Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are skilled professionals qualified to provide patient services using diagnostic ultrasound under the supervision of a physician.

The Sonography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) and the Commissions on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Those who choose a career in sonography will become linked with the most advanced use of sound in medical diagnosis. They will be required to master scientific principles and technical skills and to cultivate professionalism toward and empathy for their patients.

This program of study is designed to provide didactic and clinical training in the field of general Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The student will receive training in the fields of acoustic principles and safety, abdominal, obstetrical, gynecologic, and small parts sonography. This program requires thirteen (13) months to complete. Students who complete the Sonography Program receive a Certificate of Completion. Once completed, students are eligible and encouraged to take the appropriate professional certification examinations offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)

Enrollment Requirements

A maximum of 12 students are accepted for the Sonography Program on a competitive basis each year. Enrollment in this program involves many special requirements including but not limited to:

• Either an A.A.S. degree in an Allied Health parient care related field or a Bachelors Degree
• 16 hours of observation in a general ultrasound department with a registered sonographer
• 2 letters of recommendation
• An interview before a selection committee
• Drug screening
• Background check

Student Background Check

Effective September 1, 2005, students seeking enrollment in designated Allied Health programs requiring participation in clinical training in area hospitals and related clinics/agencies must provide evidence of a passing score on a background check prior to official acceptance/enrollment into the respective program. Either the failure to provide the required background check results by the due date established or the receipt of anything other than a passing score on the background check will make a student ineligible for enrollment in the respective program. Background checks are performed at the student’s expense. Find more detailed information about Student Background Checks.

What to Do Next

• Apply to the College
• Submit a Pre Allied Health Interest Form
• Explore the links on the left side of this page

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Gainful Employment Information

What job(s) might I get with this degree?

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

How long will it take me to complete this program?

Normal Time to Completion	Percent of 2010-2011 Graduates Completing in Normal Time
4 Semesters	100%

Normal time is defined as the number of semesters that a student would be enrolled in a program if they attended on a full-time basis and enrolled in at least 15 hours per semester. The percentage of students completing on time does not take into consideration that some students take fewer than 15 hours during a semester.

What are the chances of getting a job when I graduate?

Number of 2010-2011 Graduates	Percent of 2010-2011 Graduates Employed in Field
10	100%

Note: Placement information is gathered in accordance with the standards of the Tennessee Board of Regents requirements. Placement data is gathered six months after graduation. Graduates are exempted from the placement rates in accordance with the standards of the Higher Education Authorization Act due to the following reasons: enrollment in further education, military service, a medical condition that prevents the graduate from working in his/her field of study, family or home responsibilities that prevent the graduate from working in his/her field of study.

How much will this program cost?

	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees	$5,035.50	$19,390.00
Books and Supplies	$2,321.50	$2321.50
On-Campus Room and Board	Not offered	Not offered

How much do students borrow to pay for the program?

Source of Funds	Median Amount for 2010-2011 Graduates
Median Debt for 2009-2010 Graduates	$0
Median Debt from Title IV Loans	$0
Median Debt from Other Sources	$0

Note: Median loan amounts reflect the total borrowed from entry at the institution to completion of this program.