Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AAS)
A.A.S. Degree—64 credit hours
Curriculum Code 1341
This program prepares graduates for professional careers in the profession of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Graduates are eligible for employment in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. The program includes instruction in Sonographic technique, theory, patient positioning for diagnostic procedures and progressive clinical experience.
Admitted students who wish to earn an associate in science degree in addition to an associate in applied science degree should consult with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center.
Employment for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is expected to grow faster than average for many occupations, as the healthcare industry grows so does the need for highly skilled sonographers who provide medical services under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor. While a significant increase in sonographers’ employment is anticipated, job seekers are likely to face competition from many other qualified applicants for most openings.
(Note: BIO-180 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, MRT-110 Medical Terminology, MTH-109 Math for Allied Health or MTH-139 Probability and Statistics, or higher, and PHY-108 Fundamentals of Physics must have been completed prior to application or in progress the semester of application.)
Accreditation
Moraine Valley’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program will seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
As a new program, accreditation is not granted immediately. The accreditation process begins after students have completed clinical coursework and sufficient program outcome data is available for review.
Moraine Valley is committed to pursuing accreditation and will provide updates to students as the process progresses.
Admission Requirements
See Admission to Health Science Programs in the Admission and Registration section.
Health Physical
Prior to enrollment, admitted students must submit a complete health history and physical form including drug screening signed by the applicant and physician. Questions about the health physical should be directed to the program coordinator. Health physical forms may be obtained from the Admissions Office. The student is encouraged to maintain a copy of all health physical information submitted to the program.
Re-Application
Applicants not selected for one starting class are individually responsible for reactivating and up-dating their application file for subsequent starting classes. Re-applicants must complete a new application form and submit it to the Admissions Office during the applicable time period.
Certification
While the program is in the process of pursuing accreditation, graduates may qualify for national certification examinations (ARDMS) through alternative eligibility pathways, depending on individual educational background and clinical experience.
Program Requirements
- Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in each required career course (theory and clinical).
- Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical affiliates.
- Students are responsible for securing uniforms.
- A liability insurance fee is required.
- The college requires that students have minimal health insurance coverage.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Program Calendar
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program requires a full-time commitment. This 24-month program starts in June of each year and includes two academic years and two summer sessions. The required biology and mathematics courses must be completed within five years of program admission.