Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate Degree
As a graduate of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, you can choose to work in a variety of health care settings including clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, and public health facilities and laboratories. You perform routine sonographic (ultrasound) examinations of the body to include the abdomen, small parts, obstetrics, and gynecology. You work closely with physicians and may assist in the performance of invasive procedures. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $10,331, Books: $1,077, Supplies: $525
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=105262
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
Program Outcomes
- Provide patient care and education.
- Adhere to the professional code of ethics for sonographers.
- Communicate with members of the healthcare team.
- Utilize medical technology for sonography.
- Complete diagnostic sonographic exams.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775 (727) 210-2350, upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500 Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
Pre-First Semester
Summer Before First Semester
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
Full Semester
Summer Before Third Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-526-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- Students must earn a "B" or higher in General Anatomy & Physiology and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "B" is these courses may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
- Although not required, it is recommended all diagnostic medical sonography students take Medical Terminology, 10501101 between their first and second year in the program.
Course Descriptions
Overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: C or better in Lab-based Chemistry OR 2 semesters lab-based high school chemistry w/C or better; AND Next Gen Rdg score greater/= to 263; OR ACT Rdg score greater/= to 17; OR prep courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringApplications/theory of basic physics principles: problem-solving, laboratory investigation, and applications including unit conversion and analysis, mechanical waves, harmonic motion, wave and ray optics, electricity, and magnetism. (Prereq: 2.6 GPA & Alg 2 or equiv w/C or better; OR Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 263, Arith greater/equal to 250, & QRAS greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading greater/equal to 17 & Math greater/equal to 24; OR Coll Tech Math 1A OR Int Alg w/C or better)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIntroduces learners to the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Explores the duties and functions of the diagnostic medical sonographer as well as the historical background. Learners examine the other imaging modalities as they relate to sonography. Includes principles of patient care and legal and ethical issues related to sonography. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography OR Echocardiography Program)
Course Typically Offered: FallStudents taking Introductory Statistics display data with graphs, describe distributions with numbers, perform correlation and regression analyses, and design experiments. They use probability and distributions to make predictions, estimate parameters, and test hypotheses. They draw inferences about relationships including ANOVA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen QRAS greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math greater/equal to 24 AND ACT Rdg greater/equal to 16; OR C or better in Inter Alg or higher-contact academic advisor 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringNormal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology with a "C" or better. Health programs may require a higher grade; refer to your plan for details.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringIntroduces physics and instrumentation relevant to diagnostic medical sonography. Learners explore how principles of sound propagation in tissues create a sonographic image. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography OR Echocardiography Program; 10-806-164, General Physics 2)
Course Typically Offered: SummerIntroduces cross sectional anatomy as it relates to Diagnostic Medical Sonography along with physics principals. Learners are introduced to the basics of general scanning to include operation of equipment, scanning techniques, and organ/vessel identification. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-221, Sonography Physics 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallInvestigates superficial structure imaging. Includes anatomy, pathophysiology, and sonographic evaluation. Prepared learner to perform ultrasounds of the thyroid, breast, male reproductive system, musculoskeletal system, and GI tract. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-232, Fundamentals of Scanning)
Course Typically Offered: SummerContinues the study of physics and instrumentation relevant to diagnostic medical sonography. The laboratory component of this course introduces the student to the concepts of ultrasound instrumentation, an introduction to ultrasonic scanning technique, and maintenance of ultrasound equipment. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography OR Echocardiography Program; 10-526-221, Sonography Physics 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallIntroduces cross sectional anatomy as related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Includes correlating images from other imaging modalities. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-806-177, General Anatomy and Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: FallPrepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the abdominal organs including liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, urinary tract, aorta and retroperitoneum. Practice scan sessions included. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-200, Intro to DMS; 10-526-210, Cross Sectional Anatomy; 10-526-222, Sonography Physics 2; Co-requisite: 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringPrepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the nongravid uterus and the first-trimester pregnancy. Explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the female reproductive system as well as intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-200, Intro to DMS; ; 10-526-210, Cross Sectional Anatomy; 10-526-222, Sonography Physics 2; Co-Requisite: 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringIntroduces the principles of vascular sonographic imaging. Learners perform a variety of peripheral vascular arterial and venous duplex exams. (Prerequisites: Admitted into the Echocardiography OR DMS program AND 10-526-200, Intro to DMS; 10-526-222, Sonography Physics 2; 10-806-179, Adv Anatomy & Physiology)
Course Typically Offered: SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringProvides learners with the opportunity to enhance their technical skills, accuracy, and proficiency in scanning the abdominal organs and female pelvis of the human body. This is a scanning course dedicated in continuing to prepare the learner for their first clinical experience. (Prerequisites: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-207, Abdominal Sonography; 10-526-208, OB/GYN Sonography 1; 10-526-223, Vascular Imaging 1)
Course Typically Offered: SummerThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringOpportunities to apply scanning skills in a clinical setting. Students concentrate on ultrasound examinations of the abdominal organs. Participation in this course will take place at a hospital or clinic. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; Co-Requisite: 10-526-203, Scanning with Proficiency)
Course Typically Offered: SummerThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares learners to perform ultrasounds of the second and third-trimester pregnancy. Explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the female pelvis and the developing fetus. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-208, OB/GYN Sonography 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallFurther experience in a clinical setting allows the student to continue to improve technical skills while accepting more responsibilities during scanning procedures. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-209, DMS Clinical Experience 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallPrepares learners to perform abdominal vascular and physiologic peripheral vascular exams. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-207, Abdominal Sonography; 10-526-223, Vascular Imaging 1)
Course Typically Offered: FallProvides further opportunity for students to expand their skills in a clinical setting. Students begin to function as team members under the guidance of the instructor and authorized clinical personnel. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; 10-526-213, DMS Clinical Experience 2)
Course Typically Offered: SpringPrepares the student to assume the role of a sonographer. This course enhances the student's scanning and employee skills through clinical practice. Serves as a transition between student and employee. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; Corequisite: 10-526-276, DMS Clinical Experience 3)
Course Typically Offered: Spring