The mission of the DMS Program at MCG is to provide educational opportunities to individuals in a didactic and clinical environment that are consistent with the MCG mission and policies of the University System of Georgia. These opportunities will enable them to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to graduate and become successful in the field of sonography, thereby developing and promoting excellence in the profession of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The philosophy of the DMS program centers around the belief that through critical thinking and the application of problem-solving skills students prepared with the correct technical knowledge and psychomotor skills will be best prepared to enter the profession of sonography and continue with life-long learning. The philosophy of the DMS program concerns the accrual of knowledge and development of skills in five major areas: Anatomy and Pathophysiology, Ultrasound Physics, Management, Research, and Teaching.

The goal of the DMS Program to provide educational experiences that produce competent, entry-level, professional diagnostic medical sonographers capable of addressing the needs of the changing health care environment by the application of critical-thinking, technical knowledge, and clinical skills. Meeting this goal will allow graduates to acquire didactic knowledge and develop clinical skills needed to give patients optimal care and physicians accurate sonographic information.

Student-student and student-faculty interactions aid both in molding leadership qualities and in promoting the ability to work cooperatively while retaining individuality. Each professional must be able to work in a cooperative setting with other health professionals in a united effort to provide quality total patient care. Support and participation is expected in professional and civic organizations as well as in issues affecting health services to the public.

The program began in 1980 when the program enrolled its first class. Since then the program has maintained its accreditation status by upholding the rigorous educational standards of the profession. Many technical standards are required for our graduates to be successful in the diagnostic medical sonography curriculum. Pass rates on national registry examinations continue to be outstanding as the program graduates professionals who are prepared for the role of diagnostic medical sonographer.  (top)