and protocols; and detecting and differentiating abnormalities, pathologies, and other deviations from normal development.
Prerequisites: DMSC 120 and DMSC 121 (minimum grade C for both)
Corequisites: DMSC 141 : Echocardiography 1 DMSC 122 : Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 2 DMS 112 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2

DMSC 141 Echocardiography 1
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on theory and principles of adult cardiac sonography. Topics include: cardiac anatomy and physiology; etiology of pathologies; imaging techniques and protocols; and detecting and differentiating abnormalities, pathologies, and other deviations from normal development.
Prerequisites: DMSC 120 and DMSC 121 (minimum grade C for both)
Corequisites: DMSC 131 : Vascular Sonography 1 DMSC 122 : Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 2 DMS 112 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2

DMSC 223 Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 3
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSC 122, emphasizing increased skills and experience using scanning techniques and protocols related to cardiac and vascular structures and physiology.
Prerequisites: DMSC 122 (minimum grade C)

DMSC 224 Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 4
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 4 Lab Hours.

Students demonstrate required sonography competencies and proficiencies prior to completion of the program.
Prerequisites: DMSC 223

DMSC 232 Vascular Sonography 2
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A continuation of DMSC 131, with additional information on theory and principles of vascular sonography.
Prerequisites: DMSC 131 (minimum grade C)

DMSC 242 Echocardiography 2
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A continuation of DMSC 141, with additional information on theory and principles of adult cardiac sonography.
Prerequisites: DMSC 141 (minimum grade C)

DMSC 245 Cardiovascular Specialties
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on advanced procedures and emerging technologies in the field of cardiovascular ultrasound.
Prerequisites: DMSC 232, DMSC 242 (minimum grade C for both)

DMSC 250 Cardiovascular Imaging Seminar
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on integration of concepts and clinical applications in cardiovascular sonography. Topics include: current trends and advanced cardiovascular procedures and technologies, transition to an entry-level cardiovascular sonography position, mock registry examinations, and preparation for national credentialing examinations. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: DMSC 224, DMSC 232, and DMSC 242 (minimum grade C for all)

DMSC 281 Cardiovascular Internship 1
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 24 Lab Hours.

Students participate in supervised practice of cardiac and vascular diagnostic ultrasound procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices. Students are evaluated on professional behavior and performance, and clinical competency.
Prerequisites: DMSC 122 and DMSC 131 and DMSC 141 (minimum grade C for all)
Corequisites: DMSC 223 : Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 3

DMSC 282 Cardiovascular Internship 2
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 24 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSC 281. Students participate in supervised practice of cardiac and vascular diagnostic ultrasound procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices.
Prerequisites: DMSC 281
Corequisites: DMSC 232 : Vascular Sonography 2 DMSC 242 : Echocardiography 2 DMSC 224 : Cardiovascular Sonography Scan Lab 4

DMSC 283 Cardiovascular Internship 3
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 32 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSC 282. Students participate in supervised practice of cardiac and vascular diagnostic ultrasound procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices.
Prerequisites: DMSC 282
Corequisites: DMSC 250 : Cardiovascular Imaging Seminar

DMSG Courses

DMSG 110 Sterile Techniques
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on fundamental surgical skills and surgical room set-up procedures. Topics include: rules and regulations for sterile environments, sterile trays and other equipment, technician behavior in sterile environments, infection risk control, surgical asepsis, anesthesia, and specimen care.
Prerequisites: Admitted to the DMS program through the selective enrollment process, and instructor consent

Instructor Consent Required

DMSG 120 General Imaging Sonography
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on general imaging scanning techniques and the operation of ultrasound systems. Topics include: professional standards and behaviors, basic ultrasound machine controls, scan planes, demonstration of appropriate imaging techniques, and use of descriptive terminology associated with abdomen, obstetrics, and gynecological studies.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
Corequisites: DMSG 121: General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 1

Instructor Consent Required

DMSG 121 General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 1
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A course on developing skills in the scanning techniques and protocols related to abdominal, superficial parts, obstetrics, and gynecological structures and physiology.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
Corequisites: DMSG 120: General Imaging Sonography DMS 111 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 1 DMSG 110 : Sterile Techniques

Instructor Consent Required

DMSG 122 General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 2
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 6 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSG 121, emphasizing increased experience using scanning techniques and protocols related to abdominal, superficial parts, obstetrics, and gynecological structures and physiology.
Prerequisites: DMSG 121 (minimum grade C)
Corequisites: DMSG 131 : Abdominal Sonography 1 DMSG 141 : Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 1 DMS 112 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2

DMSG 131 Abdominal Sonography 1
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on theory and principles of abdominal and superficial parts sonography. Topics include: normal and abnormal etiology, diagnostic techniques and correlation with clinical tests, scanning techniques and protocols, and detection of abnormalities and pathologies.
Prerequisites: DMSG 120 and DMSG 121 (minimum grade C for both)
Corequisites: DMSG 141 : Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 1 DMSG 122 : General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 2 DMS 112 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2

DMSG 141 Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 1
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on theory and principles of obstetrical and gynecological sonography. Topics include: normal and abnormal etiology; diagnostic techniques related to gyneocology and fetal development; scanning techniques and protocols; and detecting abnormalities, pathologies, and other deviations from normal development.
Prerequisites: DMSG 120 and DMSG 121 (minimum grade C for both)
Corequisites: DMSG 131 : Abdominal Sonography 1 DMSG 122 : General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 2 DMS 112 : Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2

DMSG 223 General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 3
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSG 122, emphasizing increased experience using scanning techniques and protocols related to abdominal, superficial parts, obstetrics, and gynecological structures and physiology.
Prerequisites: DMSG 122 (minimum grade C)

DMSG 224 General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 4
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 4 Lab Hours.

Students demonstrate required sonography competencies and proficiencies prior to completion of the program.
Prerequisites: DMSG 223

DMSG 232 Abdominal Sonography 2
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A continuation of DMSG 131, with additional information on theory and principles of abdominal and superficial parts sonography.
Prerequisites: DMSG 131 (minimum grade C)

DMSG 242 Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 2
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A continuation of DMSG 141, with additional information on theory and principles of obstetrical and gynecological sonography.
Prerequisites: DMSG 141 (minimum grade C)

DMSG 245 General Imaging Specialties
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on advanced procedures and emerging technologies in the field of general imaging ultrasound.
Prerequisites: DMSG 232, DMSG 242 (minimum grade C for both)

DMSG 250 General Imaging Seminar
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on integration of concepts and clinical applications in general sonography. Topics include: current trends and advanced sonographic procedures and technologies, transition to an entry-level general imaging sonography position, mock registry examinations, and preparation for national credentialing examinations. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: DMSG 224, DMSG 232 and DMSG 242 (Minimum grade C for all)

DMSG 281 General Imaging Internship 1
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 24 Lab Hours.

Students participate in supervised practice of general imaging and obstetrical diagnostic ultrasound procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices. Students are evaluated on professional behavior and performance, and clinical competency.
Prerequisites: DMSG 122 and DMSG 131 and DMSG 141 (minimum grade C for all)
Corequisites: DMSG 223 : General Imaging Sonography Scan Lab 3

DMSG 282 General Imaging Internship 2
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 24 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSG 281. Students participate in supervised practice of general imaging and obstetrical diagnostic ultrasound procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices.
Prerequisites: DMSG 281
Corequisites: DMSG 232 : Abdominal Sonography 2 DMSG 242 : Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography 2

DMSG 283 General Imaging Internship 3
2 Credits. 0 Lecture Hour. 32 Lab Hours.

A continuation of DMSG 282. Students participate in supervised practice of general imaging and obstetrical diagnostic ultrasound procedures in hospitals, clinics, and private physician offices.
Prerequisites: DMSG 282
Corequisites: DMSG 250 : General Imaging Seminar

DMS Courses

DMS 100 Survey of Sonography
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on foundational concepts in the field of medical sonography. Topics include: the role of the sonographer in the healthcare setting, ultrasound system controls and functions, image production and display, and basic ultrasound physics.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and MCH 104 (minimum grade C for both)
Corequisites: BIO 152

DMS 111 Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 1
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on principles of physics in relation to ultrasound function and instrumentation. Topics include: characteristics of sound energy; using ultrasound in imaging; and waveforms, propagation, velocity, wavelength, acoustic impedance, reflection, and other types of interaction with tissue.
Prerequisites: MAT 150

Instructor Consent Required

DMS 112 Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation 2
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A continuation of DMS 111. Topics include: integrating knowledge of physics with instrumentation theory and applications; understanding advanced signal processing, complex instrumentation, recording devices, biological effects, hemodynamics, Doppler principles, and quality control methods; and producing high quality diagnostic images.
Prerequisites: DMS 111

DMS 255 Ethics and Medical Law in Sonography
1 Credit. 1 Lecture Hour. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on ethical and legal issues related to the sonography profession. Topics include: laboratory accreditation, professional education, and research standards and practices.
Prerequisites: DMSC 232 and DMSC 242, or DMSG 232 and DMSG 242 (minimum grade C for all)

Faculty

Program Chair

Rebecca Boggs, MHA, RDMS, RVT
rebecca.boggs@cincinnatistate.edu

Experiential Learning Coordinator

Emily Harness, BS, CNMT, RDMS
emily.harness@cincinnatistate.edu

Health and Public Safety Division Advising

Call (513) 569-1670 or Text (513) 569-1600