Abdomen-Extended, Obstetrics and Gynecology - BS
A degree from St. Kate's will give students the best possible professional preparation for a satisfying, rewarding, and successful career in sonography. St. Kate's specializes in educating healthcare professionals - we've been leading the way since 1905. St. Kate's has an outstanding reputation in the healthcare community as the metro area's leading healthcare educator - and an extensive clinical network where students will gain training in real-world conditions.
Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include assisting with some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly skilled professional using specialized equipment to evaluate and create images of structures within the human body. These images are assessed by a Radiologist (physician) to make a medical diagnosis. Sonographers' work is highly technical and involves a high degree of independence and responsibility, as well as the ability to relate comfortably to patients and to communicate complicated information clearly to physicians.
The sonography program is four years in length. Students following this track will begin as pre-sonography majors in which they will complete two years of liberal arts and science courses. Following completion of prerequisite and core requirements students will apply to the sonography major and upon acceptance will start required sonography courses to be taken remaining two years. St. Catherine University offers a rigorous and comprehensive academic program that can give you credentials and knowledge you can use to work towards becoming a leader in your field.
Clinical experience is a vital part of the program. We offer clinical experiences located both in and outside the Twin City Metro area as well as and out of state locations. These experiences allow students to work alongside experts in the field and practice sonography in a wide range of medical situations.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Sonography and are eligible to take the national registry exams in ultrasound physics, abdominal ultrasound, and obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound.
St Catherine University Sonography Abdomen-Extended, OB/GYN Track is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Hwy. 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Acceptance to Major
Admission to the sonography major is expected to be competitive. Students will be considered for admission in two groups:
1. Select students are admitted to the guaranteed admission program (GAP) each year. Students who apply on or before February 15th of their senior year will be given priority consideration for admission to the GAP program.
2. To be eligible to apply to the sonography major students must meet the following minimum requirements outlined below. First-year, transfer, and second major students will be considered in one pool, and admission is contingent upon the number of positions available.
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or above
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Successful completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of a C or above1
- Only one prerequisite has been retaken, for any reason, within the last 5 years
- No more than one prerequisite earned a grade lower than or a "C" or "W"
- No prerequisite course may be taken "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory."
- Meet the technical standards below
- Completion of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) course (or an alternative patient care course approved by the program director).
1Students are strongly advised to complete college algebra, BIOL 2610 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, and BIOL 2620 Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab no more than five years prior to entering St. Kate's. Prospective students are advised to contact their admissions counselor for more information. Enrolled students are advised to contact the sonography department program director for more information
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Students accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must meet specific technical standards fundamental for successful and competent performance in sonography as determined by the essential functions performed by sonographers in practice.
Entrance and progression in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program require the following physical, mental, and emotional/psychological attributes and communication skills. It should be noted that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, "A qualified person with a disability is one who can perform the essential function of a job with or without reasonable accommodation." Please read the standards carefully and seek clarification if necessary. According to the nature of the work required in Sonography, the student must be able to meet the following standards:
Physical Attributes:
- Must have discriminating visual capabilities for proper evaluation of the patient and ultrasound image consistent with the abilities to assess asymmetry, discreet tissue texture changes, and color distinctions under dimmed lighting.
- Must be able to distinguish audible sounds to hear information crucial for an appropriate response essential for the safe, effective care and treatment of patients.
- Must be free from health or medical disorders that limit the physical ability to perform, completely and efficiently the duties of a sonographer without risk to self or others.
- Must have manual ambidexterity and adeptness to coordinate the hands and eyes for manipulation of sonographic equipment controls, keyboard, and monitor while performing a procedure.
- Must have the physical stamina to complete the required course of didactic and clinical study according to established procedures and standards of speed and accuracy. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
- Must have the strength and mobility required for activities associated with daily practice, emergencies, and with invasive sterile procedures.
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Mental Attributes:
- Must possess the ability to think in the abstract, specifically, to be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures.
- Must possess and utilize the mental ability to apply previously learned knowledge. Application of this knowledge includes the ability to measure, calculate, rationalize, analyze, integrate, and synthesize in a timely fashion according to established procedures and standards of speed and accuracy.
- Must make appropriate judgment decisions in routine and emergencies, and situations not clearly governed by specific guidelines.
- Must be free from health or medical disorders that limit the ability to perform, completely and efficiently, the duties of a sonographer without risk to self or others.
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Emotional/Psychological Attributes:
- Must possess the emotional health and stability required for the full utilization of their intellectual abilities, for the exercise of good judgment, and for the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients without risk to self or others.
- Must be able to tolerate mentally, and emotionally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
- Must be able to display flexibility, versatility, dependability, diplomacy, compassion, integrity, motivation, and interpersonal and professional skills at all times in the clinical and didactic setting.
- Must be free from health or medical disorders that limit the emotional/psychological ability to perform, completely and efficiently, the duties of a sonographer.
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Communication Attributes:
- Must show evidence of effective and appropriate written and verbal English communication skills throughout the program to all persons in both the academic setting and the clinical health care setting. Communication includes speech, reading, writing, and non-verbal behavior and actions.
- Must have the ability to relate information to and receive information from patients in an accurate, empathetic, ethical, and confidential manner.
- Must be able to understand and convey information essential for the safe and effective care of patients in a clear, unambiguous, and rapid fashion in emergencies.
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Professional responsibilities include, but are not limited, to:
- Obtain and record an accurate patient history
- Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain diagnostic images
- Analyze technical information
- Use independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings
- Provide an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
- Provide quality patient care
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
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Sonographers must also be knowledgeable about and limit the risk of possible exposure to blood and body fluids. Many sonographers also assist in electronic and clerical scheduling, record keeping, and computerized image archiving. Sonographers may also have managerial or supervisory responsibilities.
The technical standards as stated here reflect performance abilities that are necessary for a student to successfully complete the requirements of the Medical Sonography curriculum:
- Sitting 2 hours per day or less
- Must have touch sensation
- Stand up to 80% of the day
- Must have manual dexterity
- Walk 4-6 hours per day
- Must be able to grasp
- Routinely reach
- Must be able to push a patient and machine
- Must be able to routinely bend
- Must be able to routinely stoop
- Must have a visual and hearing ability
- Must be able to crouch and kneel
- Must be able to speak clearly
- Must have the ability to work long hours
- Must be able to assist patients on/off an examining table
- Must have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders
- Must be able to routinely lift more than 50 pounds
- Must be able to transfer patients to and from a wheelchair, stretcher, or bed
- Must be able to move/transfer and skillfully position patients weighing up to 400 pounds
- Must have the ability to push, pull, and manipulate a mobile ultrasound machine for bedside examinations
- Must be able to adequately view ultrasounds, including color distinction
- 1
Students are strongly advised to complete college algebra, BIOL 2610 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab and BIOL 2620 Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab no more than five years prior to entering St. Kate's. Prospective students are advised to contact their admissions counselor for more information. Enrolled students are advised to contact the sonography program director for more information
This major is offered in the College for Women only.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses 1 | ||
| SON 1605 | Abdomen I | 4 |
| SON 1615 | Abdominal I Lab | 1 |
| SON 1705 | Reproductive Systems in Sonography | 4 |
| SON 1715 | Reproductive Systems Skills Lab | 1 |
| SON 1805 | Abdomen II | 4 |
| SON 1815 | Abdominal II Lab | 1 |
| SON 2015 | Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation | 4 |
| SON 2205 | Obstetrical-Neonatal Sonography | 4 |
| SON 2210 | Obstetrical/Neonatal Skills Lab | 1 |
| SON 2305 | Elements of Vascular Sonography | 4 |
| SON 2310 | Elements of Vascular Sonography Skills Lab | 1 |
| SON 3305 | Small Parts | 1 |
| SON 3306 | Clinical Practicum I | 6 |
| SON 3310 | Small Parts Lab | 1 |
| SON 3406 | Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| SON 3416 | Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| SON 4010 | Capstone Project | 1 |
| Total Credits | 50 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite courses 1 | ||
| BIOL 2610 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab 2 | 4 |
| BIOL 2620 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab 2 | 4 |
| IPE 1030 | Healthcare Teams Foundations and Medical Terminology | 2 |
| IPE 1040 | Healthcare Teams and Quality Outcomes | 2 |
| PHYS 1050 | Conceptual Physics (OR PHYS 1080 and PHYS 1090, OR PHYS 1110 and PHYS 1120) | 4 |
| SON 1500 | Communication for the Sonography Professional | 2 |
| College level algebra/statistics or higher 2 | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required supporting courses 1 | ||
| COMM 1030 | Speaking to Lead and Influence | 4 |
| IPE 4200W | Healthcare Teams - Evidence-Based Practice | 4 |
| MGMT 3460 | Managing Within a Diverse Workforce | 4 |
| PHIL 3400 | Biomedical Ethics | 4 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
Minimum grade of C required
- 2
Students are strongly advised to complete college algebra, BIOL 2610 and BIOL 2620 no more than five years prior to entering St. Kate's.
Sonography majors satisfy the Writing Requirement for Majors by completing IPE 4200W Research Methods. They complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Writing Requirement with three other writing-intensive courses (CORE 1000W The Reflective Woman or CORE 2000W The Reflective Woman, CORE 3990W Global Search for Justice, and another writing-intensive course in another department).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Fall Term | ||
| Select one from: | 4 | |
| Statistical Analysis for the Social Sciences | ||
| Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Statistical Methods in Psychology | ||
| Statistical Analysis | ||
| First Year Spring Term | ||
| COMM 1030 | Speaking to Lead and Influence | 4 |
| IPE 1030 | Healthcare Teams Foundations and Medical Terminology | 2 |
| IPE 1040 | Healthcare Teams and Quality Outcomes | 2 |
| PHYS 1050 | Conceptual Physics | 4 |
| Second Year Fall Term | ||
| BIOL 2610 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | 4 |
| MGMT 3460 | Managing Within a Diverse Workforce | 4 |
| SON 1500 | Communication for the Sonography Professional | 2 |
| Second Year Spring Term | ||
| BIOL 2620 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | 4 |
| IPE 4200W | Healthcare Teams - Evidence-Based Practice | 4 |
| Third Year Fall Term | ||
| SON 1605 | Abdomen I | 4 |
| SON 1615 | Abdominal I Lab | 1 |
| SON 1705 | Reproductive Systems in Sonography | 4 |
| SON 1715 | Reproductive Systems Skills Lab | 1 |
| SON 2015 | Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation | 4 |
| Third Year Spring Term | ||
| SON 1805 | Abdomen II | 4 |
| SON 1815 | Abdominal II Lab | 1 |
| SON 2205 | Obstetrical-Neonatal Sonography | 4 |
| SON 2210 | Obstetrical/Neonatal Skills Lab | 1 |
| SON 2305 | Elements of Vascular Sonography | 4 |
| SON 2310 | Elements of Vascular Sonography Skills Lab | 1 |
| Fourth Year Fall Term | ||
| SON 3305 | Small Parts | 1 |
| SON 3306 | Clinical Practicum I | 6 |
| SON 3310 | Small Parts Lab | 1 |
| Fourth Year Spring Term | ||
| PHIL 3400 | Biomedical Ethics (online or evening) | 4 |
| SON 3406 | Clinical Practicum II | 6 |
| SON 3416 | Clinical Practicum III | 6 |
| SON 4010 | Capstone Project | 1 |
| Total Credits | 88 | |