Dec 14, 2024  
2024 - 2025 Catalog 
    
2024 - 2025 Catalog

Diagnostic Medical Sonography - AAS


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Program Code: AAS.20547

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to obtain anatomical images of the abdominal, pelvic, fetus, and vasculature systems. A sonographer is a skilled health care professional who performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations under the direction of a physician. Sonographers use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathology, and ultrasound physics in order to obtain quality images for interpretation. A sonographer must be proficient in problem solving and possess the ability to extrapolate pertinent patient history along with supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results. Upon successfully completing this program, students will have entry-level general sonographer skills and be eliglible to apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to take the national certification examinations. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.jrcdms.org). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org

Fall First Year:


Total Semester Credits: 12


Winter First Year:


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 13


Total Semester Credits: 7


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 12


Total Semester Credits: 13


Winter Second Clinical Year:


Total Semester Credits: 9


Total Credits: 90


Notations


  1. Students must complete the DMS Program Student Application Packet and receive a “Semester and Year of Validation” to be eligible to enter the program. It is recommended that this application be submitted during the final semester of pre-requisite courses. Validation is a process that allows the Program Coordinator to review and confirm that the student has completed pre-requisite courses and requirements of this program.  Approximately 14 students are accepted for DMS courses each Fall semester.
  2. Validation requirements: 1) meeting with the Program Coordinator; 2) submission of the DMS Program Student Application Packet including: a) completion of a minimum of 16 observation hours; b) two professional letters of reference documenting your employability skills; 3) Meet admission requirements under Option A or Option B.
  3. Validation requirements – Option A: 1) Graduate of an accredited Allied Health Program meeting the program prerequisites either through transfer or waiver; 2) if necessary, completion of college level physics, PHY 101  or PHY 111  with a “B” (3.0) or better. Medical Radiography Physics will meet this requirement.
  4. Validation requirements – Option B: 1) completion of prerequisite courses BIO 140W  or BIO 152W  and BIO 153W , HSC 105 , MTH 122W PHY 101  or PHY 111 , any approved College Composition I course, ENG 113 , COM 114W  with a “B” (3.0) minimum grade; 2) Students may have no more than a total of two repeats in the prerequiste courses for validation. 3) completion of BIO 140W  and HSC 105  (or equivalents) within the past five (5) years.
  5. The DMS Program Student Application Packet is available on the DMS program website, from the DMS Program Coordinator, and in the Academic Advising Office.
  6. Students may complete POL 103W , PSY 211W , PHL 215W , and SOC 211W , or equivalents, in the first and/or final semester of the clinical program to maintain full-time student status during these semesters. These courses must be completed with a “C” (2.0) or better and are required for AAS degree completion.
  7. All students are required to complete a Criminal Background Check following clinical entry registration.  Students with a felony conviction will not be admitted to the DMS program. All other misdemeanor offenses must be 10 years or older for admittance to the DMS program. Delta College cannot guarantee students with a positive background check clinical site placement needed to meet program requirements, thus program completion may not be possible regardless of the length of time since conviction. Students should be aware that certification may be delayed or denied depending on the history of criminal convictions. Questions regarding this issue may be directed to the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) at www.ardms.org or (301) 738-8401.
  8. Once validated, students must waitlist themselves each year during the Special Clinical Registration Period to be eligible to begin the program and to remain validated.  Failure to complete the waitlist process annually will result in removal from the validation list.  See the validation page on the website for more information and dates. 
  9. Following entry to the program via special clinical registration, students are required to complete program requirements including but not limited to 1) physical exam with completion of physical form, 2) current CPR certification for the healthcare provider/professional rescuer (American Heart Association or American Red Cross), 3) a successful ten (10) panel drug screen by the approved agency, 4) an annual TB skin test, 5) immunization records including MMR, Td/Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B or signed waiver, 6) an annual flu shot; 7) OIG/GSA/SDN; (8) criminal background check.  These requirements will be discussed at the required orientation along with submission instructions via an electronic storage and clinical placement system.  All certifications and immunizations must be up-to-date and remain current throughout the program.
  10. Diagnostic Medical Sonography program courses must be taken together in the sequence shown. Clinical education courses are conducted primarily during daytime hours; however, off-shifts (second and third shifts) may be assigned to meet course objectives.
  11. Student clinical rotations will consist of two separate six-month placements. Many clinical sites are located outside the tri-city area and some are out of state. Students must be prepared to commute and/or relocate for at least one rotation.
  12. In addition to tuition, fees, and textbook costs, students should plan for the following expenses following successful clinical entry: immunizations and CPR certification to meet health requirements, background check, drug screen, ACEMAPP, TRAJECYS, OIG/GSA/SDN, appropriate laboratory and clinic attire including shoes, name tags. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical sites, possible parking fees, and fees for national board exam and certification.
  13. Students are responsible for paying the cost of any medical care that might be necessary if you are injured or become ill as a result of clinical practice activities.  The College does not provide insurance coverage for such situations.
  14. Students must comply with all DMS program progression and retention policies published in the DMS Program Handbook.
  15. Students must achieve a “B” (3.0) minimum grade in each DMS course to be eligible to continue in and graduate from the DMS program. A “C” (2.0) or better grade or better must be achieved in LW courses to meet graduation requirements.
  16. All DMS students are expected to complete the ARDMS abdomen, OB/GYN, and physics certifying boards. Students may complete the physics SPI exam prior to graduation after successful completion of DMS 105W  and DMS 115  physics courses. Students meeting DMS 212  early board requirements may take the abdomen and OB/GYN boards 60 days prior to program completion. Certification will be awarded after the student has officially completed the program and according to ARDMS regulations.

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