Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program at Lifespan School of Medical imaging

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an advanced healthcare profession that utilizes evolving technology to aid in medical diagnosis. Sonography, commonly known as ultrasound, can aid in the evaluation of physiologic conditions and diseases, cancer diagnosis and treatment, pregnancy development and complications, and vascular emergencies as well as interventional procedure guidance. 

What Is a Sonographer?

The role of the sonographer is to provide high quality patient care while obtaining clinically informative images to aid in a precise diagnosis. Sonographers work closely with radiologists and physicians to provide clinical answers for every patient and are the eyes of the doctor while performing examinations.

Accreditation

Lifespan School of Medical Imaging provides a well-rounded and comprehensive educational and clinical preparatory program for this ever-changing field. The Rhode Island Hospital program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). It provides students with opportunities to specialize in abdominal and small parts sonography as well as obstetrical and gynecologic sonography. Students will also experience vascular, pediatric, breast, and musculoskeletal sonography during their education. 

Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Accreditation Agency
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350

Our Mission and Goals

1. Students will be competent in the knowledge, skills and behavior learning domains within the abdominal sonography (extended) and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations. The student will be an entry-level sonographer. 
   • Students will be able to independently perform abdominal (extended) sonographic examinations and procedures.
   • Students will be able to independently perform obstetric and gynecologic sonographic examinations and procedures.
   • Students will display technical skills necessary to produce high-quality sonographic images as well as identification and documentation of pathology.
   • Students will practice safe ergonomics.
2. Students will demonstrate effective communication when working with patients and healthcare professionals in a manner that respects diversity and promotes integrity.
   • Students will be able to demonstrate effective and professional oral communication skills with patients, staff, and radiologists.
   • Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills in preliminary reporting.
   • Students will direct patients with ease and confidence to obtain proper images while understanding the patient’s needs and capabilities.
3. Students will apply effective critical thinking skills to solve problems in the healthcare environment.
   • Students will adjust scanning techniques to accommodate all unique challenges.
   • Students will maximize ultrasound controls to produce high-quality images.
   • Students will be able to accept constructive feedback and adjust accordingly. 
4. Students will display qualities required for professional growth and development as well as prioritizing continuous education in order to best serve the community.
   • The program will recruit those students who are well-prepared to meet the academic challenges of the diagnostic medical sonography program.
   • The program will help fulfill the needs of the healthcare community.
   • Both graduates and employers will be satisfied with the practical skills learned in the program and will fulfill the needs of the healthcare community.
   • The program will prepare students to successfully attempt national registry examinations. 
   • Students will understand the value of personal, professional advancement and will continue to obtain additional credentials and technical experience.

DMS Program Effectiveness Data

Download the program data displayed below as a PDF

Institution: Rhode Island Hospital

Concentrations CAAHEP Accredited: Abdomen-Extended, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Student Retention (Total Number of Graduates/Total Number of Students Enrolled)

Job Placement (Total Number of Graduates Employed in 6 months/Total Number of Graduates)

Credential Success Rate (Total Number of Graduates Successfully Earning Credential/Total Number of Test Takers)