Musculoskeletal Sonography

This award is not eligible for Financial Aid

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Musculoskeletal Sonography program is designed for students who wish to explore the field of sonography, as well as those who have made a career decision to seek certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement (APCA). Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly specialized members of the health care team who provide patient services using ultrasound under the direction of a physician. Sonographers provide care essential to diagnostic ultrasound imaging by operating equipment and performing examinations for medical diagnosis. Sonographers have an in-depth knowledge of physics, disease processes, physiology, cross-sectional anatomy, positioning and sonographic techniques necessary to create ultrasound images. Knowledge of darkroom techniques, equipment maintenance, record keeping, and film processing are also part of the job.

Careers utilizing musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and sonographers among others. Research, applications, teaching, and marketing may be available to those who wish to explore careers in business or industry.

Details

Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Musculoskeletal Sonography (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5916N
Total credits required
20
Effective Term
Fall 2018
Admissions criteria

1. Formal application and admission to the program.
2. Background check requirements: Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Background Check Standards. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Background Check Policy.
3. Clinical health and safety requirements must be met. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Clinical Health and Safety Policy.
4. Inability to comply with background check requirements and/or clinical health and safety requirements at the start of classes may result in cancellation of enrollment.
5. This program is open to credentialed physicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, sonographers, and practitioners working in the musculoskeletal field.

Notes

This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn
  • Describe normal and abnormal variants of anatomy and pathology as they appear on ultrasound cases. (DMS250, PTA152)
  • Describe the normal, abnormal, and pathological conditions associated with the abdomen, male and female pelvis, head, thyroid, heart, vessels, small parts, obstetrical, pediatric, and breast ultrasound, and upper and lower extremities. (DMS148, DMS252, DMS254)
  • Define and describe patient clinical assessment using case histories, laboratory results and other related tests, and oral and written communications skills as they apply to diagnostic ultrasound. (DMS265, DMS267)
  • Define points, planes, and terminology to acquire sonographic images for musculoskeletal and small parts scanning. (DMS250, DMS265)
  • Describe patient positioning and dynamic motion to assess musculoskeletal anatomy sonographically. (PTA152)
Required courses
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:20
DMS148Introduction to Musculoskeletal Sonographic Imaging1
DMS250Musculoskeletal Sonography and Small Parts2
DMS252Musculoskeletal Procedures I4
DMS254Musculoskeletal Procedures II4
DMS265Musculoskeletal Clinical Practicum4
DMS267Musculoskeletal Case Studies1
PTA152Musculoskeletal Kinesiology and Assessment Techniques in Sonographic Imaging4

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Read the official description