DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY

Associate of Applied Science

Start Date

September 3, 2024

More Start Dates
Length

24 Months

Schedule
The schedule for this program is based on a 15-week semester. The daily schedule and weekly hours will vary each semester based on the required lecture, lab, and clinical hours.

Daily schedule varies

Financial Assistance
Other financial assistance may be available for this program (scholarships, training grants, payment plans, etc.). Please contact our financial aid department to learn more.

YES

Deadline to Apply

May 31, 2024

Start Date

September 3, 2024

More Start Dates
Length

24 Months

Schedule
The schedule for this program is based on a 15-week semester. The daily schedule and weekly hours will vary each semester based on the required lecture, lab, and clinical hours.

Daily schedule varies

Financial Assistance
Other financial assistance may be available for this program (scholarships, training grants, payment plans, etc.). Please contact our financial aid department to learn more.

YES

Deadline to Apply

May 31, 2024

Technical and Health Standards for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Certain physical, mental, and emotional capabilities are required in order to successfully complete the clinical phase of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program and to gain employment as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Technical Standards

Prospective DMS students must possess sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to:

  • Stand and walk for 85% of work time.
  • Reach at or above shoulder level intermittently for 90% of work time.
  • Maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.
  • Lift up to 45 lbs. unassisted.
  • Transport, move, and/or lift patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to ultrasound table or patient bed, and physically assist patients into proper positions for examination.
  • Move, adjust and manipulate a variety of ultrasound equipment weighing up to 500 lbs. (on wheels) to other areas of a facility in order to perform studies according to established standards.

Prospective DMS students must:

  • Possess sufficient strength, finger dexterity and flexion to perform finite motor skills.
  • Possess sufficient eye/hand coordination skills related to performance of sonographic examinations.
  • Be able to perform basic mathematical problems without using a calculator.
  • Be able to use senses (vision, hearing, smell and touch) to recognize changes in a patient’s condition and needs.
  • Demonstrate color acuity.
  • Be able to hear, understand and react quickly to verbal instructions and patient needs, including but not exclusive to hearing codes, alarms and patient calls.
  • Be able to work in a semi-darkened room for prolonged periods of time.
  • Be able to take timed tests.

Health Standards

Prospective DMS students must be able to consistently demonstrate emotional, mental and physical health in order to:

  • Meet the demands of the position including handling stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
  • Provide physical and emotional support to the patient during sonographic procedures and be able to respond to situations requiring basic first aid, patient care, and emergency care of the patient in the absence of, or until the physician arrives.
  • Follow directions effectively and work closely with members of the health care community.
  • Carry out all assigned duties.
  • Be able to communicate both verbally and non-verbally in an effective manner with staff, patients and physicians, in order to explain procedures, give instructions and obtain information.
  • Perform sonographic examinations and procedures according to established standards.
  • Be able to view recorded images for the purpose of identifying proper protocol, procedural sequencing, technical qualities and identification of pathophysiology.
  • Be able to discriminate between blacks, grays, and whites, and various color combinations that indicate blood flow on both display devices and recorded images (film and paper).

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to this program. Candidates who indicate that they cannot meet one or more of the expectations will be reviewed further by the Admissions Committee and Program Director to determine if reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the program and preparation for the national certification exam 

Visit Our Campus

Take the first step in achieving your career goals by visiting the AIMS campus. During your school visit you'll get to meet one-on-one with an admissions specialist. They'll help you choose the right career path and answer any questions you have. You'll also get the chance to tour the AIMS campus, including all of our classrooms, medical labs, and student facilities.