Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of internal organs, tissue, and blood flow.
Sonographers assist physicians with making a medical diagnosis by providing technical images and findings. Elmhurst University has an affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) where after enrolling at Elmhurst, students can apply to NMH to gain additional education and valuable hands-on experience in this exciting medical field.
If accepted to this track by NMH, students will major in health science technology at Elmhurst University and spend three years on campus and the final phase of their academic and clinical training at NMH.
Diagnostic medical sonographers work with physicians and patients to create high-quality diagnostic images. Here are just some of the things you’ll do as an DMS:
- Obtain and record an accurate patient history
- Perform diagnostic procedures and obtain appropriate sonographic images
- Analyze technical information
- Use independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings
- Provide oral or written summary of technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis
- Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team
Students applying for the affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital must major in health science technology. Students applying after graduation can major in anything they like as long as they complete the prerequisite courses for the program or track.
If accepted, students will complete three years of courses on site at Elmhurst University, and then spend the final phase of clinical/academic education (18 months) on site at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Upon successful completion of the DMS courses and training, students will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take national certifying examinations through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree.
Transfer students are eligible to apply for this affiliation. Their timeline may vary from the traditional one. Transfer students are required to attend Elmhurst full-time for 1.5 years (3 fall/spring semesters) prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted by them. Most transfer students will attend Elmhurst for 2 years full-time prior to beginning at the hospital if accepted.
Students who are accepted to this track will pay Elmhurst tuition for courses at Elmhurst and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in addition to any college or NMH fees. NMH is located at 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Suite 950 in Chicago, Illinois 60611. Below are required courses for students applying for the affiliation as a health science technology major, but students should speak with an advisor for further details.
Required Courses
- BIO 200, 201, 207, 208, 315
- CHM 211, 212, 311, 312
- ENG 105, 106
- MTH 132, 345
- PHY 111, 112
- HST 400, 498
- CS 111 or CS 220
- COM 213
- Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum
You will meet with the health professions advisor to discuss your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance.
When you successfully complete your academic and clinical courses, you’ll be eligible to take national certifying examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
You can start by visiting the website for the DMS program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For more help, contact Elmhurst’s health professions advising team.
Any student interested in applying is responsible for learning about all the requirements for the program. Admission to Elmhurst University does not guarantee acceptance into any affiliate program or track.