Vascular Sonography

This is an intensive writing course. Narrative and descriptive modes are stressed. Basic research strategies are introduced. An end-of-the-semester portfolio is required.

This is an intensive writing course. Analytical and persuasive modes are stressed. Advanced research writing strategies are used. Database and primary research methods are emphasized. An end-of-the-semester portfolio is required.

(Students cannot receive credit for both COM 250 and COM 350) This course will explore how diverse cultural orientations influence the way we perceive and interact with an increasingly culturally diverse world. We will discuss the causes of intercultural conflicts in different communication settings (interpersonal, small group, school, workplace and global) and how to manage them effectively.

Quantitative Reasoning develops student skills in analyzing, synthesizing and communicating quantitative information. Cultivates algebraic reasoning and modeling skills through a quantitative literacy lens. Emphasizes critical thinking and the use of multiple strategies in applied contexts. Topics include proportional and statistical reasoning, probability, and evaluation of bias and validity.

Students focus on the structure and function of the human body, the unity and diversity of life, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the principles and processes of evolution as well as contemporary issues that relate to biology. Course includes a laboratory component which focuses on human anatomy.

Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is the first course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes introductions to basic chemistry, biology and histology and extends to the survey of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. A strong background in biology and/or chemistry is highly recommended.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is the second course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes the autonomic nervous system, sensory, motor, and integrative systems, special senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular systems, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory systems, digestive system, metabolism and nutrition, urinary system and reproductive systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. Because physiological processes are based on the principles of chemistry, prior chemistry coursework is strongly recommended for this course.

Overview of the field of psychology, including learning, development, emotion, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior and psychotherapy.

The discipline and its contributions to understanding the fundamental processes of social interaction. Includes development of self, socialization process, groups and social structure. Application of sociological principles to our society by examination of relevant research.

This course is a survey of art history and aesthetics covering art and architecture from prehistoric times to 1400.

This course is a survey of art history and aesthetics covering art from the Renaissance through the 20th century.

Students are introduced to film as a visual art and to basic film terms and techniques, such as composition, movement, editing and sound. Readings in film history, genre, theory and criticism. Includes JC Winter Film Series.

This course is an inquiry into historical and changing role of sports in American culture through novels, essays, biographies, films, documentaries and sports-related poetry.

Students are introduced to traditional and contemporary fictional genres. This course emphasizes understanding, appreciation and the critical analysis of narrative art. Selections for study are chosen from English and American literature as well as world literature in translation.

Students are introduced to lyric and dramatic genres. This course emphasizes understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of poetry and theatre as language performances and literary forms. Selections for study are chosen from English and American literature as well as world literature in translation.

Survey of the literature of African-American writers. Emphasis is on the major writers in narrative, poetry, fiction, essay and drama.

Students read representative plays and are introduced to the Elizabethan world. Course emphasizes developing understanding, appreciation and critical analysis skills.

Students survey the various genres of children’s literature from a critical point of view. Course emphasizes developing student competency in oral reading and presentation of children’s literature.

Students examine the development of a distinctive American literature and culture during the 19th century. Students read selections from many writers, with emphasis on major figures such as Hawthorne, Melville, Thoreau, Emerson, Poe, Dickinson, Whitman, Douglass and Jacobs.

Students examine the literature and culture of America from 1890 to the present, with emphasis on the development of organic and post-modern writing in narrative, poetic and critical modes.

Students compare major themes and writers from Africa, America, Asia and Europe.

This interdisciplinary course examines contemporary issues, their human and technological components, and their historical precedents through art, music, literature and philosophy.

Lecture and directed listening on the elements, forms and historic chronology of Western music.

Students explore the development of popular music in America and focus on the musical, social and economic influences of commercial music in an historical context.

In this course, you will be exposed to some of the major figures in Western philosophy, and through them, some of the most important philosophical questions. You will discuss questions such as: Is ethics all a matter of opinion? What is the good life for human beings? When is the state justified in using coercive power? What is the nature of knowledge, and how do we get knowledge? What is the nature of reality? Can we prove the existence of God?

Survey of Western theatre and drama. Appreciation of theatre through understanding of historical development and societal function. Theatre architecture, production, costuming and acting styles, and the artists who create them.

In this course students will learn the history and basic principles of static and real-time ultrasound machines. The instrumentation of A-mode and its conversion into the real time B-mode scanners will be explored. Laboratory assignments reinforce learning activities.

This course will provide the student with an overview of the health care field. Information that is covered serves as a solid foundation for all students in health sciences or health occupations, regardless of the particular health care profession they are interested in pursuing. Topics include: careers in health care, legal and ethical responsibilities, professionalism, interactions between and reaction of patients in normal and altered states, patient and personal safety and cultural diversity.

A programmed learning word building system approach is used to teach basic medical terminology word roots, prefixes, suffixes, language origins, plural formation and grammar rules are studied. Emphasis is placed on word building, definitions, spelling, usage, pronunciation and acceptable medical abbreviations.

This course addresses the basic principles of classical physics specifically for the sonography program with a minimal amount of mathematics. The topics covered include motion, mechanics, energy, properties of matter, waves, heat, electricity and magnetism.

In this course students are introduced to the anatomy of the venous, arterial, microcirculation, and anatomic variants of the body. The abdominal structures associated with the vasculature will also be explored.  In this course students are introduced to normal function of the venous and arterial systems, abnormal mechanisms, risk factors, and indications of arterial and venous disease associated with a range of pathological conditions.

In this course students are introduced to the sonographic reasoning method framework, founded by Steven M. Penny, MA, RT(R), RDMS and Anna Zachariason, BS. Using the analytical framework students will be provided a fundamental approach to critical thinking and problem solving associated with vascular ultrasound examinations. This course explores basic research steps and the importance of contributing to sonography education and becoming lifelong learners. Students will become members of the Society of Vascular Ultrasound and begin exploring the process for writing abstracts and journal articles.

In this course students are introduced to and practice the Intercostal Accreditation Commission (IAC) exam testing protocols of the venous duplex obstruction testing, carotid duplex testing (including manual blood pressure measurements) and ABI exam. The routines of the daily lab are simulated using various In-patient scenarios and outpatient scenarios.  Students practice oral communication in a concise, clear and effective manor with students, faculty, and staff. Students actively explore ultrasound equipment and scanning techniques.  The appropriate use of color, pulse-wave Doppler, and gray-scale settings is applied to obtain optimal images and Doppler waveform patterns.  Students are assessed for proper ergonomics while manipulating the transducer and scanning in the transverse to sagittal scan plans. HIPPA, OSHA Universal Precautions, and basic patient transfer techniques are covered and assessed. The affective, cognitive and psychomotor skills are also assessed in this course.

In this course students receive 300-plus hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved vascular laboratory. This course provides hands-on experiences in basic color Doppler imaging (CDI), hemodynamics, segmental pressures and duplex sonography. Students are instructed and supervised by registered vascular technologists. Completion of clinical competencies is required to complete this course.

In this course students are introduced to math equations and the relationship of variables to the physics of normal and abnormal blood flow patterns. Basic fluid properties of the venous and arterial systems are defined. The Doppler effect and color Doppler imaging are also introduced in this course. The use of the Doppler equation is used to show how the Doppler spectrum is formed. Measurements of the Doppler waveform are covered and artifacts that may occur are explained.

In this course theories, techniques and venous testing procedures of the lower and upper extremity exams are covered. Other topics will include: differential diagnosis; other imaging modalities; identifying deep vein thrombosis; advanced exploration of venous anatomy and collateral pathways; pathology & pathophysiology; Color Doppler & PW Doppler waveforms techniques & principles; preliminary writing. Assessment of these skills will occur in this didactic course and applied in the clinical course work.

In this course theories, techniques and arterial testing procedures of the lower and upper extremity duplex and physiological exams are covered. Other topics will include: bypass graft imaging; differential diagnosis; other imaging modalities; advanced exploration of arterial anatomy & collateral pathways; pathology & pathophysiology; techniques & principles of color, PW, CW Doppler waveforms; preliminary writing. Assessment of these skills will occur in this didactic course and applied in the clinical course work. 

Students explore the mechanics of A-mode, B-mode, M-mode, Doppler, and real time equipment. Accessory equipment such as cameras, transducers, phased, annular and linear arrays, and all types of hard copy documentation instruments are investigated. Multiple methods of preventative maintenance and quality control are presented. Laboratory reinforces learning activities.

In this course theories, techniques and testing procedures (imaging and non-imaging) of the extracranial and intracranial exams are covered. Topics will include: differential diagnosis; other imaging modalities; tests of accuracy; advanced exploration of arterial anatomy; collateral pathways; pathology & pathophysiology; techniques & principles of color & PW Doppler waveforms; preliminary writing.  Assessment of these skills will occur in this didactic course and applied in the clinical course work.  

In this course theories, techniques and testing procedures of the abdomen and post-operative exams are covered. Topics will include: post-operative procedures (abdominal, carotid, lower and upper extremities); abdominal arterial and venous visceral and aortic-iliac arterial disease using duplex ultrasound.  Advanced exploration of abdominal arterial and venous anatomy, pathology & pathophysiology; Color Doppler, PW Doppler waveforms techniques and principles; preliminary writing. Assessment of these skills will occur in this didactic course and applied in the clinical course work.

In this course is a 7-week learning plan designed to immerse students in lessons of how to learn, apply real-world skills, answer contextual style questions and build a deeper understanding of the arterial and venous vascular system, disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology.  The full interactive comprehensive-progressive learning plan is designed for various learning styles and is designed to prepare students for the rigors and endurance needed to complete the registry exam. The content on this site follows the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) application and testing outlines.  A preselected exam date is embedded in the learning plan schedule.  Multiple quizzes and a timed computerized, 200 question mock exam are located at the end of the program containing contextual questions and explanation of incorrect answers.

This course is a continuation of DMS 161. Students receive 300 plus hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved vascular laboratory. It also provides hands-on experiences in basic and advanced color Doppler imaging (CDI), hemodynamics, segmental pressures and duplex sonography. Students are instructed and supervised by registered vascular technologists. Completion of clinical competencies required to complete this course.

This course is a continuation of DMS 265. Students receive 300 hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved vascular laboratory. It also provides hands-on experiences in advanced color Doppler imaging (CDI), hemodynamics, segmental pressures and duplex sonography. Students are instructed and supervised by registered vascular technologists. Completion of clinical competencies is required to complete this course.