Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate in Applied Science

Occupational Title: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Flanagan Campus, Lincoln only

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL, 33763; 727-210-2350, upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 6021 University Blvd., Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD, 21043; 443-973-3251.

Diagnostic medical sonography is a rapidly growing technology used to locate, evaluate and record pertinent anatomical, pathological and functional data to aid the physician in the diagnosis and prevention of disease. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree program is a 24-month program that begins in September. Students participate in five semesters of classroom instruction at CCRI and associated clinical education facilities to learn a wide variety of imaging techniques.

Students must select a concentration in either general ultrasound, vascular or echocardiography.

For concentration information see:

• General – Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS) 
• Vascular – Society of Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
• Echocardiography – American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
• or contact Paula Cardillo, CCRI DMSD program director, [email protected]

Students successfully completing the program are eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) registry examination. Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level employment as sonographers (ultrasonographers) in hospitals, clinics, and private offices and/or for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.

Technical Standards: The physical activity (strength) level for sonographers (078.364.010) is classified as “light” by the Department of Labor in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles

Note: Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

General Policies

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum Requirements to Apply to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit an Application for Enrollment to CCRI. General Studies should be the first choice; Pre-Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMSD) should be the second choice
2. High school transcript – An official copy of a high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation, must be provided. If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded
3. CCRI uses a multiple measures approach to determine admission into Health Science programs (For example: High School and GED® transcripts, SAT, ACT, HESI A2 or ACCUPLACER scores). Placement can also be determined by taking college level English and Math courses. Anyone with a degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution may have this requirement waived following submission of the official college transcript. If using ACCUPLACER, the following guidelines are used:
   • Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER) issued by CCRI’s Advising Center. Students may NOT retake the ACCUPLACER test before completing the remedial course/courses. Note: For application purposes, ACCUPLACER testing can be waived for students who provide documentation of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students are advised that individual departments may still require ACCUPLACER testing as a prerequisite for their courses.
   • Reading comprehension test must show competency of 90 or above in the Classic ACCUPLACER or a score of 259 or above in the Next Generation ACCUPLACER or students must complete Reading and Study Skills Program (ENGL 1002) with a grade of B- or better.
4. Complete courses required for admission with a grade of C or better:
   • Composition I (ENGL 1010) (or ENGL 1010A).  Composition I for Speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL) (ENGL 1300) will not substitute for Composition I (ENGL 1010).
   • College Algebra (MATH 1200) or (MATH 1200C), Pre-Calculus Mathematics (MATH 2111), or Calculus I (MATH 2141).
   • Physics of Everyday Life (PHYS 1000). General Physics I (PHYS 1030) also meets this requirement.
5. Complete courses required for admission with a grade of B- or better:
   • Human Biology (BIOL 1070)
6. GPA-  A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better for all college courses taken.
7. Aptitude Examination – Take the HESI (Health Educational System Incorporated) Exam administered through the Advising Center.  Students are limited to two (2) attempts within a 12-month period.  A minimum of two (2) weeks between exams is required.
8. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period.
   • Important: Submission of a performance-based Health Sciences application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Acceptance is based on points earned as listed in the program acceptance criteria point system. (See CCRI's Dean of Health & Rehabilitative Sciences.) At the time of admission, students must meet the current admission requirements. Students declining acceptance into the program for the semester offered must resubmit a performance-based Health Sciences application and meet the current admission requirements. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation conducted by the Allied and Rehabilitative Health Department.
9. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from One Stop Student Services.

Program Requirements

• The major requirements for this program must be taken in sequence. They are open only to students who are formally accepted into the program.
• Students must complete all courses in the program with a cumulative index of 2.0 to qualify for a certificate.
• No grade less than a C is acceptable in any of the technical courses (DMSD). Students receiving less than a C will be dismissed from the program.
• Program faculty reserve the right to require withdrawal of any student from the program or refuse reinstatement based on the student’s academic, clinical or professional performance.