Sonography - BA, 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 performing 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 take two years of liberal arts and sciences courses prior to starting the sonography program. 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 clinicals in the Twin Cities and out-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 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. Students may apply for the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) during their senior year of high school. Students who apply to St. Catherine on or before February 15 of their senior year will be given priority consideration for early admission. Students who apply on or after February 16 will be considered on a space-available basis.
2. Students who meet the minimum criteria below will be considered. First-year, transfer and second major students will be considered in one pool, and admission is contingent upon the number of positions available.
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses (C or above)1
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.25 or above
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above
- If a prerequisite course grade is C- or lower, this course (or an alternative course approved by the program coordinator) must be repeated no more than once. Students may have only one withdrawal (W) in a prerequisite course.
- Meet physical requirements
- Current certification as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the State of Minnesota
| 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 | Elementary of Vascular Sonography | 4 |
| SON 2310 | Elements of Vascular Sonography Skills Lab | 1 |
| SON 3300 | Clinical Practicum I | 8 |
| SON 3305 | Small Parts | 1 |
| SON 3310 | Small Parts Lab | 1 |
| SON 3400 | Clinical Practicum II | 10 |
| 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 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).