In the Spotlight: Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Cardiac Sonography

Welcome to Viking News’ In the Spotlight, a Q&A series highlighting how Del Mar College departments, programs, and offices are using technology and innovation to enhance services, strengthen partnerships, and improve student success.

Each post “spotlights” a different author sharing – in their own words – how these advancements shape their work and benefit our Viking community.  

PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVERS:

• Amy Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Cardiac Sonography and Program Director
• Veronica Pena, Associate Professor of Diagnostic MedicalSonography and Clinical Coordinator
• Christin Vega, Professor of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Program Director

Department of Dental & Imaging Technology

Q: How are advancements in technology and platforms changing how your area delivers services or instruction?

Advancements in technology have transformed how we teach Sonography at Del Mar College. Our students train on six state-of-the-art Philips ultrasound machines that mirror the systems used in local hospitals and clinics. From day one, they perform live scans on prospective student volunteers and on each other, gaining hands-on experience with anatomy, image acquisition and patient interaction. This practical approach bridges classroom learning with real-world practice, building confidence and helping students refine their skills alongside their clinical rotations.


Q: What is the most impactful innovation you’ve implemented, and what problem did it solve?

Our biggest game-changers have been adding SonoSim ultrasound simulation software, Cardiac and OB/Gyn mannequins and a scan trainer to our curriculum. These tools give students realistic scanning practice without relying solely on live patients or lab time. Students can use them anywhere, including at home, to work through real pathology cases they might not encounter in class or clinical rotations. The instant feedback helps students build confidence, refine their skills and connect classroom learning to real-world clinical situations.


Q: How has this innovation improved student success?

Technology strengthens our partnerships with local hospitals and imaging centers while giving students hands-on, real-time lab-based scanning experience with volunteers and peers, along with at-home simulation practice. This approach not only keeps our curriculum aligned with industry standards but also helps students learn to become integral members of the teams they are training with and will likely work alongside after graduation. In our community, most practicing sonographers are graduates of Del Mar College’s program, and all faculty and adjunct instructors are alumni, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact, effectiveness and commitment to serving the region’s healthcare workforce. We’re ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with the skills and experience needed to meet the growing demand for diagnostic imaging professionals.


Q: How has technology helped you build or strengthen partnerships with employers, schools, or other organizations, and how do these connections support the region’s workforce and economic growth?

Technology plays a key role in strengthening our partnerships with local hospitals and imaging centers, allowing program faculty to collaborate more effectively and stay closely connected to the healthcare community. At the same time, Technology gives our students both hands-on lab experience and at-home simulation practice, providing flexible, real-world learning opportunities. This integration ensures our curriculum stays aligned with evolving industry standards and prepares graduates to enter the workforce confidently, fully equipped with the skills needed to meet the region’s growing demand for highly trained diagnostic imaging professionals.


Q: Looking ahead, what advancements do you foresee impacting your area, and what new skills will DMC graduates need?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are rapidly becoming integral to everyday diagnostic imaging, transforming how sonographers capture, analyze and interpret data. Advanced tools that assist with image analysis and automate measurements promise to enhance both accuracy and efficiency, allowing clinicians to focus on higher-level decision-making. To thrive in this evolving landscape, DMC graduates will need strong critical thinking skills to interpret AI-generated results, maintain their clinical judgment and seamlessly adapt to emerging technologies—all while continuing to provide the compassionate, patient-centered care that lies at the heart of the profession.


Q: If talking to a prospective student, what are the top benefits or opportunities you’d highlight about your program?

One of the unique opportunities the college Sonography program provides students is gaining hands-on experience scanning live volunteers, many of whom are prospective students earning extra points toward program admission. These volunteer exams give our students a safe, supportive environment to practice, refine and perfect their scanning skills while building confidence and professionalism. It’s a win-win: Students get invaluable real-world experience, and volunteers receive personalized attention and insight into the program. Adding to this experience, all our faculty are program alumni, which brings an emotional personal touch that strengthens connections, mentorship and the overall learning environment.

Additional information

Location: Health Sciences Complex, Windward Campus, 4101 Old Brownsville Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78405

Web links:  
Cardiac Sonography: www.delmar.edu/degrees/cardiac-sonography/index.html 
Diagnostic Medical Sonography: www.delmar.edu/degrees/diagnostic-medical-sonography/index.html 

Dental & Imagining Technology Phone Number: 361-698-2858
Email: dit@delmar.edu