Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351091004	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	77 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.                            	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The program is designed to prepare students for employment as diagnostic medical sonographers or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupation.

The content includes but is not limited to anatomy, physiology and pathology of the abdominal, pelvic, and urogenital structures; physics; instrumentation; equipment standards; biological effect of ultrasound; patient care; clinical medicine; applications and limitations of ultrasound; related diagnostic procedures; image evaluation; administration; first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; employability skills; leadership and human relations skills; health and safety.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 77 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills.
12.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the sonographer in regards to ultrasound imaging and patient care. 
13.0	Demonstrate an awareness of the basic principles of ultrasound physics, emphasizing practical relationships of physics to optimizing images for more accurate diagnosis.
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of instrumentation common to the field of ultrasound.
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of Doppler. 
16.0	Apply knowledge gained in instrumentation lecture as it applied to various ultrasound systems in the clinical setting.
17.0	Apply knowledge of the anatomy and scanning techniques related to retroperitoneal structures and upper abdominal organs and systems. 
18.0	Apply knowledge of the anatomy and scanning techniques related to superficial structures. 
19.0	Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and scanning techniques to the urinary system and adrenal glands.
20.0	Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and scanning techniques used in Sonography of the female pelvis.
21.0	Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology and scanning techniques related to obstetrics.
22.0	Develop a continuous awareness of the disease processes.
23.0	Apply accumulated knowledge to the process of creating diagnostic sonograms.
24.0	Apply skills needed to complete diagnostic images of high quality from a variety of scanning units.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology
CIP Number:		1351091004
Program Length:	77 credit hours	

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
12.0	Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the sonographer in regards to ultrasound imaging and patient care.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Explain the role of the sonographer.	
12.02	 Describe the relationship of ultrasound to other imaging modalities.	
12.03	Describe and demonstrate the proper uses of orientation and standard labeling of ultrasound images.	
12.04	Explain the basic concepts of ultrasound equipment available and demonstrate safety in their use and basic techniques of scanning.	
12.05	Explain and demonstrate the criteria for image evaluation and specifically of special sonographic parameters.	
12.06	Demonstrate and describe proper body mechanics to avoid work related musculoskeletal disorders when performing sonographic examinations.	
12.07	Describe special problems encountered and methods related to medical ethics and law in sonography.	
12.08	Describe the organizational structure common to most hospitals with special emphasis placed on the role of the ultrasound department.	
12.09	Describe the relationship of the sonographer to the patients and their special needs.	
12.10	Demonstrate professional communication skills required on a daily basis in the health care setting. 	
12.11	Explain and demonstrate the methods of patient preparation and care before and during a sonogram.	
12.12	Demonstrate proper body mechanics when transporting and assisting patients. 	
12.13	Discuss current trends in sonographic technology and techniques.	
12.14	Demonstrate proper universal precautions and sterile techniques when preparing for a sonographic procedure.	
13.0	Demonstrate an awareness of the basic principles of ultrasound physics, emphasizing practical relationships of physics to optimizing images for more accurate diagnosis.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Explain what sound is and its characteristics.	
13.02	Compare the difference between pulsed and continuous wave ultrasound.	
13.03	Explain amplitude and intensity of sound as it applies to sonography.	
13.04	Describe the causes and effects of attenuation and acoustic impedance on ultrasound.	
13.05	Identify the causes and effects of incidence, scattering and refraction of ultrasound.	
13.06	Explain the Doppler Effect as it relates to ultrasound.	
13.07	Describe the factors of attenuation versus depth penetration of ultrasound in human tissue.	
13.08	Identify resolution and controlling factors of resolution as applied to sonography.	
13.09	Discuss and demonstrate the basic principles governing sound and sound interaction in various types of tissue.	
13.10	Relate mathematical formulas to the interaction of sound with various mediums. 	
13.11	Describe resolution and its effect on the final image.	
13.12	Describe and demonstrate the factors that control and determine axial, elevational and lateral resolution.	
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of instrumentation common to the field of ultrasound.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Describe piezoelectric effects.	
14.02	Describe transducer construction.	
14.03	Discuss historical perspectives related to the development of the ultrasound system.	
14.04	Explain and describe how signal processing affects image production and presentations.	
14.05	Discuss basic system operation in the form of block diagrams for real‑time and Doppler image production.  	
14.06	Describe the purpose and use of typical controls located on ultrasound systems. 	
14.07	Identify methods of determining and assuring quality control both sonographically and photographically.	
14.08	Discuss common processing techniques including but not limited to harmonics, persistence, spatial compounding, panoramic imaging, RES, and current techniques.	
14.09	Discuss causes, detection and control of factors that may create biologic effects in human tissue with insonation at the diagnostic medical sonography exposure level.	
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of Doppler.  The student will be able to: 	
15.01	Explain the general principles of Doppler techniques and the Doppler formula.	
15.02	Describe how pulse wave Doppler is processed and displayed. 	
15.03	Describe how color-flow Doppler is processed and displayed.	
15.04	Describe how power Doppler is processed and displayed.	
15.05	Identify normal and abnormal Doppler waveforms. 	
15.06	Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various Doppler methods.	
15.07	Describe the purpose and use of typical controls used to optimize Doppler acquisition and display, including Doppler measurements.	
15.08	Demonstrate skills required on a daily basis in the typical Sonography setting for obtaining and displaying Doppler.	
16.0	Apply knowledge gained in instrumentation lecture as it applied to various ultrasound systems in the clinical setting.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Utilize patient information systems. 	
16.02	Demonstrate appropriate transducer selection for specific sonographic application.	
16.03	Utilize amplification in all its forms to produce a diagnostic quality sonogram.	
16.04	 Utilize power to produce a diagnostic quality sonogram while maintaining the ALARA principle.	
16.05	Utilize the various forms of processing to produce a diagnostic quality sonogram. 	
16.06	Utilize the various types of scanning techniques and patient positioning required to produce diagnostic quality sonograms.	
16.07	To explain and recognize typical artifacts as found in sonographic imaging. 	
16.08	Demonstrate QA parameters utilizing test objects and phantoms. 	
17.0	Apply knowledge of the anatomy and scanning techniques related to retroperitoneal structures and upper abdominal organs and systems.  The student will be able to: 	
17.01	Identify gross abdominal structures as demonstrated by ultrasound such as the liver, gall bladder, aorta, inferior vena cava, stomach, pancreas, bowel, spleen, lymph nodes, retroperitoneum, and peritoneal cavity.	
17.02	Identify the gross upper abdominal organs in two planes.	
17.03	Identify the gross retroperitoneal organs, bowel and peritoneum in two planes.	
17.04	Explain the physiology of the upper abdominal organs and the related laboratory results. 	
17.05	Explain the physiology of the retroperitoneal organs, bowel and peritoneum. 	
17.06	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic examination of the upper abdominal organs.	
17.07	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic examination of the retroperitoneal organs, bowel and peritoneum.	
17.08	Explain the common pathologies related to the upper abdomen including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms. 	
17.09	Explain the common pathologies related to the retroperitoneal organs, bowel and peritoneum including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies and corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms.  	
17.10	 Explain screen orientation and its relationship to the upper abdomen and retroperitoneal structures.  	
17.11	Describe and perform procedures of a complete ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen from preparation to reporting. 	
17.12	Describe and perform procedures of a complete ultrasound examination of the bowel, lymph nodes, retroperitoneum, and peritoneal cavity from preparation to reporting. 	
18.0	Apply knowledge of the anatomy and scanning techniques related to superficial structures.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Identify gross superficial structures as demonstrated by ultrasound including but not limited to:  the thyroid, scrotum (testicular), abdominal wall, neck, breast, prostate and musculoskeletal.	
18.02	 Identify superficial structures in two planes. 	
18.03	Explain the physiology of the superficial structures and the related laboratory results. 	
18.04	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for the sonographic examination of superficial structures.	
18.05	Explain the common pathology related to the superficial structures including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies and corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms.  	
18.06	Describe and perform procedures of a complete ultrasound examination of each of the superficial structures from preparation to reporting.	
19.0	 Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and scanning techniques to the urinary system and adrenal glands.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Identify the gross structures of the urinary system as demonstrated by ultrasound including but not limited to the kidney, ureters and urinary bladder. 	
19.02	Identify the gross organs of the urinary system in two planes.	
19.03	Identify the gross adrenals in two planes.	
19.04	Explain the physiology of the urinary system organs and the related laboratory results.	
19.05	Explain the physiology of the adrenals and the related laboratory results.	
19.06	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic examination of the urinary system organs.	
19.07	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic examination of the adrenals.	
19.08	Explain the common pathologies related to the urinary system organs including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms. 	
19.09	Explain the common pathologies related to the adrenals including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms. 	
19.10	Explain screen orientation and its relationship to the urinary system structures and the adrenals.  	
19.11	Describe and perform procedures of a complete ultrasound examination of the urinary system from preparation to reporting.	
20.0	Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and scanning techniques used in Sonography of the female pelvis.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Identify the gross female pelvic structures as demonstrated by ultrasound including but not limited to the female reproductive organs and urinary bladder. 	
20.02	Identify the gross female pelvic organs in two planes. 	
20.03	Explain the physiology of the female pelvic organs and the related laboratory results.	
20.04	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic examination of the female pelvic organs.	
20.05	Explain the common pathologies related to the female pelvis including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms. 	
20.06	Explain screen orientation and its relationship to the female pelvic structures.  	
20.07	Describe and perform procedures of a complete ultrasound examination of the female pelvis from preparation to reporting.	
20.08	Explain the protocol for both transabdominal, translabial, and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound. 	
21.0	 Apply knowledge of anatomy, pathology and scanning techniques related to obstetrics.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Identify gross obstetrical structures as demonstrated by ultrasound including but not limited to the uterus and adnexa in both the pregnant and postpartum state.	
21.02	Discuss anatomy and physiology of the various stages of fetal development as related to ultrasound.	
21.03	Discuss anatomy and physiology of the placenta at all stages of development.	
21.04	Describe the basic stages of embryology and sonographic relationships.	
21.05	Describe events occurring in the first trimester and their relationship to ultrasound.	
21.06	Explain the physiology of organs related to obstetrics.	
21.07	Explain and demonstrate the protocol for sonographic examinations used in obstetrics. 	
21.08	Explain the common pathologies related to obstetrics including the sonographic appearance of these pathologies corresponding lab values, patient history and symptoms. 	
21.09	Explain screen orientation and its relationship to the organs related to obstetrics.	
21.10	Describe and perform methods for determining gestational age and fetal growth by ultrasound using appropriate biometrics. 	
21.11	Explain the effects of specific diseases common to the gestational period.	
21.12	Compare normal and abnormal states of embryology in the human as demonstrated by ultrasound.	
21.13	Perform a biophysical profile to determine fetal well-being.	
21.14	Compare the normal and pathologic appearance of the fetus and the fetal environment.	
21.15	Demonstrate special techniques of ultrasound scanning and collateral processes during pregnancy.	
21.16	Explain the protocol and AIUM guidelines for obstetrical ultrasound. 	
21.17	Explain and demonstrate the special safety precautions required during an obstetrical ultrasound with a focus on AIUM guidelines. 	
21.18	Describe and perform procedures of a complete obstetrical ultrasound examination from preparation to reporting.	
21.19	Describe Doppler applications for evaluation of a pregnancy (i.e., umbilical artery, etc.).	
22.0	Develop a continuous awareness of the disease processes.  The student will be able to:	
22.01	Discuss basic concepts of the causes of disease.	
22.02	Discuss common urogenital pathology.	
22.03	Discuss gastrointestinal diseases.	
22.04	Discuss common pathology found in obstetrics and gynecology.	
22.05	Discuss common pathology found in the cardiovascular system.	
22.06	Discuss common pathology found in hepatobiliary system to include liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and retroperitneum. 	
22.07	Discuss common pathology found in thyroid, scrotum (testicular), neck, breast, MSK, and prostate. 	
22.08	Discuss post-surgical changes and its effects on images. 	
22.09	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of the sonographer in performing interventional/invasive procedures. 	
23.0	Apply accumulated knowledge to the process of creating diagnostic sonograms.  The student will be able to:	
23.01	Complete in all aspects a diagnostic sonogram with emphasis on:  
•	patient identification
•	patient interaction
•	professionalism 
•	creation of an optimized sonogram
•	appropriate image annotation 
•	safety
•	recognition of anatomy, both normal and pathologic.	
23.02	Complete routine documentation associated with a typical ultrasound department.	
23.03	Accurately complete technical report/worksheet. 	
24.0	Apply skills needed to complete diagnostic images of high quality from a variety of scanning units.  The student will be able to:	
24.01	Perform complete and diagnostic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures, retroperitoneal cavity, pelvis and obstetrical patient using real‑time and Doppler techniques using a variety of ultrasound machines. 	
24.02	Present completed examinations in detail with justification of all techniques, methods and procedures used to obtain data.	
24.03	Identify gross pathology of the abdomen, superficial structures, retroperitoneal cavity, pelvis and obstetrical patient, both on sonograms and related imaging modalities.	
24.04	Perform all preliminary procedures leading to actual examination by Sonography and all procedures necessary post examination, to include but not limited to prior exams.	
24.05	Demonstrate skills needed to relate with tact and diplomacy with patients, physicians, nurses, other imaging personnel and the general hospital population.	
24.06	Demonstrate those characteristics that reflect the high degree of professionalism associated with the field of ultrasound.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. The program should meet the requirements of:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) www.caahep.org
361 Park St., Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 210-2350

Written clinical affiliation agreements must be maintained with each health care facility.  Health care facilities must be accredited by The Joint Commission.

Students completing this program may apply to take one or both of the national registry examinations to obtain certification, for further information contact: 

American Registry of Diagnostic, Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) www.ardms.org
51 Monroe St., Plaza East 1, Rockville, Maryland 20850-2400, (301) 738-8401

Or 

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) www.arrt.org
1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120-1155, (612) 687-0048

The Core should be taken first in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the intercurricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.