Sonography Concentrations

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AAS_DMSD)

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), www.svu.org
• Echocardiography – American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), The American Society of Echocardiography website 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; 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. Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER) issued by CCRI’s Department of Advising and Counseling. 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 80 or above or students must complete ENGL 0890 - Critical Reading with a grade of B- or better.
4. Complete courses required for admission with a grade of C or better:
   1. ENGL 1010 - Composition I. ENGL 1300 will not substitute for ENGL 1010.
   2. MATH 1200 - College Algebra. MATH 2111 and MATH 2141 also meet this requirement.
   3. PHYS 1000 - Physical Science. PHYS 1030 also meets this requirement.
5. Complete courses required for admission with a grade of B- or better:
   1. BIOL 1070 - Human Anatomy and Physiology OR BIOL 1010 - Human Anatomy
6. Aptitude Examination – Take the PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination administered through Advising and Counseling. The exam may be taken no more than three times. See the Psychological Services Bureau website.
7. GPA – A grade point average of 2.0 or better for all college courses taken.
8. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period.
   1. 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 Health Department.
9. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from Enrollment 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.

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE - Echo

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE - General Ultrasound

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE - Vascular

Total General Education Requirements – All Tracks Credits 16

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY CONCENTRATION (DMSE)

Total Major Requirements (DMSE) Credits 37

Total DMSE Program Credits 66

GENERAL ULTRASOUND CONCENTRATION (DMSD)

Total Major Requirements (DMSD) Credits 37

Total DMSD Program Credits 65

VASCULAR CONCENTRATION (DMSV)

Total Major Requirements (DMSV) Credits 37

Total DMSV Program Credits 65