Sonography, B.S.

The St. Mary's/Marshall University Sonography Degree program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of diagnostic medical sonography. This program provides a strong foundation in both Adult Echocardiography and General Sonography, preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.

Key Areas of Emphasis:

Adult Echocardiography: The Adult Echocardiography track focuses on using ultrasound technology to assess the structure and function of the heart and vascular system. Students learn to perform and interpret various echocardiogram procedures, including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms. Through practical experience and coursework, students gain expertise in:
- Cardiac and vascular anatomy and physiology
- Doppler ultrasound techniques to assess blood flow
- Identifying pathologies such as vascular disease, valvular disease, coronary artery disease, and heart failure
- Advanced imaging techniques for the evaluation of cardiac function
General Sonography: The General Sonography portion of the program covers a broad spectrum of diagnostic imaging techniques, focusing on imaging the abdominal organs, pelvic structures, and other soft tissues. Students are trained to perform ultrasounds of:
- The abdomen (liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder)
- The pelvic region (bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate)
- Obstetrical sonography, including fetal imaging in pregnancy Through clinical training, students gain hands-on experience in performing diagnostic exams and learn to interpret ultrasound images to assist in patient diagnosis.
- Visceral and vascular anatomy and pathology

Program Structure:

The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice, ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise. Key components of the program include:

Coursework: Focuses on the fundamentals of human anatomy, medical imaging physics, ultrasound principles, patient care, and specialized techniques in vascular sonography, echocardiography, and general sonography.
Clinical Rotations: Students gain practical experience in accredited healthcare facilities, working directly with patients and under the supervision of registered sonographers. These rotations are critical for mastering the skills required for real-world diagnostic imaging.
Certification Preparation: The program is designed to prepare students for certification exams, such as those offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), enabling graduates to become registered sonographers in adult echocardiography, vascular sonography, abdominal sonography, and OB/GYN sonography.

Four-Year Sonography Program Admission Requirements

Year One: Applicants must demonstrate unconditional admission into Marshall University. Year One coursework will occur at Marshall University. Upon completion of the Year One curriculum, students can make separate application to B.S. in Sonography.

Admission to the Sonography is limited to 6-8 students. Applicants are ranked by points using the following criteria:

ACT score: 21 (additional points are given for ACT scores of 19 or better in math and science)
GPA: 3.00 minimum
Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses.

Also, it is required for admission to the BS in Sonography to complete a negative drug screen and background check. Drug screen and background checks will be conducted at the applicant’s expense.

Year Two, Second Semester: After being admitted to the B.S. in Sonography they will select one of the Areas of Emphasis:

General Sonography
Adult Echocardiography.

Year Four: Progression through to is dependent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.00 in Sonography and related courses required for the major 3.00 and grade of C or better in all Sonography coursework.

Course Requirements

Bison image - General Education Course

Cap graduation image - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

The Core Curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills and introduce students to basic domains of thinking that transcend disciplines. The Core applies to all majors. Information on specific classes in the Core can be found at https://www.marshall.edu/gened/.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Curriculum
Core 1: Critical Thinking
FYS 100	First Yr Sem Critical Thinking	3
MTH 121	Concepts and Applications (CT)	3
CLS 105	Medical-Lab Terminology (CT)	3
Core 2
ENG 101	Beginning Composition	3
ENG 201	Advanced Composition	3
CMM 103	Fund Speech-Communication	3
MTH 121	Concepts and Applications (CT)	3
BSC 228	Human Physiology	3
BSC 228L	Human Physiology Lab	1
Core II Humanities		3
Core II Social Science		3
Core II Fine Arts		3
Additional University Requirements
Writing Intensive		3
MI 403	Adv Practice Medical Img (recommended)
Writing Intensive		3
MI 411	Transcultural Healthcare (recommended)
Multicultural or International		3
MI 411	Transcultural Healthcare (recommended)
Capstone (see advanced modality track)		3
Major-Specific
BSC 227	Human Anatomy	3
BSC 227L	Human Anatomy Lab	1
BSC 228	Human Physiology	3
BSC 228L	Human Physiology Lab	1
PHY 101	Conceptual Physics	3
PHY 101L	Conceptual Physics Lab	1
CLS 105	Medical-Lab Terminology (CT)	3
MI 202	Patient Care Img Science	3
MI 204	Radiographic Anatomy	3
MI 208	Pharmacology for Imaging Sci	2
MI 211	Seminar Imaging Science	1
MI 212	Seminar Imaging Sciences II	1
MI 304	Radiographic Pathology	3
SONO 214	Intro to Sonography	3
SONO 212	Abdominal Sonography I	4
SONO 213	Ultrasound Physics I	3
SONO 216	Abdominal Sonography II	3
SONO 217	Ultrasound Physics II	3
SONO 210	Clinical Practice I	4
SONO 220	Clinical Practice II	4
SONO 310	Clinical Practice III	4

Areas of Emphasis-Specific

In Year 3, students choose one of two areas of emphasis:

General Sonography (12 hours)
Adult Echocardiography (11 hours)

Semester Plan

St. Mary’s School of Sonography is a hospital-based program, partnered with Marshall University to offer a Bachelor of Science in Sonography. The program curriculum is designed to prepare students to practice sonography and introduce students to related specialized imaging modalities. The program can be completed in four years. Credentialed Sonographers may enter the professional portion of the program (fourth year) and also obtain the degree.