Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology Information

Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. This health care service requires highly skilled and competent professionals who are an integral part of the health care team. The practitioner is competent in production, use, recognition and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The practitioner must be knowledgeable in the health care system, pertinent clinical history and related diagnostic procedures, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, normal anatomy and pathological variants.

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.

Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.

The professional responsibilities include, but are not limited, to:

• Obtaining and recording an accurate patient history.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and obtaining diagnostic images.
• Analyzing technical information.
• Using independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings.
• Providing an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis.
• Providing quality patient care.
• Collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team.

Offered on the Toledo-area campus, The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Majors offers students a combination of didactic instruction with practical application of knowledge and skills in affiliating hospitals.

Graduates must take and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also offers a credentialing examination. Passing of this examination credentials graduates as Sonographers.

Department of Sonography

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), (Accredited to Spring, 2024).  For more information concerning accreditation standards contact the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043, phone number 443-973-3251, web address www.jrcdms.org and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) at:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709

Seminole, FL 33775

727/210/2350

www.caahep.org 

Instruction

All majors in Diagnostic Medical Sonography combine didactic instruction with practical application of knowledge and skills at affiliating institutions.

Selective Health Program Admission Process

Students may apply to a maximum of three selective admissions programs

Apply for Admission to Owens Community College.

Apply Online Now!

Request Evaluation for Admission to a Health Program.

Applicants must have a complete file in the Records Office by established deadline dates.   If you were previously evaluated and denied, and wish to be re-evaluated for the same program or any other health program, you must submit another Request for Health Evaluation.  To view file status, regularly check “My Required Documents” via Ozone.

- view FAQ’s for Selective Health Admission Process

- view Deadline Dates and Requirements for a Complete File

- Submit a Request for Health Program Evaluation by logging into your Ozone account. Select the Academic Info tab and navigate to the Selective Health portal and select Request a Health Evaluation.

Official transcripts are required from the applicant’s high school, college or university attended.  If you have a GED, high school, or college transcript(s), please request an official copy be sent to:

Owens Community College

Attn:  Records Office

P.O. Box 10,000

Toledo, OH 43699-1947

If you have an official, sealed copy of a transcript to drop off, visit Oserve on the Toledo or Findlay campus during regular hours, found at www.owens.edu/oserve, to submit.

Evaluation does not mean automatic admission to the program.  Results of the Health Evaluation will be sent to your Owens email account approximately 2-3 weeks after the evaluation deadline date.

For assistance with the selective health program admission process, requirements, procedures and final date for receipt of application contact the Pre-Health Advising Advisor.

Admission Requirements

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program begins each summer semester.  Applicants will be reviewed on January 15 once the following is complete. If the program is not filled after the January 15 review, an additional review will be held on May 15 to offer applicants an opportunity to begin the program. 

1. Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED (General Education Development) test is required. High school students may apply, but continuation in the program may be contingent upon submission of an official high school transcript verifying graduation.
2. Official transcripts are required from any college or university attended.
3. A grade of “C” or better in one of the following: one full credit of high school level chemistry, CHM 095 , a higher level college chemistry course or PHY 115 .
4. A grade of “C” or better in one of the following: one full credit of high school level anatomy, biology, anatomy & physiology, BIO 101 , BIO 201 , BIO 202 , BIO 211 , or BIO 212 .
5. Completion of the ACT or SAT. 
6. The first attempt, from any institution, of the most recent version of all four components of TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
7. Some programs require observation hours.
8. Some programs require an Ohio Department of Health approved Nurse Assistant Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) completed within two years of the beginning of the first SNHP Program clinical course. 

Applicants should view “My Required Documents” in their student portal for a complete list of requirements.

Selective admissions points are earned as described below. A maximum of 50 points can be earned. A rank ordered list of applicants by point total will be developed. The applicants with the highest number of points will be offered a seat the program.  The applicants with the next highest number of points will be offered a seat as an alternate.

Points are calculated based on the following:

1.  Grade Point Average (GPA)  

A maximum of 20 points can be earned based on the applicants most recent GPA:

A. Applicants who have completed 11 or more college credit hours, as specified below, will be reviewed using their college GPA.  Three of the 11 college credit hours must include a math or science course. The only courses included in the calculation of college GPA are:

Math - the one, most recent, college level math course (MTH 101 or higher) which must be at least three credit hours.

Science - the most recent attempt at BIO 211  and / or BIO 212 .

Humanities or Social Science - the one, most recent, college level humanities or social science course which must be at least three credit hours.

Communication - the most recent attempt at ENG 111 . 

B. If a college GPA is not applicable, the high school GPA on file at Owens Community College will be used. 

2.  TEAS Entrance Assessment

A maximum of 16 points can be earned based on the applicant’s first attempt on the most recent version of TEAS in the areas of Reading, Science, English and Math.

Reading and Science - a maximum of five points can be earned in each area for a total of ten points.

English and Math - a maximum of three points can be earned in each area for a total of six points.

3. ACT or SAT Score

A maximum of eight points can be earned based on the most recent ACT or SAT score.

4. Course Completion

A maximum of eight points can be earned based on the first graded attempt of the following four courses. Points are not earned for grades of “C”.

A minimum of 15 points out of a total of 52 points must be achieved in order to be considered for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Admission. 

Extenuating, documentable situations may prevent a student from beginning a program for which a seat has been accepted. Students may petition the program manager or chair to explore the possibility of securing a seat in a future semester. Contact the program chair for additional information.

Criteria for a tied score:

The following criteria will be used to break a tie in the event of two or more students receiving the same number of points on the selection criteria tally form at the time of selection in the following order:

1. Highest GPA points.
2. Highest TEAS Entrance Assessment points.
3. Most recent ACT Composite score points.
4. Course completion points.

If two students are still tied after the above determinations have been made, a lottery system will be used to determine the selected candidate.

Progression/Completion Requirements

All students entering or enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must achieve a “C” or better in all program and general education courses within the plan of study to progress through the program.  A student who fails to achieve a grade of “C” or better in any course within the plan of study must see the Program Director. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must be completed within three years from the date enrollment in the first program technical course.  

All program courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed. General education courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed or prior, as many program courses have pre-requisites.

The grading scale for the program is:

Readmission

If a student does not successfully complete DMS 101 - Ultrasound Physics I  or  DMS 102 - General Ultrasound I  and requests readmission to their Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program of study, the student may file a Request for Re-evaluation through Ozone and will be reviewed by the program admissions committee with all new students. If a student successfully completes DMS 101 - Ultrasound Physics I  and DMS 102 - General Ultrasound I  and requests readmission for any succeeding semester, the student may file a request for readmission with the Program Director. Upon Successful completion of these courses, a student may only be readmitted once under the academic or non-academic readmission procedure due to age of coursework rules.

Academic Readmission

A student who is dismissed for academic reasons may request readmission. A student must complete the following before being reconsidered:

1. The student must meet with the Program Director to request readmission and develop an approved academic plan which must include:

   1. A grade of “C” or better in all courses that apply to the student’s chosen major.

   2. GPA must be 2.0 or above.

2. After completion of the above, the Program Director will review the request for admission and the student may be readmitted if there is an opening in the program.

   1. Prior to readmission, a student will be required to pass a lab test and competency exam to demonstrate previously learned technical skill.

   2. If applicable, the clinical assignment will be made based on an opening in a clinical institution and their agreement to accept the student.

Non-Academic Readmission

A studentwho leaves a program for reasons other than academic reasons may request readmission. A student must complete the following before being reconsidered:

1. The student must meet with the Program Director to request readmission.

2. The Department Director will review the request for admission and the student may be readmitted if there is an opening in the program.

   1. Prior to readmission, a student will be required to pass a lab test and competency exam to demonstrate previously learned technical skill.

   2. If applicable, the clinical assignment will be made based on an opening in a clinical institution and their agreement to accept the student.

Health Requirements

Documentation of the following must be in the medical imaging office by the deadline date provided.  This deadline is strictly enforced. Getting the necessary testing completed is not enough, students must also submit the documentation to the office to be in compliance.

The following are clinical health requirements for students enrolled in any medical imaging program:

A physical examination yearly – $50

Proof of immunity or exposure to the following communicable diseases:

Rubella, Rubeola (not required if born prior to 1957), and Varicella – $25

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen or Antibody – $40 each

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, no more than three months prior to the beginning of the series, or during the series if the series has been started but not completed.
Hepatitis B Antibody if the series is complete upon entrance to the medical imaging department.

Immunizations:

Tetanus/Diphtheria with a booster required every ten years, date required. – $24

Measles, Mumps, Rubella titre (MMR) – $25 each

Dates of two immunizations after the age of 1 year.  However, if rubella and rubeola titers are positive for immunity, 2 dates are not required.

Hepatitis B, series of 3 immunizations, dates required. –$150 total

Students are responsible to submit the date of each of the 3 immunizations as soon as each dose is administered and to ensure that the series is completed in the proper time frame. There should be no more or no less than 1 month between the first and second injection and no more or no less than 5 months between the second and third injection. Failure to adhere to the required time frame for each immunization may result in additional lab testing, and in some cases, restarting the entire immunization series.

Students who do not receive the series must sign a waiver form, have a Hepatitis Surface Antigen test yearly and submit the results to the medical imaging department.

Tuberculosis Skin Testing:

A Two-Step PPD (Mantoux Test) is required every three years. – $25

One-Step PPD is required each year, in the intervening years. – $15

Date test administered, date read, and result of each step must be submitted. Students are responsible for getting a One-Step PPD annually and submitting the results. A Chest X-Ray is required only if the Mantoux is positive. X-Rays must be done for three consecutive years after the positive test.

10-Panel Drug Screen yearly. – $40

CPR – $80

All students must be certified in CPR either through the American Heart Association (AHA) - Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers or the American Red Cross - certification for Health Science Professionals.

All costs are the responsibility of the student. Failure to comply will result in denied access to the clinical area.

Background Checks Requirements

All students entering any medical imaging program are required to have completed a background check through the Department of Public Safety at Owens Community College. Students will be required to have additional back ground checks throughout their enrollment in the program. Students will be notified when it is time to complete this requirement.

Any student who has a conviction should complete the pre-application review process as the ARDMS indicates below.

Pre-Application Review

The following information comes from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) web site. Please see www.ardms.org for more information.

ARDMS rules indicate that ARDMS may take action against an applicant, candidate, or Registrant in the case of conviction, plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere to any crime. If you are presently charged with, or been convicted or found guilty of or plead nolo contendere to any crime (felony and/or misdemeanor), other than a speeding or parking violation, you may have questions concerning this rule and may wish to obtain clarification as to how it pertains to your circumstances.

ARDMS conducts a “pre-application review”, for a $125 non-refundable fee, for individuals who wish to determine the impact of a previous criminal matter on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. The pre-application review process is recommended for individuals who have not yet applied for examination and are contemplating employment in the field of sonography and/or enrollment in a sonography program. Individuals who have already completed a program and are ready to apply to the ARDMS for examination should simply respond to the questions on the ARDMS examination application relating to criminal matters and provide the requested documentation regarding such matter(s).

The medical imaging department administrator at the clinical affiliates will be contacted regarding a conviction. The clinical affiliate reserves the right to accept or refuse the student. Depending on the results, clinical placement may not be possible, even if the ARDMS clears the student for credentialing purposes.

Technical Standards

Medical imaging is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on those requirements, this list of technical standards has been developed. Each standard has examples of activities that students will be required to perform while enrolled in their medical imaging program. These standards are a part of a technologist’s professional role expectations.  These technical standards should be used to assist students in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. Students who identify potential difficulties with meeting the standards must communicate their concerns to the college counseling/advising staff and department chair. Students have the obligation to identify and document their disabling condition and ask for appropriate adjustments.  Owens Community College makes no pre-admission inquiries concerning an applicant’s disabling condition. Information related to an applicant’s disabilities is not a part of the information reviewed by the admissions committee. For the purpose of the medical imaging programs, a qualified individual with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or modification, meets the selective admissions requirements for their program of study.  Determination is made on an individual basis as to whether or not any accommodations or modifications can be reasonably made. Please contact the department chair with any questions.

- view Technical Standards Chart  

Clinical Experience

This program is offered in cooperation with many area Sonography departments. The use of multiple clinical sites provides equity in clinical education as students have the opportunity to utilize many types of sonographic equipment and to participate in a wide variety of sonographic procedures. Students are required to complete 1,250 hours of clinical education. Students should note that there may be travel requirements of up to 60 miles, possibly more, from the Owens State Community College Toledo-area campus for their clinical site rotations.

- view Clinical Affiliations  

Employment Opportunities

Currently, there is a need for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the community and a great need nationwide. Graduates may work in the areas of Abdominal, Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Sonographers are needed to fill positions in many hospitals and clinics providing patient services around the clock. Although most are employed on a full-time basis, there are many part-time job opportunities available in the Sonography field. The DMS programs at Owens Community College provide students with the skills to successfully qualify for positions in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private Offices
• Veterinary Medicine
• Research
• Commercial Sales
• Mobile
• Clinical Applications

Entry-level graduates, working full-time, can expect to earn $45,000 - $50,000 per year. Additional compensation can be earned if the technologist has on-call responsibilities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Owens Community College maintains an Oserve Office on each campus. Oserve is the place for you to ask questions related to financial aid. Contact: 1-800-GO OWENS ext. 2387 or (567) 661-2387 Email: oserve@owens.edu

Scholarships may be available through professional organizations. Please check the following link for further information:

• The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), www.ardms.org
• The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), www.sdms.org

Transfer Information

Graduates may pursue a bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University and Lourdes College. Meet with an Advisor or the Department Chair for more information.