Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Diagnostic Sonography program at BCTC is growing! We now offer 2 tracks: Cardiac Sonography (Adult Echocardiography) and Vascular Sonography. These are Selective Admissions programs that will prepare you for a valuable and dynamic career in the healthcare field.

Sonography uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to obtain images of the body used in diagnosing disease and congenital abnormalities. Both areas work primarily with the adult patient population.

Diagnostic Sonography is a challenging as well as rewarding career that will keep you on your toes! The work environment is typically fast-paced with a chance to work individually and also be part of the diagnostic team. Most will work in a hospital setting, but jobs can also be found at out-patient clinics, private doctor offices and mobile/traveling companies.
It's a rewarding career that can last a lifetime!

Sonographers are:

• Highly educated
• Critical thinkers
• Motivated
• Passionate
• Life-long learners
• Team players

Cardiac Sonography Track

Students in this track focus on adult heart issues, but the cardiac sonographer must also be knowledgeable of congenital abnormalities that might be encountered during an echo exam.

Cardiac sonographers perform:

• Routine resting echocardiograms
• Stress echo exams
• 3D echo
• Assist with transesophageal exams (TEE)

Vascular Sonography Track

Students in this track learn how to perform a variety of exams to help detect problems in the arteries and veins throughout the body...even in the brain!

Vascular sonographers perform:

• Scans for carotid artery blood flow
• Transcranial Dopper scans (blood flow in the brain)
• Scans for blockages in the arms and legs
• Scans of patients with vascular grafts
• Scans of blood flow for abdominal organs

MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS

Cardiac Track

To prepare competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

 

Vascular Track

To prepare competent entry-level vascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

 

Sonographer Societies

	Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
	American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)

 

To Earn Your Professional Credential

Each organization below gives national certifying examinations (board exams) that lead to a professional credential, and each has a variety of eligibility categories. Explore each organization to learn about these and to see which category may apply to you.

• American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

The Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) requires this data to be published for each graduating class:

• Retention
• Job Placement
• Credential Success Rates 

The following criteria will be evaluated for each applicant. Preference points will be added for each criterion as listed below; a maximum of 199 preference points may be possible.

1. USA Exam Scoring Preference Points
   
   

   USA Exam Scoring	Preference Points
   >20 >17 >14 >12 >10 >8 >6 >4 >2 >0	=50 =45 =40 =35 =30 =25 =20 =15 =10 =5

 
2. Cumulative GPA (includes all 100 level or above college credits)
   
   GPA added to the total points
 
3. Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences Courses
   
   Preference points (pts) will be applied for grades in these courses as follows: A – 10 pts, B – 8 pts, C – 5 pts.
   
   Preferred courses that can earn these points are:
   • BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
   • BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
   • PHY 171 Applied Physics
 
4. Preadmission  interview
   
   Scoring Preference Points - Total points awarded out of 100
 
5. Allied Health Program preference
   
   Preference may be given to applicants who have graduated or are in their final semester of a two-year accredited Allied Health program or have the minimum of an Associate of Applied Science Degree in a clinically related field.
   
   Graduate applicant transcript must show the degree awarded (Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science). Ten (10) preference points added.
   
   Pending graduate applicant additionally must submit a signed letter from their Program Director/Coordinator documenting the students date of completion or graduation. Five (5) preference points added.
   
   *Applicants in this category must submit the required documentation in order to receive preference points.

Review Selective Admissions Programs Information page.

Conferences for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are an annual requirement. Any older conference information submitted for admission will not be considered. Please review conference dates and conferences may be attended with no appointment necessary.

Therefore, all applicants should possess:

• Sufficient visual acuity for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care;
• Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.)
• Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients, required in meeting health needs related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography;
• Sufficient verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing) to interact with patients and professional personnel; and
• Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

• Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Occupational Outlook Handbook (new window)

Why Sonographers Do What They Do

• Cardiac Sonography (new window)
• Vascular Sonography (new window)