Academic Grading Policy

Students must maintain a 75 percent or better grade point average in each course of the program. Students not satisfying the minimal academic requirements will be counseled and may be subject to academic probation and/or dismissal from the program.

Attendance, Semester Breaks, Personal Time Off, Holidays

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. During clinical rotation, students are required to report on time for their assignment and complete their 8 hour clinical day. Students are allowed 42 hours of personal time off the first year and 28 hours in the second year. The program consists of 5 semesters with a two (2) week break between each semester. There are two (2) additional break weeks each year, one in the spring semester and one in the fall semester. Students are off classes and clinicals for all Cleveland Clinic recognized holidays including: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

All clinical assignments and all academic courses and labs are held Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Students will rotate to two (2) Cleveland Clinic Hospitals and at least one Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center throughout their clinical experience.  All hospital assignments are chosen using a lottery system. 

The following is the list of hospitals a student may be assigned.

• Akron General Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
• Euclid Hospital
• Fairview Hospital
• Hillcrest Hospital
• Lutheran Hospital
• Medina Hospital
• South Pointe Hospital
• Marymount Hospital 
• Union Hospital 

The following is the list of Outpatient Centers that a student may be assigned:

• Beachwood FHC
• Brunswick FHC
• Elyria FHC
• Lakewood FHC
• Lorain FHC
• Solon FHC
• Strongsville FHC
• Twinsburg FHC
• Willoughby Hills FHC
• Akron Health & Wellness Center - Bath
• Akron Health & Wellness Center - Stow
• Akron Health & Wellness Center - Tallmadge
• Akron Health & Wellness Center - Green

Grading Scale

The following grading scale is used:

93 -100    A     4.0

84 - 92     B     3.0

75 - 83     C     2.0

67 - 74     D     1.0

   0- 66     F      0.0

Course Sequence:

4^th Semester – FALL 16 weeks

DMS 204          Diagnostic Medical Sonography – OB/GYN II   

PHY 210          Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II                               

DMS 223          Advanced Studies in Diagnostic Medical            

                        Sonography - Vascular

LAB 204          Sonography Scanning Lab IV                             

CLE 201           Intermediate Clinical Experience II

                       

5^th Semester – SPRING 16 weeks

DMS 224          Advanced Studies in Diagnostic Medical            

                        Sonography - Pediatrics

DMS 225          Diagnostic Medical Sonography as a Profession

DMS 226          Registry Review                                                

LAB 205          Sonography Scanning Lab IV                             

CLE 202           Advanced Clinical Experience 

Course Descriptions:

PCS 101 - Patient Care for Sonography

This course provides an overview of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in addition to and in combination with the basic concepts of patient care, infection prevention and control, hospital emergency codes, proper patient positioning and transport, and the role of the sonographer as a member of the health care team. Content includes pharmacology, patient assessment, and vital signs. Topics include: critical thinking, history of sonography, professional roles and behavior, professional attitudes and communications. Also included will be hospital and departmental organization, and hospital and program affiliation.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

CSA 101 - Cross Sectional Anatomy

This course is delivered in a traditional classroom setting and provides the student with fundamental anatomy and physiology associated with sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the head, neck, face, spine, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremities. The various structures will be demonstrated in the axial, sagittal and coronal imaging planes.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

DMS 101 - Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography

LAB 101 - Sonography Scanning Lab I

This course provides an overview of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Topics include: the history and development of Diagnostic Medical Sonography as a profession, professional sonography organizations, professional ethics and legal issues, and proper technique and ergonomics. It will further include an introduction to sonographic terminology, image orientation, proper scanning techniques and protocols, and concepts of ultrasound physics and instrumentation. The basic function, advantages and disadvantages of other various imaging modalities including radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging will also be discussed. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

CLE 101 - Introductory Clinical Experience I

Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of sonographic scanning with emphasis on orientation to the equipment, proper scanning positions and planes, transducer orientation, and general patient care. Observation of other imaging modalities included. Designed to give the student an introduction to the basics of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the clinical setting. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 8 weeks, 2 days/week.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

DMS 102 - Diagnostic Medical Sonography – ABD I

LAB 102 - Sonography Scanning Lab II

Detailed study of normal anatomy, physiology, sonographic appearances, and scanning protocols/techniques of normal and common pathologic conditions of the abdominal vasculature, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and superficial structures. Identification of general anatomy, image orientation, and common pathologies in each modality with comparisons applied to sonography will also be discussed. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 101, LAB 101

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.

PHY 101 - Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I

This course is designed to provide the student an in-depth analysis of the various methods utilized in diagnostic sonography, the physical principles of diagnostic ultrasound as it interacts with human tissue, and the construction and function of single-element and multi-element transducers. This course requires prior knowledge of scientific formulas and metric conversions.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; CSA 101, DMS 101, LAB 101

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.

CLE 102 - Introductory Clinical Experience II

Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of sonographic scanning with emphasis on the abdominal vasculature, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, and superficial structures. Students are required to successfully complete 15 clinical competency examinations supervised by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or clinical instructor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 16 weeks, 3 days/week.

Prerequisite: CLE 101 - Introductory Clinical Experience I

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.

DMS 103 - Diagnostic Medical Sonography – OB/GYN I

LAB 103 - Sonography Scanning Lab III

Detailed study of normal anatomy, physiology, sonographic appearances, and scanning techniques of normal and common pathologic conditions of the female pelvis, early and advanced pregnancy. Identification of general anatomy, image orientation, and common pathologies in each modality with comparisons applied to sonography will also be discussed. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 102, LAB 102

Typically Offered: Summer Semester.

DMS 112 - Diagnostic Medical Sonography – ABD II

Detailed study of the abdomen and small parts, discussing pathologic conditions and their sonographic appearances. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 102, LAB 102

Typically Offered: Summer Semester.

CLE 103 - Intermediate Clinical Experience I

Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of sonographic scanning with emphasis on the abdominal vasculature, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, male pelvis, female pelvis, early and advanced pregnancy and superficial structures. Students are required to successfully complete 15 clinical competency examinations supervised by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or clinical instructor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 12 weeks, 3 days/week.

Prerequisite: CLE 102 - Introductory Clinical Experience II

Typically Offered: Summer Semester.

DMS 204 - Diagnostic Medical Sonography – OB/GYN II

Detailed study of the female pelvis, early and advanced pregnancy. Topics include: the discussion of pathologic conditions and their sonographic appearances, the identification of various gynecologic disease processes, fetal development and various obstetrical, genetic pathologies based on sonographic appearance and clinical history. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, DMS 103, LAB 103

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

PHY 210 - Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II

Continuation of Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, including Doppler physics, hemodynamics, image processing recording devices, artifacts, biological effects, and quality control.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; PHY 101

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

DMS 223 - Advanced Studies in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Vascular

LAB 204 - Sonography Scanning Lab IV

Doppler studies of the extracranial, intracranial, peripheral vascular arterial and venous, and abdomen will be emphasized. Sonography of other current advanced studies will also be discussed. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 103, LAB 103, DMS 112

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

CLE 201 - Intermediate Clinical Experience II

Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of sonographic scanning with emphasis on the abdominal vasculature, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, male pelvis, female pelvis, early and advanced pregnancy, superficial structures, carotid arteries, and upper and lower extremity arterial and venous duplex. Students are required to successfully complete 20 clinical competency examinations supervised by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or clinical instructor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 16 weeks, 3 days/week.

Prerequisite: CLE 103 - Intermediate Clinical Experience I

Typically Offered: Fall Semester.

DMS 224 - Advanced Studies in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Pediatrics

LAB 205 - Sonography Scanning Lab IV

Sonography of the neonatal head, hips, spinal cord, and specialized examinations of the pediatric abdomen including appendicitis, intussusception, and pyloric stenosis. Musculoskeletal sonography, as well as other current advanced studies will be discussed. The student will participate in corresponding sonography scanning labs.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 223, LAB 204

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.

DMS 225 - Diagnostic Medical Sonography as a Profession

This course is designed to provide the student with a fundamental background in healthcare ethics and law. The historical and philosophical bases of ethics as well as the elements of ethical behavior are discussed. The student will examine a variety of ethical issues and dilemmas that occur in clinical practice. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts and principles will also be presented. Topics include: misconduct, malpractice, unintentional and intentional torts, HIPAA standards and compliance, legal and professional standards, RDMS scope of practice, administrative planning, resume writing, job interviewing skills, continuing education and career advancement. The importance of proper documentation and informed consent will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 223, LAB 204

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.

DMS 226 - Registry Review

This course provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Abdominal (AB) and OB/GYN (OB) examinations. Topics include: image production and evaluation; sonographic procedures; anatomy, physiology, pathology, and terminology; equipment operation and quality control; infection prevention and protection, patient care and education.

Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; DMS 223, LAB 204

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.

CLE 202 - Advanced Clinical Experience

Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of sonographic scanning with emphasis on the abdominal vasculature, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, male pelvis, female pelvis, early and advanced pregnancy, superficial structures, carotid arteries, upper and lower extremity arterial and venous duplex, and pediatric exams. Students are required to successfully complete 20 clinical competency examinations supervised by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or clinical instructor. Students are also required to successfully complete three (3) terminal competency examinations supervised by their clinical instructor/supervisor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 16 weeks, 4 days/week.

Prerequisite: CLE 201 - Intermediate Clinical Experience II

Typically Offered: Spring Semester.