MISSION
The VUMC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is dedicated to providing quality education for its students in order to promote excellence in the art and science of sonography. Guided by the Mission of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the DMS Program strives to provide academic and clinical experiences that produce competent and compassionate sonographers with a commitment to the performance of quality imaging and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
PHILOSOPHY
It is the philosophy of the Program that all patients have the right to receive competent and compassionate care to promote overall health and wellness. Diagnostic medical sonographers must possess the skills and knowledge necessary to think critically during the delivery of such care while performing sonographic procedures. The Program prepares competent, compassionate sonographers who demonstrate critical thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning.
GOAL & OBJECTIVES
The multi-specialty profession of diagnostic medical sonography requires sonographers to provide diagnostic sonographic imaging through the application of critical thinking and clinical judgment throughout the examination process. Sonographers are healthcare professionals who must demonstrate advanced knowledge and technical skills in diagnostic sonography while functioning under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician.
A diagnostic medical sonographer is responsible for the following:
- Providing high-quality, patient-centered care and acquiring appropriate diagnostic sonographic data and images necessary for interpretation and diagnosis
- Performing diagnostic sonographic procedures in a safe, independent, professional, and ethical manner
- Demonstrating clinical competency consistent with entry-level professional practice
- Applying principles of continuous quality improvement to enhance professional performance
- Maintaining nationally recognized certification in the appropriate area(s) of practice
- Functioning as a delegated agent of the physician in accordance with established legal, ethical, and professional standards
The VUMC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program’s goal is to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal sonography – Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology sonography concentrations. Graduates of the VUMC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will be able to perform, at minimum, the following objectives:
- Cognitive
- Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills during the performance of sonographic procedures to provide optimum diagnostic services.
- Psychomotor
- Perform sonographic procedures appropriately and accurately recording all anatomic, physiologic, and pathologic information for interpretation by a physician.
- Document and present complete and accurate sonographic findings to the interpreting physician to facilitate patient diagnosis.
- Maintain optimal function of the sonographic equipment.
- Assist physician during invasive ultrasound guided procedures.
- Affective
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and all members of the healthcare team.
- Provide compassionate patient care and education to promote overall well-being.
- Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards.
- Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have met all clinical and academic competency requirements for eligibility to apply for and take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exams in their designated area(s) of study. Complete information about the program curriculum may be found on this website.