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. 

I indicate the following: 

• I have read and understand the above Sonography program policies for Essential Functions and Program Technical Standards. 
• I understand that if I am accepted to the Sonography program, I must 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. 
• I understand that if I am accepted to the Sonography program, I must provide equal non-discriminatory practice of patient assessment skills when attending program classes and labs upon the request of the instructor.
• I verify that I meet or exceed the Sonography Program's minimal Technical Standards for observation, communication, cognitive abilities, behavior, and motor skills, as recommended by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  
• I verify that I can perform the common duties required of a Sonographer in a professional setting as well as on campus during program courses and activities.   
• I understand that if I am accepted to the program, I must inform the Program Director immediately if there is any change in my ability to meet any required program Essential Function or Technical Standard.