Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Associate in Science

This is a full-time day program. No evening, weekend or online classes.

The Associate degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) prepares students for employment as entry-level sonographers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical offices. The program provides individuals with the academic and technical skills necessary to perform abdominal-extended, obstetrical and gynecological, and vascular sonography procedures. Students are eligible 60 days prior to graduation to apply and take their examinations through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Upon completion of the program, students are also eligible to apply to take the national registry examination from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) The program requires 24 months of full-time study. Students are assigned to clinical practicum at affiliates throughout the state of Connecticut. All costs associated with transportation are responsibility of the student.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program (DMS) is a selective admissions program. All students must first apply to the Connecticut State Community college. Students must attend a specific DMS program information session within one year prior to applying to the program and complete the registration/sign in for documentation. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and complete the following courses prior to the application deadline of February 1 each year.

Below are the Pre-Requisite Course which Must be completed PRIOR to applying to the program

Admissions Process

** SEE COLLEGE CATALOG FOR COURSE PRE-REQUISITES

Criminal Background checks and Toxicology screenings
Clinical sites require criminal background checks and toxicology screening completed on any DMS student who will be attending a clinical rotation at their facility. Some clinical sites require additional FASC III background check checks at an additional cost. Students must follow instructions for obtaining these tests.

The following guides the response to a positive toxicology screening for any student

1. All specimens identified as non-negative/positive on the initial test shall be confirmed, reviewed, and interpreted by the vendor.
2. The student is required to provide documentation by a healthcare provider in the event there is a medical explanation for a positive result (i.e., the result of a prescribed medication). In accordance with federal law, a positive toxicology screenfor legally prescribed marijuana can prohibit a student from being placed in a clinical setting that accepts federal funding.

DMS Program Goals & Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate skills in effective oral and written communication.

• Students will apply effective verbal communication skills with classmates, instructors, patients, sonographers, and physicians
• Students will utilize effective written communication skills with instructors, sonographers, and physicians
• Students will demonstrate professional and respectful behavior in all interactions.

2. Students will demonstrate skills in critical thinking and problem solving principles and practices of sonography.

• Students will evaluate and assess patient requisition in order to perform proper sonographic procedures
• Students will examine the sonographic and Doppler appearances of iatrogenic, degenerative, inflammatory, traumatic, neoplastic, infectious, obstructive, congenital, metabolic, and immunologic disease practices
• Students will analyze the relationships between various disease processes and hemodynamic states
• Students will explore the various imaging and testing modalities
• Students will examine the effects of pharmacology on disease processes and on sonographic findings.

3. Students will demonstrate clinical competence in the practice of sonography.

• Students will demonstrate exceptional patient care skills
• Students will provide a safe environment for patients
• Students will detect normal anatomy and pathology on sonographic images
• Students will adhere to the ALARA principle.

4. The program will prepare competent entry-level sonographers.

• Students will maintain high values congruent with the professional code of ethics and the scope of practice while adhering to national, institutional and/or departmental standards, and procedures regarding imaging and patient care.

5. Students will achieve personal and professional growth.

• Students will analyze professional publications
• Students will utilize professional web sites.

DMS Outcomes

Goals are assessed by measuring the following student outcomes: course completion, clinical competencies, program completion, national certification pass rate, and employment rate, as well as graduate and employer satisfaction surveys.

Program Completion Rate

Goals are assessed by measuring the following student outcomes: course completion, clinical competencies, program completion, national certification pass rate, and employment rate, as well as graduate and employer satisfaction surveys.

(Attrition rate due to wrong career choice, Personal issue, Program failure)
*Pass rate is based on first attempt.
* Credentialing is Pass the ARDMS Physics (SPI) examination and 1 specialty.

Contact Us

Professor Cara Case
Program Coordinator
203-285-2383