Essential Functions: Students
must be able to demonstrate a willingness and ability to provide equal
non-discriminatory treatment for all patients regardless of gender,
color, race, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. In
the classroom, students must also provide equal non-discriminatory practice of
patient assessment skills upon the request of the instructor.
Program Technical Standards: Technical standards are a group of minimum expectations that incorporate
observation, communication, and cognitive, behavioral, and motor skills, as
recommended by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. These expectations
are set forth so that the Sonography student can perform the common duties required of
a Sonographer in a professional setting. Students must verify that they
meet the technical standards described below at the time of application into
the program. In addition, students accepted to the Sonography Program must
notify the Sonography Program Director immediately if there is a change in their
ability to meet any required technical standard. The Sonography Program Director may
require a student to submit a board-certified physician’s verification of the
student’s ability to meet technical standards if a student has recurring or
extended absences or multiple late arrivals or early departures from any in-person
or online classes, clinical days, CSL, or Sonography events due to health concerns.
OBSERVATION
· Distinguish multiple shades of gray to differentiate types of tissue and
normal tissue from abnormal pathologies.
· Detect different colors to distinguish tissue, organ boundaries, and
Doppler flow patterns.
· Observe sonographers demonstrating scanning skills, patient
manipulations, and delivering effective patient care.
· Observe patients for signs of distress and/or to detect needs for
assistance both near and far in an environment with limited lighting.
· Have the visual ability to read electronic and paper charts, evaluate
images, and observe the condition of the patient.
· Adequately view sonograms and be able to perceive small details as well
as to discriminate subtle differences in tissue, sounds, and/or blood flow dynamics.
COMMUNICATION
· Communicate in English (verbally and in writing) to patients, caregivers,
and healthcare workers.
· Hear and communicate instructions and explanations to patients and/or
caregivers clearly and compassionately and be able to perceive nonverbal
communication.
· Recognize, respond, and communicate properly when faced with an urgent
situation or emergency.
· Read and analyze a patient chart and exam requisition(s) for pertinent
information.
COGNITIVE ABILITIES
· Implement critical thinking skills in clinical and lab settings.
· Demonstrate problem-solving skills by recognizing problems, instituting
solutions, and assessing outcomes.
· Integrate, analyze, and compare information based on ultrasound
images.
· Comprehend multidimensional and spatial relationships of anatomy.
· Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis when problem-solving.
BEHAVIOR
· Be organized and perform protocols in a specific sequence.
· Learn by a variety of methods including classroom, lab, groups,
individual, and computer activities.
· Display professional behaviors in all interactions with patients,
caregivers, students, healthcare workers, and instructors in clinical, lab, and
college settings.
· Adapt to changing environments.
· Accept constructive feedback from others and implement changes learned
from feedback.
· Understand the implication of noncompliance with the legal
standards.
· Maintain good judgment to complete responsibilities as required.
MOTOR SKILLS
· Be able to bend or stoop for equipment manipulation repetitively.
· Be able to lift 50 lbs. routinely.
· Stand for long periods, up to 80%.
· Push or pull large pieces of equipment up to 500 lbs.
· Have full use of hands, wrists, and shoulders for scanning and equipment
manipulation.
· Manipulate equipment controls in various increments to create diagnostic
images.
· Bend at the waist.
· Reach equipment keyboard, controls, and screen.
· Maintain arm and hand positions for extended periods for various scanning
protocols.
· Have good hand and eye coordination for accurate examination of organs
and document images.