Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate of Applied Science Degree

Overview

Offered at the Piedmont Summerville Site.

Admission: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a competitive program. Students who meet the College admission criteria are eligible to enroll at the College to take prerequisite courses for this program. Prerequisite courses (ENGL 1101, Humanities/Fine Arts Area IV, PSYC 1101, MATH 1111, MATH 1127, PHYS 1110, PHYS 1110L, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, and BIOL 2114L) must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale by the designated deadlines to be evaluated for program admission. Students are REQUIRED to attend an informational session during the ranking cycle prior to consideration for acceptance into competitive admission programs.  Instructors will hold recruitment fairs/informational sessions on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle, January - May.

The academic ranking order for admission to the program is determined using the most recent grade for BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, and BIOL 2114L. Students can retake a class to earn a higher grade. Students who are not selected for admission may consider another program or resubmit an admission application and a new Competitive Ranking Application for the next ranking cycle deadline. A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to the program. For additional information regarding this process, please contact the Admissions Office at (706) 771-4028. Refer to program related deadlines.

Program Description: The DMS Program provides quality didactic and clinical education experiences to prepare the students to enter the field as an entry-level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. After completion of this program graduates will be able to work in a variety of settings. The program covers multiple modalities including: abdomen, small parts, obstetrics, gynecology, invasive procedures, and an introduction to vascular sonography. Graduates of the program will be able to analyze patient information, perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures, evaluate acquired images for pathology, display satisfactory communication skills and demonstrate professionalism.

Employment Opportunities: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may pursue a career in hospitals, physician offices, outpatient imaging centers, travel companies, and ultrasound equipment companies.

Credentialing (Required):  As required for graduation, each student must sit for the Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation exam and a specialty registry exam in Abdomen or Obstetrics and Gynecology through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Curriculum Outline

General Core Courses, 19 credits

Non-General Education Degree Courses, 8 credits

Occupational Courses, 51 credits

Notes:

• A grade of “C” or higher is required for all courses.
• The student is responsible for the cost of program health requirements. Prior to beginning scan lab and clinical rotations, students are required to submit completed medical and dental exam forms. All required immunizations including Hepatitis B, must be accompanied by documentation. Students who refuse to take the Hepatitis B vaccination must sign a declination form and be aware the clinical rotation sites may refuse them an opportunity to gain clinical experience and therefore may not be able to continue in the program.
• A student that does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in a course with the DMSO prefix will be suspended from the program for one year. A student that does not earn a grade of “C” or higher in any two courses with the DMSO prefix will not be allowed to reenter the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
• Natural Science courses older than five years will not be considered for program progression evaluation. Students will need to retake these courses to become eligible for program progression evaluation.
• Conviction of a felony or gross misdemeanor may prohibit employment in the field and may make a student ineligible to take the registry exam(s) required for the profession. A background check and drug screen will be required prior to the student starting clinical rotations. For more information, contact the appropriate program advisor.
• Student activities associated with the curriculum, especially while students are completing his or her clinical rotation, will be strictly educational in nature. Students will not be receiving monetary remuneration during this educational experience, nor will he or she be substituted for hired staff personnel within the clinical institution in the capacity of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
• Students will be required to provide their own transportation to clinical rotation sites which will be up to 35 miles from Augusta Technical College.
• Prior to participation in campus/clinical labs, students are required to show proof of current health insurance. Students who cannot show proof of Health Insurance need to be aware that clinical practicum sites may refuse to allow them the opportunity to gain clinical experience at their facility.

Guided Pathway

You may click on any course below to view the course description and prerequisite information.

Students who do not follow the Course Sequence listed below may not be able to complete the program in the number of semesters shown.

Piedmont Summerville Day Program

PROGRAM NAME: Diagnostic Medical Sonography

AWARD: Associate of Applied Science Degree

CAMPUS: Piedmont Summerville Day Program

Year 1 Fall Semester

Year 1 Spring Semester

Year 1 Summer Semester

Year 2 Fall Semester

Year 2 Spring Semester

Year 2 Summer Semester

Year 3 Fall Semester

Accreditation

The program is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The contact information for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is as follows: 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL, 33775, 727-210-2350, www.caahep.org.