Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree

A graduate of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program can choose to work in a variety of health care settings including clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities and laboratories performing examinations in their areas of specialization.

Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, and technical advisors.

Graduates are qualified to take the Obstetric/Gynecology, Abdomen, and Physics Boards through the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION

• The DMS program follows a competitive enrollment process whereby candidate applications are reviewed by a ranking process. The following steps must be completed for the application process.

• Attendance at a mandatory pre-application informational session will be required. To sign-up for a mandatory pre-application session, please contact Admissions at (920) 498-7159 or (888) 385-6982.

• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)

• Two semesters in high school, or one semester of college Algebra, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry (with a lab component) with a grade of "B" or better.

• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

• Upon completion of program benchmarks and attendance at the mandatory information session, students will be able to register for the Health Educations Systems Inc. (HESI) A2 Exam. The HESI can only be taken after attendance at a pre-application information session. Test topics include Math, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Reading. To learn more about these assessment scores, please contact an admissions specialist at (920) 498-7159 or (888) 385-6982, or visit the DMS program webpage http://www.nwtc.edu/academics/degrees/health-sciences/Medical/Pages/DiagnosticMedicalSonography.aspx Related link, lower right side.

• Candidates submitting applications to the DMS program must also provide an essay (no more than 1,000 words) completed on campus in the Assessment Center. The essay will follow a question and answer format and will include information related to the following; why they are interested in and their knowledge of the profession, experience in healthcare, specific skills and duties of a sonographer, and characteristics that make them a good candidate for the program.

• Candidates are ranked in the following categories: HESI scores and program essay. The highest ranking candidates will be offered a place on the program wait list. Remaining candidates will need to resubmit a new application for the following year to have an opportunity to re-apply with the following year's applicants.

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY

• Upon success acceptance to the program wait list, the following must be completed:

• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

• Complete mandatory welcome week program orientation.

• Complete mandatory four-hour job shadow.

• Provide patient care and education.

• Adhere to the professional code of ethics for sonographers.

• Communicate with members of the healthcare team.

• Utilize medical technology for sonography.

• Complete diagnostic sonographic exams.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158

Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 210-2350

• Students will be required to purchase a uniform, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances for clinical experience.

• Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR course prior to clinical experiences. Students are required to maintain a current CPR certification to comply with affiliating agency requirements.

• Students will be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Graduates are qualified to take the Obstetric/Gynecology, Abdomen, and Physics Boards through the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.