Physical Activity Standards
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers must be able to perform a variety of physical movements in order to care for and manipulate patients and heavy equipment. Any student admitted to the program must acknowledge his/her ability to carry out the following technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Push, pull or lift 50 pounds routinely and more than 50 pounds occasionally
- Bend, stoop, kneel, squat or sit and reach routinely
- Adequately control imaging transducer and manipulate equipment weighing up to 500 pounds on wheels
- Adequately visualize and perceive image data on computer and video monitors to acquire and interpret sonographic image data with color distinction
- Sufficiently distinguish fine audible differences including Doppler signals, patient and co-worker communication and patient conditions such as respiration or movements
- Fluently demonstrate English language skills to provide optimum communication with patient and healthcare team members (Please see Language Policy)
- Follow verbal and written instructions to provide optimum care for patients
Intellectual and Emotional Standards
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers must also possess intellectual and emotional qualities that permit adequate care for patients and response to unexpected or emergent situations. Any student admitted into the program must acknowledge his/her ability to demonstrate the following qualities with or without reasonable accommodations:
- Problem-solve and interpret data in both routine and emergent situations
- Empathy
- Emotional stability and maturity
- Courtesy and compassion to patients and their families, as well as co-workers
- Adaptability and flexibility to clinical or didactic schedule changes
- Follow protocols and organize sonographic examination data accurately to facilitate patient diagnosis
- Maintain patient confidentiality
Immunizations and Health Records
Any student admitted into the Program must provide written documentation to satisfy the following immunizations:
https://www.vumc.org/health-wellness/vumc-compliance-requirements