Program: AS-25595

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program fosters and supports creative and positive learning experiences within an atmosphere of academic excellence and continuous improvement. The goal is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers with regard to the necessary cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, with a focus on abdominal sonography-extended, as well as obstetric and gynecological sonography.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is the specific imaging modality that uses special equipment to direct high-frequency sound waves into the patient’s body. A sonographer is a highly skilled professional who operates equipment that collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be recorded, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. There are several areas of specialization in the field of sonography: Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Echocardiography, Vascular Technology, Neurosonology, and Ophthalmology.

The DMS Program provides an organized curriculum that includes General Education courses in addition to the required core courses. The program emphasizes the responsibilities of the sonographer in promoting high clinical standards within the field. These responsibilities include independent decision making and critical-thinking skills that are vital in assisting physicians in their diagnoses.

The Sonography Program is offered at the Polk State College Airside West Center in Lakeland. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday. The class schedule varies between semesters, with some classes offered in the evening.

Accreditation

The Sonography Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 113th Street, N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; telephone: 727.210.2350; website: www.caahep.org.

Admission Criteria

The minimum requirements for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are:

1. The prospective student must gain acceptance to Polk State College as a credit-seeking student with all required admission documents received by the Registrar’s Office. 
2. The student must complete any required Developmental Education courses.
3. The student must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher at the time of admission to the program.
4. The student must complete all the following prerequisite courses (i.e., prior to program admission) with a grade of C or better:

• ENC 1101 - College Composition I
    
• MAC 1105 - College Algebra
    
• BSC 2085C - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
    
• BSC 2086C - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
    
• HSC 1531 - Medical Terminology
    
• PHY 2020C - Fundamentals of Physics
    

Note: Program prerequisites and admission requirements can change. A student who is not yet admitted to the program may be required to take additional or alternate prerequisites prior to admission. 

Additional Program Requirements

The following requirements are to be completed after acceptance into the program:

1. Submission of a physical examination and essential functions examination. 
2. Completion of immunizations and communicable disease screenings.
3. Completion of a drug screening.
4. Certification in CPR (current).
5. Submission of a signed Affidavit of Moral Character attesting that the individual has not committed specific criminal acts.
6. Completion of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) background check.

The Program Director provides information regarding additional admission requirements during the mandatory orientation. 

Admission Process

The  Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program uses a selective-admissions procedure and online application (www.polk.edu/dms). The annual application period is August 1 to  August 31, with a January start date. Failure to submit the required documentation by the deadline prevents the student from starting with the upcoming class. 

A selection committee meets in September to evaluate applications using the following criteria: overall college GPA; the number of credits completed that apply to the General Education requirements of the AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree; healthcare experience related to the field of study; the GPA for prerequisite coursework; and established residency in Polk County. Notice of acceptance is emailed before the end of October. 

Note: The College reserves the right to make changes to the admission criteria as circumstances require. Every reasonable effort is made to communicate these changes to potential students.

Program Cost

The cost of the program is approximately $11,000. This cost estimate includes course fees, books, uniforms, and national registry fees.

Potential Earnings

Potential salary and wage information can be found through the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh) or via www.salary.com. Salaries vary depending on geographical location, type of facility, and years of experience.  

Certification Examination

Following the completion of all requirements for graduation from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the national registry exam administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate earns the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
After successful completion of the program, the graduate is able to:
PLO 1: Demonstrate the professional judgement, ethical standards, and critical-thinking skills expected of an entry-level sonographer.
PLO 2: Demonstrate the ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication.
PLO 3: Apply basic patient-care skills.
PLO 4: Demonstrate correct ergonomics during scanning techniques.
PLO 5: Identify normal and abnormal anatomy in the arenas of abdominal sonography-extended, as well as obstetrical and gynecological sonography.
PLO 6: Apply sonographic principles and instrumentation appropriately.
PLO 7: Describe and discuss the importance of professional development through continuing education.