Overview

Play an important part in health care by taking ultrasounds to provide crucial information for diagnosing and treating patients. This well-paying field is growing by double digits.

About the program

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. Viewing the screen during the scan, sonographers look for subtle visual cues that contrast healthy areas with unhealthy ones. They decide whether the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and select which ones to store and show to the physician. Sonographers take measurements, calculate values, and analyze the results in preliminary findings for the physicians.

Program format(s)

Students enrolled in this program will take traditional, 16-week classes each semester.  

Degree option

Two-year (six semesters) full-time degree schedule; mixture of core technical and science courses along with basic communications classes.

License/Credentialing Eligibility

• The Marion Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is currently accredited by 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). Program graduates may take certification exams from the ARDMS or ARRT.

Sonography Mission Statement

To provide an environment for student sonographers to become qualified and competent technologists in a healthcare setting. We partner with the healthcare community to provide higher education for sonographers. Marion Technical College encourages the process of life-long learning.

Program Goals

• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective learning (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s) it offers: abdominal sonography- extended, and obstetrics and gynecology sonography.
• To provide the community with competent diagnostic medical sonographers.
• To facilitate the development of effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• To facilitate the development of professional attitudes, behaviors, ethics, and diversity and inclusion within the framework of the diagnostic medical sonography profession.

Program Accreditation

DMS Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) January 18, 2024 thru 2034.

The Marion Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is currently accredited by 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).

This accreditation is granted only after recommendation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) based on a programmatic review and site visit. Recognition by CAAHEP qualifies the Program's graduates for eligibility to apply for and take the following certification examinations for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS):

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Abdominal-Extended and Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography CAAHEP: Commission on Accreditation of Health Technologies Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775,
727-210-2350,
727-210-2354 (fax)
http://www.caahep.org/

JRC-DMS: Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043, phone: 443-973-3251 http://www.jrcdms.org/

---

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in abdominal sonography.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in OB/GYN sonography.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in small parts/superficial structures/high resolution sonography
• Modify standard procedures to accommodate for patient conditions and other variables to obtain quality images.
• Evaluate cross sectional anatomy pathology.
• Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate first aid and basic life support procedures.
• Evaluate images for appropriate image quality and pathology.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to quality assurance.
• State the safe limits of equipment operation and report malfunctions to the proper authority.
• Exercise independent judgement and discretion when performing imaging procedures.
• Demonstrate an understanding of your role in the healthcare environment.
• Practice effective communication with patients and other health professionals.
• Provide basic patient care, comfort, anticipate patient needs, and patient education.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ultrasound production.
• Demonstrate knowledge of human structure, function, and pathology.
• Support the profession’s code of ethics and comply with the profession’s standard of practice.

---

Career Opportunities

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

---

Application Requirements - Limited Enrollment

Application Checklist:

• Student has spoken with admission counselor and understands the MTC admission requirements. 
• Completed MTC Application for Admission.
• High School Transcript (GED). 
• College Transcript (if applicable).
• Understands Sonography application is separate form. 
• Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.
• Reading Skills Assessment: College Ready Placement. 
• Stats: College Ready Placement Shelf-life on the Math portion is three (3) years. 
• English: College Ready Placement. 
• Informed of minimum high school level coursework or successful completion of MTC coursework. 
• Biology and Chemistry: College Ready Placement. 
• Recommend high school geometry and physics. 
• Informed application for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must be turned in by June 1st. of the year requesting admission. Understands students are admitted to program based upon an Admission Point System. Understands if not selected, student must reapply for future admission. 
• Understands must have a minimum accumulative grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or equivalent from high school, or minimum 12 semester credit hours or equivalent of college credit, or successful completion of GED examination. GPA used for admission point system will be the most recent GPA. 
• Understands student must be at least 18 years of age at the end of the calendar year in which he or she is seeking admission. 
• Understands must observe in DMS on campus lab and Ultrasound Department within department guidelines prior to application into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and submit completed observation form. 
• Understands must maintain a minimum 2.0 accumulative grade point average at MTC as well as a minimum 2.0 GPA in all required program courses. 
• Understands must complete a physical examination prior to admission into the program as well as meet all non-academic standards for admission. 
• Understands must complete a drug screen facilitated by Marion Technical College. Positive drug screens will result in ineligibility for admission and/or continuation in the program. If student fails to cooperate or complete any drug screening, he or she will be considered “positive” and dismissed from the program. Understands students may be subject to random drug screens. 
• Understands that the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Board reserves the right to deny admission to the ARDMS examination if an individual has been convicted of a crime, including felony, misdemeanor, or drug-related arrests. 
• Informed of successful criminal background check and drug screen requirements. Understands potential employers may require background check and drug screening for potential employment and completion of a MTC program does not guarantee future employment. Student has completed a Criminal Background Disclosure Form.

---