Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Certificate of Completion

Special Admissions Criteria - Certificate Track

This is a limited-entry program accepting students only in the spring semester. Criteria and factors used in evaluating applicants include the following:

• Completion of either
  • (a) an associate degree in an allied health program that is medically related and involves human-patient care (proof of current certification in one's allied health area is required), OR
  • (b) a bachelor's degree in a related field that includes at least one semester of anatomy & physiology and medical terminology.
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• College-level course in algebra (MATH 1220G College Algebra or equivalent)
• College-level course in general physics or radiographic physics or introductory physics for the health sciences or equivalent.
• County of residence
• Prior healthcare experience
   

Program Application Requirements

1. Complete all prerequisites. Students may have a maximum of two prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application.
2. Attend program orientation and request the program application. Register for orientation here.
3. Submit the application and all supporting documents by the September 1st deadline.

Selection Criteria

Completion of pre-requisite courses DOES NOT guarantee acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.  Selection for the program utilizes a point system as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the student's overall strengths related to the essential qualifications, competencies, and functions of the professional diagnostic medical sonographer.

Selection for acceptance incorporates two phases.

Phase I

Phase I points are awarded in pre-requisite and related courses. Relevant field experience and/or professional credentials may qualify for additional bonus points. See program website for details. 

Important note regarding bonus point coursework:  Bonus points were previously offered for completion of BIOL 2225, BIOL 2505, BCIS 1110, and MATH 1350G. As of the 2024-25 catalog year, students will no longer be advised to complete bonus point courses.

Students who declared the pre-DMS major in the 2023-24 catalog or prior will continue to receive bonus points for the next two application cycles. As of fall 2026, bonus points will no longer count for these courses, regardless of when they were completed. 

Phase II is for applicants who have scored very well in Phase I. It is by invitation only and is conducted as a written assessment and an interview to identify personal strengths and/or weaknesses related to essential qualifications, competencies, and functions for professional diagnostic medical sonographers.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ALL APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ARE ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM

Doña Ana Community College

2024-2025 Catalog

(Certificate 52 credits)

Note: Application Deadline is September 1

NOTE: All of the courses in this program relate to each other and to the clinical internship and cannot be taken individually.

NOTE: A grade of C- or better on a traditional grading scale is required in designated Mathematics courses. Students must earn a final grade of C or better in all required DMS courses/Technical Requirements and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. The DMS program utilizes an accelerated grading scale. 74% is the minimum passing score for all assignments, assessments, and overall class grading and corresponds to a "C."

Students must complete all University certificate requirements to total at least 52 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.

¹

Courses are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.

²

While RADT 105 and PHYS 1112 meet program requirements, they do not meet the NM General Education Area III: Laboratory Sciences requirement.

Course Fees

In addition to tuition, a fee of $200 is charged for each of the following courses:

(Certificate 52 credits)

NOTE: Application Deadline is September 1

A Suggested Plan of Study

The contents of this Road Map may vary depending on initial student placement in mathematics and English. This is only a suggested plan of study for students, and is not intended as a contract.  Individual student academic plans may vary. Please contact your academic advisor to create a plan that works for you. Course availability may vary from fall to spring semester and may be subject to modification or change. 

NOTE: All of the courses in this program relate to each other and to the clinical internship and cannot be taken individually.

NOTE: A grade of C- or better on a traditional grading scale is required in designated Mathematics courses. Students must earn a final grade of C or better in all required DMS courses/Technical Requirements and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. The DMS program utilizes an accelerated grading scale. 74% is the minimum passing score for all assignments, assessments, and overall class grading and corresponds to a "C."

Students must complete all University certificate requirements to total at least 52 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.

Course Fees

In addition to tuition, a fee of $200 is charged for each of the following courses: