Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound)
Hours: 120 On-Campus
About
Are you interested in a career in the fast-growing field of medical imaging? Look no further than Fort Hays State University's Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound)
This 24-month program is designed to prepare students to become entry-level sonographers, filling the critical need for qualified professionals in our communities. Through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to excel in this rewarding field.
Why pursue a BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) at Fort Hays State University?
The Fort Hays State University B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) program offers a unique curriculum designed for your success. We prioritize a balance between classroom learning and hands-on experience. Before entering clinical rotations, you'll gain proficiency in essential ultrasound techniques through didactic learning and dedicated laboratory scan time. This strong foundation allows you to practice standard examinations and develop basic and intermediate scanning skills.
One of the most significant advantages of our program is the extensive clinical experience. Unlike programs with limited clinical exposure, FHSU provides a year-long clinical internship. This ensures you encounter a diverse range of clinical cases, preparing you to meet the demands of an entry-level sonographer position.
Who is this program for?
Fort Hays State University's Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program is an excellent choice for various individuals seeking a fulfilling career in the medical imaging field. Here are some groups who might find this program particularly beneficial:
- Individuals with a Healthcare Background
- Science Enthusiast
- Individuals with a Passion for Imaging
- Individuals with an associate’s degree in health sciences
Learning Outcomes
This program equips you with the knowledge and expertise to excel in diagnostic medical sonography. Through a curriculum that blends classroom learning with real-world clinical experience, you'll gain the necessary skills to become a competent entry-level sonographer.
Comprehensive Clinical Skills
Our Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program prepares you to confidently perform a full range of sonography procedures. You'll gain a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and imaging techniques, enabling you to effectively scan patients, select appropriate protocols, and capture high-quality ultrasound images.
Patient-Centered Care
The program's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a cornerstone of our approach. You'll learn to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds with compassion and respect, effectively explaining procedures and addressing their concerns, ensuring every patient feels valued and respected.
Critical thinking and formulating differential diagnoses require developing essential thinking skills to analyze patient data, sonographic appearances, and medical history. This ability to solve problems and make sound judgments is necessary for success in the field.
Ethical and Professional Practice
The program instills a strong understanding of diagnostic medical sonography's legal and moral boundaries. You'll graduate prepared to adhere to professional codes of conduct and embrace lifelong learning to stay current with evolving technologies.
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is paramount in healthcare. You'll hone your written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring clear and concise information exchange within the patient care team.
National Certification Success
The program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel on the national certification examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). You'll be well-positioned to earn credentials like RDMS (AB) (OB/GYN) & (RVT), opening doors to rewarding career opportunities.
Real-World Applications
The program goes beyond theoretical knowledge. From day one, you'll be immersed in practical learning through our intensive, hands-on scanning laboratory. This first-year experience, designed to mimic a natural clinical setting, provides a solid foundation in using imaging technology.
Following this strong base, you'll gain invaluable real-world experience through a one-year clinical practicum. You'll directly apply your classroom knowledge to patient care under the close supervision of faculty and experienced clinical supervisors. This clinical immersion fosters the development of critical thinking skills as you navigate various patient interactions.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The field of medical diagnostics is constantly evolving, with new advancements and best practices emerging year after year. Fort Hays State University's Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program recognizes these advancements' crucial role. We are committed to staying at the forefront of the field, ensuring our graduates have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to thrive in this ever-evolving environment.
Our dedication to keeping our curriculum current starts with our exceptional faculty. The instructors and clinical liaisons associated with the Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program are passionate about staying abreast of the latest trends and best practices. This commitment is reflected in their mandatory participation in continuing medical education (CME) programs each year. Through these programs, they delve into the newest imaging technology, ensuring their knowledge base remains at the cutting edge.
Hands-on Activities
This Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program provides students with a unique blend of classroom instruction and real-world experience.
Throughout the program, you'll develop the skills necessary to become a valuable member of the medical imaging team. Our curriculum strongly emphasizes hands-on activities, ensuring you graduate prepared to excel in the field.
What You’ll Learn:
- Ultrasound Physics & Techniques
- Standard Examinations
- Advanced Scanning Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Interaction Skills
How You’ll Learn:
- Didactic classroom
- Scanning Lab
- Clinical Rotations
- Faculty Supervision
- Year-Long Clinical Experience
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
While the B.S. in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) offers a fantastic path to a rewarding career, Fort Hays State University understands that your interests in medical diagnostics imaging might be broader. Here are some related programs you might want to consider:
Information about the Department of Allied Health
The Allied Health Department at FHSU merges health care and technology to provide contemporary on-campus and online programs that prepare students for successful careers in the medical field. Our programs equip you with the skills to operate advanced imaging technologies, enabling you to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating a wide range of health issues. Whether studying on-campus or online, you will benefit from hands-on experience and a curriculum designed to prepare you for in-demand careers in various medical imaging environments.
Our nearly 100% pass rate on national certification exams demonstrates the effectiveness of our curriculum, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for the job market. Faculty members offer personalized academic and career mentoring, helping you secure ideal job opportunities.