DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER
Monica Chap, RDMS
Student Employment ePortfolio
PROGRAM ARTIFACTS
Students graduating from the Medical Sonography program are expected to meet "program outcomes" prior to graduation. These outcomes describe the knowledge and skills that are necessary to become a skilled and successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. During our time in the program, my peers and I participated in countless interative and educational assignments and assessments that allowed us to recognize our progress through the program. As I reflect on the past two years, I am proud of the progress I have made and am thankful for my instructors for helping me become the sonographer I am today. Below are artifacts of work that I have completed throughout this program that demonstrate that I have met each one of these program outcomes. I feel that each of these artifacts has allowed me to stitch many more "patches of experience" into my quilt.
Program Outcome 1.1
1.1 Upon graduation the learner will be able to accurately create diagnostic ultrasound images using a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Achievement will be evident on clinical scan competencies, course rubrics and other types of course assessments; also satisfaction will be evident on JRCDMS post-graduation Employer and Graduate surveys.
For program outcome 1.1, my first goal was to gain a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human abdomen. My second goal was to be able to produce three-dimensional models of abdominal organs. At the time, my understanding of the abdominal anatomy was not as strong as I would have liked, even though I had learned a lot from BIO 163.
I completed this project during my Introduction to Sonography SON 110 course before being accepted into the Medical Sonography program. My assignment required me to create 3D models of abdominal anatomy and to accurately display them as they lie in the human body. I found this project to be overwhelming and I met many obstacles along the way. However, I managed to complete it successfully with clay and displayed each step in a word document. Once I was finally done, I was very proud of my work and felt that it helped me to meet the goals I set for myself. I believe that this assignment set the foundation for my understanding of abdominal anatomy and taught me more than I could have learned from looking at two-dimensional images in a textbook.
Having a strong understanding of human anatomy is crucial in order for a sonographer to be successful. Human organs are not two-dimensional, therefore, sonographers must understand how to view organs from multiple planes and windows. A strong understanding is necessary to create optimal sonographic images, to assist in the diagnosis of patients, and to pass competencies necessary to become a Diagnostic medical sonographer.
Program Outcome 1.3
1.3 Upon graduation the learner will be able to critically think through and analyze normal anatomy and/or abnormal disease processes as related to sonography. Achievement will be evident on clinical scan competencies, course rubrics, physician scan tests and other types of course assessments; also satisfaction will be evident on JRCDMS post-graduation Employer and Graduate surveys.
For program outcome 1.3, my first goal was to be able to identify normal anatomy so that I can identify when something is abnormal. My second goal was to be able to show my competence of anatomy through an academic assessment. Throughout my time in the program, I have participated in many assignments and assessments that have helped me learn, practice, and identify my strengths and weaknesses. The scan tests I had to complete in SON 110, SON 130, SON 131, and SON 221 really helped to prepare me for this outcome. For this artifact, I chose to display an assessment from Dr. Stanczak, a radiologist at Novant Main.
For this assessment, I scanned the abdomen of a patient that had a dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm during my clinical time at Novant Main. After scanning the patient, I presented the case to Dr. Stanczak. We discussed the patient’s history and the findings and he complimented me on being confident and knowledgeable. I believe that my understanding of normal and abnormal anatomy and pathology has helped me to be successful with this assessment. I believe this assessment demonstrates that I met the goals that I created for myself.
Being able to identify normal and abnormal anatomy is very important for any sonographer. In addition, sonographers must have a strong understanding in order to be confident when speaking with radiologists and physicians. Radiologists need to trust that sonographers are competent and have a great understanding of what they are scanning and what they are looking for. I feel that this assessment has helped to prepare me for becoming a successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Program Outcome 1.2
1.2 Upon graduation the learner will be able to possess an understanding of physical principles as related to sound interactions with tissue and utilize instrumentation accordingly to provide optimal diagnostic outcomes. Achievement will be evident on clinical scan competencies, course rubrics and other types of course assessments; also satisfaction will be evident on JRCDMS post-graduation Employer and Graduate surveys.
For program outcome 1.2, my first goal was to gain a strong understanding of sonographic physics. My second goal was to demonstrate my understanding of sonographic physics by passing the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam. In order to meet my goals, I spent almost all of my time during the summer of 2015 learning and studying the material for the exam. My two semesters of SON 111AB and SON 111BB helped me tremendously, and I also had to take practice tests during these courses to prepare for the exam.
For this artifact, I chose to showcase the results of my SPI examination. I passed on my first attempt! It was one of the most nerve-racking and exciting moments of my life. I felt like physics was very challenging for me so this was a very fulfilling moment. I believe that the results of the exam represent how hard I studied for the exam and prove that I met my goals for this outcome.
On my journey to becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, I realize how crucial this step was for me as well as my peers. Passing this exam demonstrates our competence and allows us to graduate and sit for our registries. Our registries are vital for becoming an official sonographer!
Program Outcome 1.4
1.4 Upon graduation students will possess the knowledge and demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully gain employment, become a credentialed Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and function as a valuable part of a healthcare diagnostic team. This goal is met as stated in the JRCDMS Standard: “To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
For program outcome 1.4, my first goal was to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge to become a successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. My second goal was to demonstrate that I possess the technical skills to become a successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The scan tests and other assessments I have completed in SON 110, SON 130, SON 131, and SON 221 have helped me gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become a successful sonographer.
For this artifact, I chose to showcase the rubrics and evaluations of a scan test assessment I completed in the Spring of 2015 in my SON 121 Sonography Clinical Education II course. I practiced and studied for months in preparation for this exam. I had to scan an unknown patient and answer questions about anatomy and pathology at the same time while being watched and graded by my instructors. In addition to this, my name was drawn first so I was the very first student of the day to complete this assessment. It was a very nerve-racking experience, but somehow, I managed to maintain my exposure and I was very proud of my performance. I feel that these rubrics show that I have met the goals I set for myself and that I am on my way to becoming a successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Assessments like this are very important for sonographers, even after they become registered and begin working. Many sonographers are required to scan in front radiologists while answering questions, or they may have to present many or all of their cases to radiologists. Patients, radiologists, and physicians need to have trust and confidence that sonographers can multitask and are knowledgeable in order to properly care for patients.