Program Overview

Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is a multi-specialty profession which utilizes high frequency sound waves to image the human body. Sonographers use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and applied critical thinking to assess function and the presence of disease processes. Sonographers work under the guidance of an interpreting physician in a variety of health care settings. Concordia University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The degree includes two years of core requirements and prerequisite classes specific to the major.

• Interested in human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, technology, and patient care
• Being a key member of a health care team
• Providing one on one care to a variety of people
• Using high tech instrumentation to create images of the human body to assist in medical diagnosis
• Commitment to lifelong learning in a rapidly growing health care profession
• Projected job growth for sonographers is 17% (much faster than average) between 2016-2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Designed 4 year completion in a growing market with a competitive salary. 2017 median wage level for a diagnostic medical sonographer according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reported to be $71,410 with a range between $50,000 and $99,840.

Objectives

• To monitor the community needs for sonographers and respond to those needs.
• To monitor the practice of Sonography within our community and adjust our academic and clinical training to meet those needs.
• Facilitate, monitor, and support the implementation of best practices in sonography education.
• Develop an empathetic approach to the patient as a person, rather than a bearer of disease or injury.
• Acquaint the student with the emotional and technical aspects of being a member of a health care team.
• Incorporate meaningful relationships between didactic and clinical experiences.
• Provide a personalized curriculum within the guidelines of school policies and procedures.
• Foster an environment that enables students to master the skills necessary for functioning as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
• To have 80% of our graduates, as measured on a rolling 3 graduating class average, take and pass the ARDMS boards that the school is accredited for.
• To further the mission of our sponsoring institution, Concordia University of Wisconsin.