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, obstetrical, and gynecological, and vascular sonography procedures. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to take the national examination from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)and/or 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.
Learning Outcomes:
- 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.
- 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
- 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 As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.
- 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.
- Students will analyze professional publications.
- Students will utilize professional web sites.
The CT State Community College Gateway Campus Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) by the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee of Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC- DMS). Accreditation is in the Abdomen-Extended, OBGYN and Vascular concentration. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 9355 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, Phone: 727-210-2350, Fax: 727-210-2354, www.caahep.org The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) is a nonprofit organization in existence to establish, maintain and promote quality standards for educational programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). JRC-DMS 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043, www.jrcdms.org
Students will be charged the Supplemental Course (program) Fee Level 1 every fall and spring semesters while in the program.
Admission Process
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program (DMS) is a selective admissions program. All students must first apply to the Connecticut State Community college. Unless waived, all applicants must take placement tests in reading, English and mathematics. Students must attend a specific DMS program information session within one year prior to applying to the program and complete the sign in documentation. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and complete the following courses prior to the application deadline.
Detailed information regarding selective admisson events and deadlines is available on the CT State Selective Admissions Webpage.
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
- All specimens identified as non-negative/positive on the initial test shall be confirmed, reviewed, and interpreted by the vendor.
- 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 screen for legally prescribed marijuana can prohibit a student from being placed in a clinical setting that accepts federal funding.
- If a student challenges a result, only the original sample can be retested.
Any student that does not pass a background check or toxicology screen may be prevented from participating in a clinical assignment per facility contractual agreements. Results of student background checks and toxicology screenings do not become a part of the student’s educational records, as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Felony Conviction:
The ARDMS and ARRT investigate all potential violations to determine eligibility for certification. For further information please visit the website www.ardms.org and www.arrt.org.
Health Requirements:
All Students are required to have a physical examination performed within 12 months of the DMS program start date, with documentation of ability to perform the technical standards with no restrictions. In addition to the college’s healthcare requirements, a DMS health assessment form and immunization records must be completed and submitted electronically by the student into the health form tracking system, by the assigned date, prior to attending clinical rotation. The DMS technical standards can be found on GCC and SDMS Technical Standards - Gateway Community College (gatewayct.edu)
Additional program costs
DMS Students will be responsible for additional costs for the program which may include the following:
- Yearly student membership to the Society of Diagnostic Medical sonography (SDMS)
- Uniforms
- Physical examination, blood work, immunizations, vaccinations CPR training
- Textbooks
- Liability insurance
- Ergonomic scan kit
- Transportation and associated costs for clinical sites
- Electronic management system subscription to Trajecsys and Castle branch.
- Toxicology screening(s)
- Background check(s)
- Onboarding fees for clinical affiliates
- National certification examination(s) (Sonographic Physics and instrumentation, Abdomen-Extended, OBGYN, and Vascular)
- More information regarding these costs is available online at the DMS webpage, and in the DMS student handbook, financial aid information is available through the Connecticut State Community College Financial Aid office.
Graduation requirements:
In addition to the College’s general requirements the program requires a minimum grade of “C “or higher in all mathematics, science, pre-requisite and DMS program specific course. In addition, DMS students are required to pass all clinical practicums and internships with a grade of “P.” Students must also successfully complete all the program’s clinical competencies. The courses in the DMS program are designed to build upon the knowledge learned in the prior course, therefore all DMS courses must be taken in sequence.
Program Accreditation by CAAHEP, allows for DMS students to be eligible to take their national examinations through the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS) in Abdomen-extended, OBGYN and vascular up to 60 days prior to graduation, making them eligible for employment upon graduation. Graduates are also eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technology.