Sonography is an allied health specialty that uses high-frequency
sound waves (ultrasound) to image many structures in the body. Sonographers
function as members of the healthcare team by providing
and evaluating high quality images that aid physicians in the
diagnosis and treatment of their patients. Sonographers are highly
motivated, independent critical thinkers who enjoy one-on-one patient
interaction.
There are employment opportunities in a variety of settings, such as
hospitals, physicians’ offices, and veterinarian practices. There are
also opportunities in sales, education, management, research, marketing,
and product development. Job prospects in the Las Cruces/
El Paso area occasionally are limited, but nationwide there remain
ample opportunities for employment.
Training involves a combination of academic courses and a clinical
internship in the ultrasound department of area hospitals and clinics
where students will gain hands-on training under the supervision
of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and will work
alongside physicians and other health-care professionals. Coursework
covers abdominal and OB-Gyn ultrasound, neurosonography,
acoustic physics and instrumentation, and introductory courses in
vascular technology. Students will participate in lab activities and
learn to write case reports and journal article reviews. The clinical
sites include facilities in Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, and Silver
City, New Mexico, as well as in El Paso, Texas.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers a certificate
track for students who already possess an associate degree in a
medically related, allied healthcare program or a bachelor’s degree
in a medically related field. The associate degree track is designed
for those who do not meet the entrance requirements for the certificate-track program.
Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are required
to complete and pass a variety of background/screening tests
that include a security background check, fingerprinting and/or drug
screening in order to participate in the clinical education. Past criminal
violations may prevent a student from completing the program
and gaining employment in the field.
The DACC Diagnostic Medical Sonography is fully accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP).
Required Physical and Cognitive Skills
The following are required skills of sonographers and sonography
students:
Emotional and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of
the position.
Ability to position, move, and lift patients in wheelchairs and
stretchers.
Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.
Ability to position and move ultrasound equipment on wheels
(up to 500 lbs.)
Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment.
Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate
diagnostic information.
Ability to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results,
patient histories and medical records, and adapt sonographic
examination as necessary.
Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimal
diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.
Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information
to the attending physician.
Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the
healthcare team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic
examinations and patients’ needs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
with the public and healthcare team.
Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.
Please visit our departamental page for
additional information and to print out documents needed for applying
to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. In addition,
an information packet is available at the Health and Public Services
division office, room 190, phone (575) 757-7630.
Special Admissions Criteria for Certificate Track
This is a limited-entry program accepting students only in the spring
semester. Criteria and factors used in evaluating applicants include
the following:
Completion of either
(a) an associate degree in an allied health
program which is medically related and involve human patient
care,
or (b) a bachelor’s degree in a medical or science-related
field
This is a limited-entry program accepting students only in the spring
semester. Criteria and factors used in evaluating applicants include
the following:
High school diploma or GED
Completion of all Core Requirements and Related Requirements
with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (no more than one final
grade of C is allowed)
County of residence
Associate Degree (89 credits)
NOTE: No more than one final grade of C is allowed in any course.
This rule does not apply to ENGL 111G or courses listed under “Technical Requirements.” Courses appearing in italics are identical
to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main)
Campus.
