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Sonography

Associate in Applied Science

Program Overview

Student's hands working in the networking lab.


If you like to work with people, critically think to solve problems and enjoy new challenges, Diagnostic Medical Sonography might be a good career for you. Choose the path that's right for you. 

Sonographers use their background in anatomy and physiology, pathology and ultrasound physics to obtain quality images for physician interpretation. Professional responsibilities include talking with patients to identify symptoms, obtaining diagnostic sonographic images, analyzing images and patient information, using independent judgment in recognizing the need to make adjustments to the sonogram, and providing oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for interpretation and diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Delta College is five semesters, or 20 months in length. It is a full-time program including classes, labs and two six-month hands-on clinical experiences. Travel is required for clinical experience.

Students are eligible to take boards for RDMS certification 60 days prior to graduation. Students are eligible to complete the physics certifying exam after successful completion of courses DMS 105 and DMS 115, after the third semester of the program, but prior to program completion. Certification will be awarded after the student has officially completed the program.

Professional licensure

National certification through the ARDMS, good in all states.

Be successful. Develop these skills.

  • Compassion
  • Attention to details
  • Dexterity
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Physical stamina
  • Organization
  • Problem solving
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Healthcare ethics
  • Operative procedures
  • Medical terminology
  • Medical imaging
  • Patient care and management
Accreditation

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Program application process

Getting your degree in the health field is unique compared to other programs. You must first take your prerequisite core courses and then apply for validation.

What's validation?
The Program Coordinator reviews your application packet and validates your prerequisite courses and requirements to confirm you are eligible to begin the clinical portion of your program.

Success tips

  • Declare the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
  • Meet with your advisor regularly. Stay on track with what you need to do to apply.
  • Apply for validation with Program Coordinator, Kim Boldt, once you've started your final semester of prerequisite courses. You can begin requirements for your application anytime, so don't delay!
  • Stay connected for important updates from Delta!
Program admission criteria

Only students who are validated may attempt to register for DMS courses.

Validation includes:

  1. Meeting with Program Coordinator
  2. Submission of the DMS Program Student Application Packet including:
    • two professional letters of reference documenting your employability skills
  3. English competency of reading 81 and writing 76 on Accuplacer
  4. Meet admission requirements under Option A or Option B

Option A

  • Graduate of an accredited Allied Health Program meeting the program prerequisites either through transfer or waiver.
  • If necessary, completion of college level physics, PHY 101 or PHY 111 with a “B” (3.0) or better. Medical Radiography Physics will meet this requirement.

Option B

  • Completion of prerequisite courses BIO 140W or BIO 152W and BIO 153W, HSC 105, MTH 122W,  PHY 101 or PHY 111, any approved College Composition I course, ENG 113, COM 114W with a “B” (3.0) minimum grade
  • Students may have no more than a total of two repeats in the prerequisite courses for validation.
  • Completion of BIO 140W and HSC 105 (or equivalents) within the past five (5) years.
Program effectiveness data

We think it's important to know how we're doing so we can continually improve our programs – collegewide. We work really hard to give our students the best possible education. So, we annually evaluate and show you what we find out. We're happy to share results of the most recent three-year time period. 

Student retention

Total number of graduates, total number of students enrolled

Cohort number Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 3-year average retention rate
Cohort 1 2021 2022

14 enrolled
7 graduated
50% retention

2021
14 enrolled

9 graduated
57% retention

2020

14 enrolled
8 graduated
64% retention

57%
Job placement

Total number of graduates employed in six months, total number of graduates

Cohort number Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 3-year retention average job placement rate
Cohort 1 2021 2022
7 employed
7 graduated
100% job placement
2021
8 employed
8 graduated
100% job placement
2020
9 employed
9 graduated
100% job placement
100%
Test takers rate

Total number of test takers, total number of graduates

Cohort number Concentration 2022
Abdomen-Extended

5 test takers
7 graduated
71% 

1 Obstetrics and Gynecology 7 test takers
7 graduated
100% 
Credential success rate

Total number of graduates successfully earning credential, total number of test takers

Cohort & concentration Credentialing exam Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 3-year average success rate
1 AB RDMS (AB) 2022
4 earners
5 takers
80%
2021
7 earners
8 takers
88%
2020
8 earners
9 takers
89%
85%
1 OB/GYN RDMS (OB/GYN) 2022
7 earners
7 takers
100%
2021
8 earners
8 takers
100%
2020
8 earners
8 takers
100%
100%
Program goals
  • To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended concentration.
  • To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the obstetrics and gynecology concentration.
Technical standards

Motor

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (several hours)
  • Ability to lift and/or support up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to push heavy equipment up to 300 lbs and safely transfer and position patients weighing up to 250 lbs
  • Mobility to move freely around the imaging department and ultrasound room, as well as other areas of the hospital such as surgery and patient rooms
  • Ability and manual dexterity to frequently reach and handle equipment for imaging purposes
  • Ability to reach up to 6 ft. off the floor
  • Ability to assume varied postural positions (bending, kneeling, stretching) to work with equipment and patients
  • Must have dexterity to manipulate the transducer and control panel simultaneously (with thumb/hand/wrist/arm/hand movements)
  • Strong hand/eye coordination
  • Ability to write legible English in a style that is readable
  • Motor ability to act quickly in emergency situations
  • Dexterity to work in a sterile environment, prepare sterile fields and fill sterile syringes
  • Ability to think in 3-dimension while using a 2-dimensional imaging modality

Sensory/Mobility

  • Ability to discern small differences between shades of gray in order to acquire and fully interpret an ultrasound image
  • Distinguish between the colors red, yellow, blue and green in order to accurately interpret color Doppler
  • Ability to hear patients when at a distance of 10-15 feet
  • Ability to read and comprehend written orders in English
  • Ability to see in very dim light

Communication

  • Possess verbal and written skills to communicate effectively in English with patients and other healthcare professionals
  • Ability to elicit information and assess non-verbal information

Cognitive

  • Ability to read and comprehend relevant information in textbooks, medical records and professional literature
  • Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize in the context of the sonography profession and to make critical thinking decisions, hypotheses and conclusions
  • Ability to retain and apply information
  • Ability to organize and accurately perform individual steps in a sonographic procedure in proper sequence and time frame
  • Ability to apply knowledge to sonographic imaging and problem solve clinical scenarios
  • Use cognitive skills to identify, record and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological and diagnostic information and images

Behavioral/Social/Emotional

  • Must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities, exercise of good judgment and prompt completion of all responsibilities as relate the sonographic imaging field
  • Ability to function under all circumstances including highly stressful and/or fast-paced environments
  • Ability to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways
  • Ability to show empathy, compassion, and concern for others
  • Ability to remain calm and focused during performance of sonographic exams, including competency evaluation performance
  • Demonstrate integrity, honesty and professionalism in all matters with peers, faculty, staff and patients
  • Demonstrate accountability, problem solving, sound judgment and listening skills at all times
  • Ability to maintain confidences according to professional and legal (HIPPA) standards
  • Comply with the Sonographer Code of Ethics, Clinical Practice Standards and Scope of Practice. Visit the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography for more information. 

Delta is committed to ensuring that otherwise qualified students with disabilities are given equal access through reasonable accommodations to its services, programs and activities for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are required to perform all essential functions of the program with or without reasonable accommodation. We will work with the student and disability office to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations. While Delta will make every effort to work with our students with disabilities to accommodate their disability-related needs, it is important to note we are not required to provide requested accommodation that would fundamentally alter the essential functions or technical standards of the program. Students can contact Disability Resources at 686-9794 or disabilityresources@delta.edu.

Related Programs

Sonography – Dual Associate with General Management

In addition to the Sonography associate degree, Delta also offers a dual degree with General Management. With this program, you have the opportunity to earn a second associate degree in General Management at the same time as your sonography associate's degree. It's a great way to get that business background and increase earning potential.

SEE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Sonography – Advanced Certificate

Delta also offers an advanced certificate if you already have an associate's degree in a healthcare field other than sonography. It’s a great way to make a career change in a short amount of time. 

See program requirements

Explore all programs

Delta College offers over 140 degree, certificate and training options. Whatever your path, when you leave here, you’ll be ready.  

Explore all programs

Option 1: Transfer opportunities

One of the very best things about Delta College is your ability to start here and go anywhere. And, in the process, save thousands (and thousands) of dollars. It's a smart choice!

In fact, if you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree, you have several options by coming to Delta first, and then transferring. Delta has signed transfer agreements to continue your studies with:

  • Davenport University - Applied Business
  • Ferris State University - Allied Health Sciences
  • Siena Heights University - BAS Health Care Management

Option 2: MIWorkforce Pathways

Transfer your applied workforce degree in Healthcare to the following universities:

Alma College
Baker College
Davenport University
Grand Valley State University
Northwood University
Rochester University
Saginaw Valley State University
Siena Heights University
Walsh College

Visit transfer agreements and guides to see the whole list of transfer opportunities. Have questions? Make an appointment with academic advising to discuss your dreams.

Facts & Figures

Half the cost

High income potential.

100 percent

100% of recent grads are employed.