School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Goals & Objectives

The sonography profession requires the ability to provide diagnostic sonographic imaging utilizing critical thinking skills to make judgements in the process. Sonographers are professionals who must possess high level skills in diagnostic sonographic techniques under the guidance of a licensed physician. A sonographer is responsible for providing patient care and gathering adequate data necessary for diagnoses to be determined.

Graduates of the VUMC School of DMS will be able to perform, at minimum, the following:

1. Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and all members of the healthcare team.
2. Provide compassionate patient care and education to promote overall well-being.
3. Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards.
4. Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
5. Perform sonographic procedures appropriately and accurately recording all anatomic and physiologic information for interpretation by a physician.
6. Document and present complete and accurate sonographic findings to the interpreting physician in order to facilitate patient diagnosis.
7. Demonstrate the ability to think critically during the performance of sonographic procedures to provide optimum diagnostic services.
8. Maintain optimal function of the sonographic equipment.
9. Assist physician during invasive ultrasound guided procedures.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

Upon graduation, students will have demonstrated and completed all clinical and academic competencies required for eligibility to take the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) certification exams in the area(s) of study.