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A sonographer works under the guidance of radiologists in a variety of health-care settings and must use advanced critical thinking skills to help assess function and determine the presence of disease processes in the human body.
A sonographer is required to operate a variety of complex ultrasound equipment as well as numerous ancillary devices in order to perform sonographic procedures. Sonographers must integrate complex knowledge and advanced technical skills in the imaging of internal structures and they must apply knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology in the performance of their duties. Individuals interested in this career must be able to communicate effectively with patients and other health-care professionals. The sonographer must display compassion, competence and concern in order to meet the special needs of the patient. Direct patient contact is required while performing this job.
Admission to clinical specialization internship
To be accepted into a diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) affiliate program, students must submit a formal application for each program for which they seek consideration.
This degree is affiliated with the Henry Ford Health System DMS Program and Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus, DMS Program. In addition to submitting a formal application, students may also be required to interview, acquire and maintain CPR certification for Health Care Providers, job shadow in sonography, obtain clinical medical experience, and/or take an admissions exam. Students must have a minimum of a 2.8 overall GPA to be considered for acceptance, however it is recommended that students have at least a 3.0 overall GPA.
Acceptance into a DMS program is competitive and not guaranteed. Acceptance is determined by each DMS program affiliate and is based on prerequisite course-work GPA, specific course grades, interview, previous work experience, letters of recommendation, and documentation of required patient care and shadowing experience. Students who are accepted to an accredited DMS program will receive all academic and clinical education from instructors employed by that program. Grades while attending the DMS hospital will be reported to Oakland for their OU transcript pass/fail, however letter grades will be utilized on the program transcript. Students should check the clinical affiliate program’s websites for exact application dates, prerequisite requirements, and grade requirements.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations will be determined by their affiliated hospitals and clinics. Students will be awarded the degree upon successful completion of all university and hospital affiliate program graduation requirements. Grades while attending the DMS hospital programs will be reported to Oakland for their transcript as pass/fail, however letter grades will be utilized on the program transcript.
Other Program Affiliate Requirements
Upon acceptance into a clinical affiliate program, all students must pass a mandatory background check and health screening. In order to protect patients and provide a safe environment for students, staff, and the public, all students are required to have up-to-date immunizations, including the seasonal flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. If an applicant fails to comply with the immunization policy, fails the mandatory health screen and/or background check, the applicant’s acceptance into the program will be rescinded. Vaccine exemption forms may be considered, but it will be determined by the program affiliate. Students are required to obtain and maintain their own medical insurance coverage for the duration of the DMS program.
Grade point policy
Students in the DMS professional specialization whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.80, or those who do not meet the affiliate DMS program grade requirements, are not able to graduate with the professional specialization designation. In these cases, students are eligible to graduate with a Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Pre-clinical professions specialization.
Academic Advising
All students are required to meet with their professional academic advisor in the School of Health Sciences at least once a year to review progress toward their degree.