Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Dr. April Sutherland, Program Director
256.352.8318
april.sutherland@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (6 semesters)

At a Glance

Sonography (ultrasound) is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past several years. Sonography is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. This type of procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound scan. 

Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart, and blood vessels. It is also used to guide fine-needle tissue biopsy to assist in taking a sample of cells from an organ for lab testing (for example, a test for breast cancer). Unlike x-ray, there is no ionizing radiation used to perform a sonogram.

With rapidly developing technologies and increased use of diagnostic sonographic procedures, growth in this profession is projected to continue in the future with employment opportunities for qualified sonographers in a variety of settings nationwide. Sonographers can choose to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. 

Program Description

Purpose and Goal: To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations: Abdominal Sonography - Extended, Adult Cardiac Sonography, Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography, and Vascular Sonography. 

The Associate in Applied Science degree awarded at program completion is a five-semester (depending on the pathway), competency-based curriculum that includes practical experience in regional health institutions. The sonography program at Wallace State Community College 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. By attending a program accredited by CAAHEP, you will be able to apply to take the national certification examinations offered by the ARDMS/ARRT/CCI prior to graduation from the program.  By successfully completing the certification exams, you will be awarded the credential RDMS, RT(S), RDCS, RVT, RCS, and/or RVS.

Admission Requirements

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline of June 1.
2. Students must be in good standing with the college.
3. Receipt of complete program applications is accepted between March 1 and June 1 for fall entry. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. 
4. The online application is located at www.wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division. ​​​ The online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. Upon completion of the online application, all applicants are required to submit a Verification Sheet with all necessary documentation attached. The Verification Sheet, along with full instructions, can be found under the Application to Program tab. 
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be attached to the program application Verification Sheet and submitted by the deadline of June 1.
6. Students must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at www.wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division and see Physical Form Essential Functions.  DO NOT complete physical form until acceptance into the program. 
7. A minimum of 19 ACT composite score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of score must be submitted with the application Verification Sheet.
8. Documented evidence of a minimum of four (4) hours of observation in an ultrasound department with a registered sonographer.
9. Proof of active/current AHA Approved CPR certification for Healthcare Providers (or BLS) must also be provided with the application (cognitive hands-on – Online CPR courses not accepted).
10. Attain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or better on all general required pre-sonography courses. The GPA calculated for program selection will be on the general required pre-sonography courses only. Math/Sciences courses (MTH 100, BIO 201, BIO 202, and physics) must have been completed within seven years of the date of expected entry into the DMS program.
11. Candidates must be able to meet all Technical Standards required of the program. Those Standards are as follows:
    1. Lift more than 50 pounds routinely 
    2. Push and pull routinely 
    3. Bend and stoop routinely 
    4. Have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders 
    5. Distinguish audible sounds 
    6. Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions 
    7. Work standing on their feet 80% of the time 
    8. Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured 
    9. Assist patients on and off examining tables
    10. Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals 
    11. Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a task in the proper sequence 

Selection and Notification

1. The DMS Program admits a beginning class annually fall semester. 
2. All courses must be completed prior to the application deadline of June 1. The only exception is the physics and BIO 202 courses. They can be completed in the summer prior to admission to the program. Those that have it completed by the application deadline will receive 0.5 points for each added to their ranking score.  
3. Applicants that are registered sonographers and applying for reentry, will receive 2 points added to their ranking score.
4. Candidates are ranked for admission on the basis of ACT scores, weighted GPA of pre-sonography courses (GPA x 9), and completion of admission requirements. In the case of a tie of ranking score, in order to fill our 50 slots, the following tiebreaker will be used in this order to determine acceptance into the program: Completion of classes, GPA, ACT Composite, ACT Math, ACT Science Reasoning.
5. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Written notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via information supplied on the program application. 
6. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond confirming their intent to enroll by using the internet link provided on their letter, by the deadline indicated on the letter. A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class.

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College Catalog.

Required Competencies

Clinical competencies (patient care and interaction, performance of cardiovascular, abdominal, superficial structures, obstetrical and gynecologic sonograms).

Upon Admission

1. Sonography students are required to submit a completed program physical examination form, including proof of having completed 2 of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations and proof of immunization or vaccinations for the diseases listed on the form by the deadline noted on their program acceptance letter.
2. Sonography students must maintain current CPR certification. The appropriate certification is for “Healthcare Providers” (or BLS).
3. Accident and liability insurance, available through the College, is required. This will be covered through your fees.
4. Sonography students are required to undergo Background Screening and Drug Testing according to WSCC Health Science Division policy.
5. Medical insurance is required of all students in the program in order to attend clinicals. This is NOT provided through the school.

Progression

Students selected for admission into the program must maintain a grade of 75% or higher on major required courses. Failure to do so will result in program dismissal.

Readmission to Program

Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the program must apply for re-admission. No preferential consideration is given to prior students for re-admission. Students will be readmitted ONE time only.

Career Path

Before or upon completion of the program, sonography students should take registries and become registered sonographers. Many sonographers opt to advance their career horizons by seeking expertise in other sonographic specialties. There are several areas of specialization in the field of sonography. For additional information concerning a career in sonography, go to www.sdms.org.

Additional career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc. The national median annual earnings of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers were $82,780 according to the SDMS Sonographer Salary & Benefits Survey (2023). Program courses have been accepted for transfer to Athens State and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for the Bachelor's Degree in Health Science. Please consult  Alabama Transfers guide for the latest information.

**If the student has a radiographic physics, PHY 112, or other physics course that has been taken within 7 years of admission, this may cover the physics requirement for entry into the program pending program director approval. The radiography physics (RAD 125) is available only in the spring semester for pre-sonography students.