2019 - 2020 Catalog
Program: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Degree Plan: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Advanced Technical Certificate

Note: This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcccd.edu/hb1508.

(Advanced Technical Certificate)

• Students pursuing this award program are required to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards and course prerequisites.
• Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by the college awarding the degree.

Degree Plan Code: ATC.DM.SONO.11

The Diagnostic Medial Sonography Certificate Option is for students having at least a previous Associate Degree in a designated allied health field or a B.S. degree with a major in a science discipline. Potential students will be considered on an individual basis to determine if they have an adequate background in anatomy and physiology, math and physics. Upon completion, an Advanced Technical Certificate will be awarded.

The diagnostic medical sonographer performs sonography examinations using high-frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissue structures including the gall bladder, kidneys, pregnant uterus, and other organs as requested by the physician.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, 25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; Phone: 727-210-2350; Fax: 727-210-2354), the Joint Review Commission on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS, 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043; Phone: 443-973-3251; Fax: 866-738-3444) and in cooperation with the JRC-DMS.

Admission requirements include an information session, satisfactory scores on pre-entrance assessment testing, rank ordering by grade point, interviews and recommendation letters, and completion of all requirements for admission as a full-time student to the college. Contact the Assessment Center at El Centro College to sign up for the assessment test and Health Occupations Admissions to receive and information packet.

PREREQUISITES

Certificate applicants must complete the three common-learning courses below and must have documented completion of coursework through Prior Learning Assessments in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology or an Associate's degree in a related field through an accredited program and current credentials prior to application to the program.

NOTE: The Specialized Imaging Core Curriculum must be completed, and the student must be accepted to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program before progressing to the DMSO/DSVT courses below.

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four year institution of their choice.