The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program combines didactic and clinical study that enables the graduate to function in the medical community as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The mission of the program is to graduate students with the entry-level employment competence, knowledge, and skills required of a registered diagnostic medical sonographer. Sonographers perform medical imaging using sophisticated ultrasound instrumentation. Coursework in the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program includes effective communication and patient care skills combined with knowledge of physics, human anatomy, physiology, and pathology; all of which are essential skills in obtaining high-quality sonography images. Graduates find employment in hospitals, physician’s offices, mobile services, and private clinics. For more information about careers in diagnostic medical sonography, visit the O*NET database of occupational information at http://www.onetonline.org/link/ summary/29-2032.00.
Classes are admitted annually in January (Spring Semester). The admission deadlines are noted in the Admissions section of this catalog. An Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree is awarded to those students who have successfully completed 67 credit hours of coursework. This includes 17 hours of general education credits and 50 sonography credits. The program is a four- semester program of full-time study.
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes
The program will prepare competent, entry level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Cognitive
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Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
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Demonstrate critical thinking skills during the performance of sonographic procedures to provide optimum images.
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Demonstrate the ability to discern sonographic images as they relate to cross-sectional anatomy.
Psychomotor
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Perform sonographic procedures appropriately and accurately record all anatomic and physiologic information for interpretation by a physician.
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Document and present complete and accurate sonographic findings to the interpreting physician in order to facilitate patient diagnosis.
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Operate the sonography equipment to produce diagnostic images.
Affective
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Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and all members of the healthcare team.
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Provide compassionate patient care and education to promote overall well-being.
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Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards.
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Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Professional Credentials
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) (subject to passing national certification exam). Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations in the areas of:
To obtain the RDMS credential, an individual must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Examination in addition to at least one other specialty exam. For additional information on sonography credentials, please visit the
web site for American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers at www.ardms.org.
The ARDMS may deny an application for certification based on previous criminal or disciplinary matters. If an applicant has questions concerning their eligibility for certification, a Compliance Pre-Application (PDA) is available through the ARDMS. Information obtained from criminal background checks and drug screenings could jeopardize the student’s ability to participate in clinical experiences and would result in the inability of the student to complete the program.
Please visit the following link to learn more about
the PDA: https://www.ardms.org/compliance-predetermination-application/
SCHS is not responsible for gainful employment of its graduates. It is the graduate’s responsibility to seek employment opportunities. Graduation from the SCHS Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program does not guarantee employability.
Admission & Prerequisites
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program provides educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status or condition protected by applicable laws, provided that an individual’s qualifications meet the criteria established for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
To be eligible for admission to the College, the application
and all required material must be received in the Office of Admissions by the deadlines published on the College web site.
Admission Criteria:
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Graduate of an accredited high school or GED (General Equivalency Diploma).
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Completion of one of the following:
A human health career program in one of the following disciplines: Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, Radiologic Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Dental Assistant, and/or Surgical Technology. Proof of completion must be uploaded to the application.
OR
900 direct patient care hours, verified by supervisor using the form found on admissions requirements website. This completed form must be uploaded to the application. Additional health care or with direct patient care or evidence of 900 direct patient care hours will be evaluated on an individual basis.
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Successful completion of the following coursework from an accredited institution with a “C” or better prior to final acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program:
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Algebra or Statistics.
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College Physics or Radiologic Physics.
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Human Anatomy & Physiology.
(completed within 10 years)
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English Composition.
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General or Developmental Psychology.
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Prerequisite coursework above with a combined 2.5 GPA or better.
Attend DMS Information Session.
Candidates meeting minimum application requirements may be invited to an interview with program faculty.
Applicants who are not a U.S. citizen by birth must provide immigration or citizenship documentation. The College does not participate in the SEVIS program.
Admission Process:
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Application Review
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Completed application.
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A non-refundable $75 application fee.
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Official transcripts from high school or GED documentation.
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Official transcripts from all post-secondary education (colleges, universities).
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Documentation of either a human health career program or 900 direct patient care hours, verified by supervisor using the form found on the admissions requirements website.
Transfer of Program Credits
Credits from other Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs may be accepted. The transferability of coursework, degrees and credits earned at SCHS is not guaranteed to outside institutions. It is left to the discretion of the receiving institution. For further information about SCHS programs and course offerings, please contact 804.765.5800.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum Plan
Semester I
| DMS 200 | Introduction to Sonography | 2 |
| DMS 220 | Cross Sectional Anatomy | 2 |
| DMS 260 | Ultrasound Instrumentation I | 3 |
| DMS 273 | Abdominal and Small Parts Imaging | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Semester II
| DMS 250 | Clinical Education I | 4 |
| DMS 261 | Ultrasound Instrumentation II | 3 |
| DMS 271 | OB/GYN Imaging | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Semester III
| DMS 272 | Introduction to Vascular Sonography | 3 |
| DMS 290 | Ultrasound Seminar I | 2 |
| DMS 240 | Advanced Imaging | 3 |
| DMS 253 | Clinical Education II | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Semester IV
| DMS 291 | Ultrasound Seminar II | 2 |
| DMS 254 | Clinical Education III | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Prerequisite Courses
| | Human Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| | College Algebra or Statistics | 3 |
| | English Composition | 3 |
| | College or Radiologic Physics | 4 |
| | General or Developmental Psychology | 3 |
DMS Student Handbook
DMS Student Handbook