[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of internal organs, tissue, and blood flow. Sonographers assist physicians with making a medical diagnosis by providing technical images and findings. Elmhurst College has an affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) where after enrolling at EC, students can apply to NMH to gain additional education and valuable hands-on experience in this exciting medical field. If accepted to this program by NMH, students will major in biology at EC and spend three years on-campus and one year (the fourth year) at NMH.

 

What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?
Will I need a graduate degree?
What should I major in?
What are the academic requirements?
What about advising?
How do I become certified?
Where can I find additional information?

What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?
Diagnostic medical sonographers work with physicians and patients to create high-quality diagnostic images. Here are just some of the things you’ll do as an DMS:

• Obtain and record an accurate patient history
• Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain appropriate sonographic images
• Analyze technical information
• Use independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings
• Provide oral or written summary of technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
• Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team   
   

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What should I major in?
Students applying for the affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital must major in biology. Students applying after graduation can major in anything they like as long as they complete the prerequisite courses for the program.

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What are the academic requirements?
If accepted, you will complete three years of college credit at Elmhurst College, and then spend your fourth year in clinical/academic education at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Alternatively, you may earn an undergraduate degree at Elmhurst and then apply for a fifth year of clinical work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of qualification as a diagnostic medical sonographer and be eligible to take certifying examinations. Below are required courses for students applying for the affiliation as a biology major. Additionally a course in medical terminology is required.

Required courses
BIO 250, 251, 303, 418, 428 and other biology major electives
CHM 211, 212, 311
ENG 105
MTH 132 and MTH 345, MTH 346, or PSY 355
PHY 111 or 121

Recommended courses
CHM 312, 315
MTH 151

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What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

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How do I become certified?
When you successfully complete your academic and clinical program, you’ll be eligible to take certifying examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

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Where can I find additional information?
You can start by checking the web site of Northwestern’s School of Diagnostic Medical Sonograpy. In addition to information about the Elmhurst/Northwestern program, you will find links to useful resources. For more help, contact Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions.

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Any student interested in applying is responsible for learning about all the requirements for the program. Admission to Elmhurst College does not guarantee acceptance into a program affiliation.