Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Applied Science
Program Description
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a technical science that deals with the use of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes in medicine. Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technologists, use high-frequency sound waves to image structures within the body.
The sonographer is responsible for the production of diagnostic images and is a technical assistant to the physician radiologist. Additional information on the profession can be found at https://www.sdms.org/resources/careers.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to meet the needs of the area by providing a pool of qualified graduates for entry-level positions in sonography.
Entrance Requirements
High school diploma or GED
See “Program Requirements” Section for additional requirements.
Type of Program
This program is designed as a One-Plus-One program. Phase I includes all of the general education and related course work. Upon successful completion of all Phase I courses, qualified students may apply to Phase II, which includes all Diagnostic Medical Sonography course work.
- Phase I: Day, evening or weekend
Location
Didactic courses are taught on the Barton Campus with clinical training at various clinical affiliates located throughout the Upstate of South Carolina.
- Clinical assignments are required in Phase II. Students will be responsible for transportation to their clinical sites.
Employment Opportunities
Hospitals, clinics, physician offices and outpatient imaging centers.
Professional Credentials
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (subject to passing national certification exam)
- Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the national certification examination through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the areas of Physics & Instrumentation, OB/GYN and Abdomen. To obtain the RDMS credential, an individual must pass the Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation examination in addition to at least one other exam component.
Program Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355-113th Street, N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
https://www.caahep.org/
Joint Review Committee on Educational in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS)
6021 University Boulevard
Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Email address: jrcdms@intersocietal.org
(443) 973-3251
https://www.jrcdms.org/
Visit our web page at https://www.gvltec.edu/sonography/.
Phase I admission requirements
- All individuals seeking to enter the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must meet the requirements outlined in the School of Health Sciences admission requirements as stated in the college catalog (excluding physical exam).
- High school level biology and physics are strongly encouraged. Keyboarding skills are also recommended.
- Complete a Career Talk session (online) for this major within two years prior to consideration for acceptance into Phase II (required).
- BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I* and BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II* must be completed no more than five (5) years prior to beginning Phase II. Students who exceed the five-year limit must take BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II* as a refresher.
- Physics must be completed no more than 5 years prior to beginning Phase II. The course/refresher for Physics is PHY 201 Physics I* or RAD 107 Physics for Medical Imaging or PHS 111* Conceptual Physics.
- Must obtain a minimum grade of “C” or higher with a minimum technical GPA of 2.50. Technical GPA is computed using the 10 general education courses that comprise Phase I.
Application process for Phase II
- Students who anticipate completing all Phase I courses with the appropriate grades and technical GPA are eligible to submit a Weighted Admissions Form for entry into Phase II.
- Weighted Admission Forms should be submitted between January 1 and May 1. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Students are selected based upon a weighted admissions process. If students are equal in points, selection is based upon the student’s technical GPA. Should there be a tie in points and GPA, the time stamp on the Weighted Admissions will be used.
- Students who complete all general education courses with the appropriate grade by the end of the spring term will be considered first. Students who complete the general education courses during the summer will be seated only if space is available.
- A maximum of 16 students will be accepted.
- A negative 10-panel drug screen and an acceptable criminal background check are required for all students accepted into Phase II.
- Students must be able to attend all clinical experiences.
- Documentation of CPR for the Healthcare Provider certification, through the American Heart Association, must be maintained throughout Phase II.
- Complete assigned pre-clinical education training requirements prior to the start of clinical experiences and annually thereafter.
- Have an acceptable background for seven years prior to entering Phase II. Students may be subject to submit more than one background screen during the program. Some convictions greater than seven years old may prevent entry into and through the program.
Listed below is the ideal grouping of courses in order by semester. This plan assumes a full-time schedule. Note, however, that many variables can affect this plan, and not every course is offered every semester. Please see your advisor to map out your own personalized progression toward graduation.
Note: Please contact your advisor for recommended evening schedules.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I | ||
| First Semester | ||
| ENG 101 | English Composition I 1 | 3 |
| AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIO 210 | Anatomy & Physiology I 1,2 | 4 |
| MAT 110 | College Algebra 1,3 | 3 |
| or MAT 109 | College Algebra With Modeling | |
| PSY 201 | General Psychology 1 | 3 |
| SPC 205 | Public Speaking 1,4 | 3 |
| Third Semester | ||
| BIO 211 | Anatomy & Physiology II 1,2 | 4 |
| CPT 170 | Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| College transferable Humanities 1 | 3-4 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Physics for Medical Imaging | ||
| Conceptual Physics I | ||
| Physics I 1 | ||
| Phase II | ||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| DMS 101 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I | 2 |
| DMS 104 | Patient Care for Sonography | 2 |
| DMS 105 | Sonographic Anatomy of the Abdomen | 4 |
| DMS 117 | Gynecology | 2 |
| DMS 164 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 2 |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| DMS 102 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II | 3 |
| DMS 116 | Abdominal Ultrasound | 4 |
| DMS 119 | Embryology & First Trimester Ultrasound | 2 |
| DMS 165 | Clinical Education II | 8 |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| DMS 166 | Advanced Clinical Education | 7 |
| DMS 130 | Selected Topics in Sonography | 2 |
| Seventh Semester | ||
| DMS 200 | Seminars in Sonography | 2 |
| DMS 124 | OB/GYN Sonography II | 2 |
| DMS 167 | Imaging Practicum | 8 |
| Total Required Credit Hours | 82-84 | |
- 1
General education course — complete these courses (or equivalent) as prerequisite requirements with a grade of “C” or higher.
- 2
Anatomy and Physiology courses must be either BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I/BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II or the BIO 215 Anatomy/BIO 216 Physiology combination. BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II must be completed no more than five (5) years prior to beginning Phase II.
- 3
MAT 120 Probability and Statistics will not be accepted in lieu of MAT 110 College Algebra.
- 4
May substitute SPC 209 Interpersonal Communication