Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound)

Bachelors

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

Courses

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program at Fort Hays State University equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this dynamic field. The curriculum offers a comprehensive blend of classroom learning, laboratory experiences, and real-world clinical rotations, ensuring you graduate prepared to hit the ground running as a competent ultrasound technologist.

DMS 404: Abdominal Ultrasound Procedures I

The course is designed to emphasize the physics and instrumentation of ultrasound for optimal visualization in abdominal diagnostic medical sonography examinations. Primary emphasis will be the role of ultrasound in evaluation of the abdominal vasculature, biliary tree, pancreas, and thyroid. Pathological patterns of these various systems will be discussed and related to the sonographic appearance, physiologic changes, and laboratory findings.

DMS 406: Obstetric/Gynecology Ultrasound Procedures 1

The course focuses on the physics and instrumentation of ultrasound for effective visualization in obstetric and gynecologic diagnostic examinations. It covers ultrasound's role in evaluating the non-pregnant female pelvis, including normal sonographic appearance, physiological changes, laboratory findings, and pathologies of the uterus and adnexa. Other topics include menstrual physiology, hormonal influences, early embryonic development, ethical considerations in obstetric ultrasound, and sonographic evaluation of the first trimester.

DMS 408: Vascular Ultrasound Procedures 1

The course is designed to emphasize the physics and instrumentation of ultrasound for optimal visualization in vascular diagnostic medical sonography examinations. Primary emphasis will include the hemodynamics, color flow, and Doppler spectral analysis of the abdominal, lower extremity venous, and lower extremity arterial vasculature. Additional vascular applications will include Doppler instruments and indirect testing methods.

Discover the full Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of our program have carved exciting career paths that showcase the breadth of opportunities available with a B.S. in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound). Here are just a few examples:

Hospital Ultrasound Technologist

Hospitals are significant employers offering diverse opportunities in radiology, cardiology, and obstetrics/gynecology departments. You'll play a vital role in patient care by performing diagnostic ultrasounds and collaborating with healthcare teams.

Sonographer in a Clinic or Physician's Office

Many clinics and private practices utilize ultrasound technology. In these dynamic environments, you'll provide essential diagnostic services that directly support patients.

Mobile Sonographer

Mobile ultrasound providers offer convenient on-site testing for patients. This growing sector allows you to contribute to patient care while enjoying a flexible work environment.

Imaging Department Supervisor

With experience and leadership skills, you can transition into supervisory roles within imaging departments. Your expertise will be crucial in overseeing operations and ensuring smooth workflow.

Sales or Application Specialist for Ultrasound Equipment

Medical equipment manufacturers value the insights of qualified sonographers for product development and marketing. Your skills can be invaluable in this exciting sector.

Ultrasound Educator or Researcher

The field of medical imaging is constantly evolving. You can contribute to this advancement by becoming an educator, application specialist, or researcher, helping shape the future of ultrasound technology.

Admission Requirements

Fort Hays State University's B.S. in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program recognizes that each applicant brings a unique blend of skills and experiences. We value ambition, dedication, and a genuine interest in medical imaging more than just a specific academic background. Therefore, to be considered for admission, we look for well-rounded individuals who meet the following criteria:

Academic Preparation

To be eligible for the program, you must be a high school graduate with either a completed radiology technology program, hold a bachelor's degree in any field, or have at least 60 credit hours in a healthcare-related program or a science/math-focused curriculum. Additionally, all applicants must complete specific prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" and maintain a competitive cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. These prerequisite courses cover foundational subjects like human biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, college algebra, and communication skills. The program also highly recommends taking Cross Sectional Anatomy: Normal to further solidify your understanding of the human body.

Application and selection process

While meeting the minimum requirements is crucial, admission is competitive. The program has a rigorous selection process to identify the most promising candidates. Only the top applicants are invited for interviews in March. The selection committee, composed of FHSU faculty and experienced clinical instructors, meticulously reviews each application, considering your academic record, relevant healthcare experience, knowledge of ultrasound technology, recommendation letters, communication skills, and overall motivation and maturity. This process ensures that only the most qualified individuals are admitted to the program.

Application deadline

The B.S. in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound) program application deadline is February 15th. Take advantage of this opportunity! Complete your application and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a skilled ultrasound technologist. To gain a deeper understanding of the daily responsibilities in this field, we recommend scheduling a visit to an ultrasound department and observing the work of these medical imaging professionals firsthand.

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.

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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:

FAQ

What prerequisite courses are required?

Yes, specific prerequisite courses are required for admission into the program. These include foundational subjects like human biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, college algebra, and communication skills. Cross-Sectional Anatomy: Normal is highly recommended to further solidify your understanding of the human body.

Do I have to have complete the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program before applying?

To be eligible for the program, you must meet one of the following criteria: be a high school graduate with a completed radiology technology program, hold a bachelor's degree in any field, or have at least 60 credit hours in a healthcare-related program or a science/math-focused curriculum.

What can I do to ensure I am one of the best candidates?

Ensure you meet or exceed the academic preparation criteria, including completing the required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" and maintaining a competitive cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. Additionally, gaining healthcare experience, demonstrating knowledge of ultrasound technology, and showcasing strong communication skills, recommendation letters, and overall motivation and maturity can make you a strong candidate.

Is the program competitive for admissions?

Admission to the program is competitive, with a rigorous selection process that includes interviews. Only the top applicants are invited for interviews, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are admitted.

Is the clinical observation required or recommended?

Clinical observation is highly recommended for applicants to Fort Hays State University's Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging with an Emphasis in Ultrasound program.

What distinguishes the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging program?

The program stands out for its unique curriculum that balances classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience. It provides a year-long clinical internship, offering exposure to various clinical cases and preparing students for entry-level sonographer positions. The program's commitment to staying ahead of industry advancements and its emphasis on hands-on activities further distinguish it.

How does the program cover various aspects of medical imaging techniques and technologies?

The program covers various aspects of medical imaging through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on scanning laboratory experiences designed to mimic natural clinical settings, and a one-year clinical practicum for real-world application.

Are there specific concentrations or specializations within the Diagnostic Imaging program?

Within the Diagnostic Imaging program, the main areas of concentrations or specializations include Abdominal Ultrasound, OB/Gyn Ultrasound, and Vascular Ultrasound. The program is designed to prepare students for their various careers with a curriculum that combines classroom learning and extensive hands-on experience.

What career opportunities does completing a BS in Diagnostic Imaging open up?

Completing the BS in Diagnostic Imaging opens up diverse career opportunities, including positions as hospital ultrasound technologists, sonographers in clinics or physician's offices, mobile sonographers, imaging department supervisors, sales or application specialists for ultrasound equipment, and roles in ultrasound education or research.

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.

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