Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AAS)

The credentialing organizations for sonographers are the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Specialty Accreditation is an assessment of a specific program within an institution. Accreditation ensures standards of education. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) offers accreditation for Sonography programs through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS).

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains for abdominal extended, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular sonography concentrations. The program will provide high-quality didactic, lab and clinical atmospheres for transformative learning. Student sonographers will be able to think critically and compassionately. Understanding the complexities of healthcare will be a focus of the program, including areas of professionalism, ethical behaviors, and skilled and quality care. Through these goals, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program complements the mission of the University of Saint Francis—cultivating individual personal growth through applied healthcare education that results in impactful professionals.

Program Goal Minimum Expectations:

1. Provide high-quality education in didactic, lab and clinicals.
2. Grow individuals to think critically, compassionately and ethically.
3. Deliver professionals with entry level, but quality, skills who are impactful to healthcare and society.

1. First Student Learning Outcome: Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
2. Second Student Learning Outcome: Perform procedures in areas of abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, small parts, superficial and vascular sonography; record anatomic, pathologic and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician.
3. Third Student Learning Outcome: Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonography diagnostic services.
4. Fourth Student Learning Outcome: Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues.
5. Fifth Student Learning Outcome: Act in a professional and ethical manner.
6. Sixth Student Learning Outcome: Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and promote principles of good health.

The University of Saint Francis has set policies and procedures regarding various student grievances that apply to all students.

All students are encouraged to resolve concerns or complaints directly with the appropriate faculty, staff, program directors, division directors or deans in an informal manner unless a formal university policy or procedure exists (such as formal policies for Financial Aid Appeal Procedure; Grade Appeal Policy and Procedure; Request for Review of Academic Policy; Appeal Review Procedures).

If the informal communication does not adequately address a student’s concerns, the student may contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs for academic concerns and the Vice President of Catholic Culture and Student Life for all other complaints or concerns. The Vice President will review the situation with the appropriate area and will either respond personally to the complaint or will direct the appropriate member of the institution to do so within 10 business days of receipt of the written complaint.

If a student feels that the USF grievance procedures have not adequately addressed their concerns and/or circumstances related to alleged violations of state consumer protection laws, they may wish to file complaints outside of USF.

Detailed complaint processes can be found here: University of Saint Francis Student Complaint Process

General Student Complaints

1. The student discusses the concern with the faculty or staff member whom the student believes has taken improper action.
2. If resolution is not achieved, the student discusses the problem with the appropriate director or dean in an informal manner unless a formal university policy or procedure exists.
3. The student is to follow any process for which a formal policy exists.
   1. Financial Aid Appeal Procedure
   2. Grade Appeal, Request for Review
4. If no formal policy exists, and the informal communication does not adequately address a student’s concern, the student may contact the following Vice Presidents:
   1. For any academic concerns, contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
   2. For all other complaints, contact the Vice President of Catholic Culture and Student Life.
5. The Vice President will review the concern with the appropriate area and either respond personally to the student or will direct the appropriate personnel to do so within 10 days of receipt of the written complaint.

Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct/Violence Complaints

1. Complaints are filed with the USF Title IX Coordinator
   1. Email: [email protected]
   2. Phone: 260-399-7700, ext. 6745
   3. Office: FW Campus, Trinity Hall, room 105

1. Cumulative minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
2. Completion of 74 credit hours, as set by the DMS Academic Plan
3. Completion of all required DMS Clinical Competencies
4. Meet all graduation requirements of the University of Saint Francis