Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is for the traditional student preparing for the diagnostic medical sonographer role. The sonographer performs diagnostic examinations and assists physicians in the performance of special sonographic procedures. Sonographic examinations are performed in a variety of settings, including sonographic rooms, patient rooms, emergency rooms, surgery, and critical care units. The sonographer is responsible for operating diagnostic equipment, preparing contrast materials, positioning the patient to produce the proper image, caring for the patient during the examination, and evaluating the quality of resulting images. Sonographers are employed by hospitals, medical centers, physicians’ offices, clinics, and other care centers. The DMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) in Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vascular, and Cardiac specialties.

Students begin with a major of pre-diagnostic medical sonography before applying to the program. Three semesters of study as a pre-major provides the prerequisite courses needed to enter the professional study program. Students accepted into the program begin professional coursework during the spring semester of their second year. Students select one of two specialty options: General Sonography + Echocardiography or General Sonography + Vascular. Graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing examinations organized by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

To obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in DMS, students must follow a prescribed sequence of academic and clinical courses including Core 39. Core 39 and DMS didactic courses are taught on campus. Clinical courses are conducted at regional healthcare centers. All courses are scheduled during daytime hours (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Clinical sites will be located within 75 miles of Evansville.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be accepted for admission to the University before being admitted to the DMS program. A separate application must be submitted for admission to the program. Program application forms may be obtained on the program’s website. Completed applications must be received by September 15 of the requested academic admission year.

A copy of all college/university transcripts must be submitted with the application, if not already on file with the University. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on academic and other professional related qualifications. Additional information related to the admission process is available on the program’s website. Preferred applicant qualifications include:

a postsecondary prerequisite course grade point average of 3.0 or above (4.0 scale); and
completion of the required pre-imaging science courses.

All qualified applicants are interviewed by the DMS Admissions Committee, which consists of program faculty and clinical instructors. All interviews are confidential, private, and scheduled by appointment. The committee’s decision is conveyed by letter within 2 weeks following the completion of interviews.

Students meeting academic requirements must be able to perform essential functions of the program, capable of fulfilling clinical practice requirements, and eligible for sonography certification exams.

Programs

Bachelor of Science