Practicum - Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technologist

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Class
DMSO 1266

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student.

Course Learning Objectives

As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.

Prerequisites:                         Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Co-requisites:                         DMSO 1302, DMSO 1110, DMSO 1441

Evaluation Standards

1. Clinical Requirements (Objectives I-X)                                                                                         20%

You have been assigned a Master Competency Schedule. A master copy will be updated and maintained in your student file. You will have a copy and are also responsible for tracking your progress throughout the program. Some competencies are required within a semester and some competencies are required prior to graduation. Completion of TWO competencies are required to pass this course.

Students must document 4 breast ultrasounds (over the course of the program and) prior to graduation.

You must obtain a grade of 85% or higher to pass the competencies. You must complete all required competencies by the end of the scheduled rotation to receive a grade for the course. A competency attempt may be denied for any of the following reasons:

  1. Failure to perform complete survey of areas of interest
  2. Transducer plane backwards in any image
  3. Overall poor quality of exam
  4. Incomplete protocol (required anatomy not documented in images)
  5. Items marked with an asterisk (*) on front page of competency paper work
  6. Failing to have competency graded by a sonographer who holds credentials for the exam type being comped. (For example, a sonographer who is ARDMS credentialed in OB/GYN cannot grade an abdominal or vascular competency.)

I understand competencies must be performed with an appropriately credentialed sonographer.

Any of the following credentials from ARDMS, ARRT, and CCI are accepted for clinical instructors in the following areas:

  1. Abdomen: RDMS (AB), RT(S)
  2. OB/GYN: RDMS (OB), RT(S)
  3. Breast: RDMS (AB), RDMS (BR), RT(S)
  4. Vascular: RVT, RVS

You are only allowed 3 total attempts to pass a competency. If you fail 2 competencies, you will be required to undergo remediation in the lab. After the instructor feels you are ready, you may reattempt the competency. If you fail one additional times, you will fail the course.

Completion of competencies is your responsibility. Failure to progress will result in termination from the program.

2. Clinical Affective Evaluations (Objectives I-X)                                                                            45%

The clinical instructors at the clinical site will complete two Clinical Affective Evaluations on each student, one at mid-rotation and at the end of the rotation. At least one evaluation should be completed from each site of rotation.

3. Clinical Requirements (Objectives I-X)                                                                                         5

The following is a list of clinical procedures that must be completed by the last week of scheduled rotations.

  • Clinical Machine Optimization Checklist
  • Assess Clinical Service Area Checklist
  • Patient Care Assessment Checklist
  • Clinical Introduction and Exit Letters

4. End of Semester Scan (Objectives I-X)                                                                                        30%

 The student must scan an aorta and pancreas at the end of the semester.

5. Required Paperwork
  • Preclinical Checklists
  • Student Letters (Intro and exit letter to clinical instructor)
  • Machine Optimization checklist (passed)
  • Assess Clinical Service Area checklist (passed)
  • Student Evaluation of Clinical Affiliate Site
  • Radiologist Contact Form: All students must complete 5 radiologist contacts concerning ultrasounds
  • Clinical Education Hours Completed
  • Tardy and Absence Documentation
  • Daily Clinical Log Book

Grading Standards:

  • A: 92-100%
  • B: 85-91%
  • C: 78-84%
  • F: <78%
Course Progression

Course Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate and describe the operation of the ultrasound machine (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, C3, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)
        1. Demonstrate how to power machine on and off properly
        2. Demonstrate how to safely insert and remove the transducer from the port
        3. Select transducer
        4. Discuss proper technique for applying sterile probe covers
        5. Input patient data and identify data on the hard drive
        6. Select each application-Abd, OB, Gyn- and demonstrate presets and calculations for each application
        7. Select option for multiple gestations
        8. Annotate on screen, erase word, and erase line
        9. Select dual/simultaneous and demonstrate clinical use
        10. Identify and adjust frequency, depth, gain and identify data on monitor
        11. Select Auto Optimize and describe its function
        12. Select proper TGC curve for abdominal application
        13. Select focal zone number and position
        14. Select zoom and demonstrate clinical use
        15. Perform two caliper measurements and delete the last measurement only
        16. Demonstrate caliper measurements for circumference measurements
        17. Edit measurements
        18. Identify and select button that returns exam to basic scan mode and identify and demonstrate update function
        19. Save image to storage device, to hard drive, to external as JPEG and delete an image from an exam
        20. Select and describe functions of the print button
        21. Select and vary the dynamic range, edge enhancement, post processing maps, and identify data on monitor
        22. Select and vary harmonics and identify data on monitor
        23. Choose M-mode and demonstrate a heart rate measurement
        24. Select pulsed wave Doppler and vary gain, baseline, scale (PRF), sample size, angle correct, invert, perform a velocity measurement, and identify values and date on monitor for all
        25. Demonstrate how to end an exam and recall images for post processing
        26. Demonstrate how to properly clean and disinfect transducers.

 

      1. Demonstrate basic medical techniques and patient care (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, C3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)
        1. Understand the obligations of the sonographer to patients, institution, and self
        2. Discuss the patient care partnership
        3. Describe reactions to illness
        4. Understand how to measure vital signs
        5. Discuss the care of patients with tubes or tubing
        6. Discuss the safety considerations associated with patient care
        7. List the components of good body mechanics
        8. Describe correct patient-transfer methods
        9. Discuss the sonographer’s role in infection control
        10. Demonstrate proper hand washing technique
        11. Demonstrate proper gloving technique
        12. Demonstrate proper technique for preparing a sterile field

 

      1. Describe the scanning planes and methods used in sonography (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, C1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
        1. Explain the way ultrasound uses body or scanning planes to image the body
        2. Define scanning planes and show how they divide the body
        3. Define the anatomic areas of each scanning plane
        4. Provide scanning techniques and methods
        5. Define patient positions
        6. Provide surface landmarks used as scanning references
        7. Describe the two-dimensional anatomic areas appreciated on each scanning plane
        8. Use proper scanning methods
        9. Describe the surface landmarks used as scanning references

 

      1. Describe the operations of the assigned clinical facility service area (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, C1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
        1. Locate emergency equipment locations: crash cart, fire extinguisher, oxygen, suction equipment, emergency exits, hospital codes
        2. Identify where wheelchairs and stretchers are stored
        3. Identify the location of the various departments within radiology
        4. Identify the location of the various departments within the facilities: ICU, ER, OR, patient floors, patient rooms
        5. List the names of the staff in the chain of command: hospital CEO, clinical instructor, department director, sonographers, and radiologists
        6. Discuss clinical policies: signing in, signing out, lunch breaks, cell phones, parking
        7. Describe and trace the flow of a sonography exam requisition from the front desk through to the final report
        8. Describe the flowchart and the procedure to complete assigned clinical competencies
        9. Assist in properly transporting patients
        10. Describe the process for signing an inpatient in and out from the floor for a sonography procedure
        11. Locate physician orders, exam orders, exam results, and lab results in the patient chart

 

      1. Demonstrate the professional qualities pertinent to patient care (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, C1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
        1. Comply with policies, procedures, and behavior standards while performing as a healthcare provider
        2. Demonstrate appropriate patient communication and care
        3. Provide for patient safety and right to privacy
        4. Identify, evaluate, and implement safe procedures for oneself, coworkers, and patients

 

      1. Prepare patient for the sonographic examinations and observes the clinical instructor during the sonographic evaluation (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, C1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
        1. Obtain relevant patient history including signs, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and lab results
        2. Identify the correct patient and procedure: introduces oneself to patient: appropriately communicates with the patient before, during, and after the procedures

 

Absences

Your attendance is the biggest predictor of your success. Attendance every clinical day is expected, however, you are allowed TWO days absent without any reduction in grade. EVERY ABSENCE MUST BE MADE UP IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE.

Every absence over the two days will decrease the final grade for clinical by 10% per absence. If you are late to clinical rotations up to 15 minutes, it will count as a tardy. If you are more than 15 minutes late, this will constitute an absence. Three tardies count as 1 day absent. You must clock in through Trajecsys on a computer at your clinical site or with your cell phone. If you clock in with your cell phone, you must clock in 20 minutes prior to the start of your shift. If you clock in with your cell phone, the GPS must be activated so your location at clock in can be determined through the Trajecsys website.

Absences must be made up after the occurrence of the absence unless approved by the program director prior to the absence. Clinical time cannot be ‘banked.’ If you arrive early or stay late, it is on your own time. It is strongly recommended that you arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of your shift. Your attendance and behavior at the clinical site is the best way to promote yourself for future employment upon graduation.

See “Academic Standards” and “Attendance for Clinicals” in the student handbook for the proper procedure.

The student must acknowledge the Clinical Grade Understanding in the Canvas Course stating that they understand how their performance in this course will be graded at the end of the semester. The instructor reserves the right to alter or make changes to this guideline at any time. Such changes will be communicated to the students in a timely manner.

 

Any of the following credentials from ARDMS, ARRT and CCI, are accepted for clinical instructors in the following areas:

1. Abdomen: RDMS (AB), RT(S)

2. OB/GYN: RDMS (OB), RT(S)

3. Breast: RDMS (AB), RDMS (BR), RT(S)

4. Vascular: RVT, RVS

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
SCANS

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified Competencies in the area of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills, Thinking Skills, and Personal Qualities. This course is part of a program in which each of these Competencies and skills are integrated. The specific SCANS Competencies that are recognized throughout this course are noted at the end of the appropriate Competencies or task listed.