Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Echocardiography Specialization, A.A.S.

CIP Code: 51.0910
NOVA Code: 1091

Offered through MEC

Purpose: The curriculum prepares students to produce diagnostic images of the heart structures and motion to diagnose cardiovascular changes. The echocardiographer uses special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. The echocardiographer is a central member of the health care team and assists the radiologist in body image interpretation. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, the student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examinations leading to credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS^®).

Admission Requirements: Students must:

• Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Review an online Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session at at www.nvcc.edu/medical/divisions/allied/sonography.html .
• Attend a mandatory DMS Prospective Student Workshop prior to application. Students must bring a copy of the DMS Prospective Student Workshop Form with them to the workshop.
• Complete BIO 141    and BIO 142   with a “B” or higher.
• Complete ENG 111   with a grade of “B” or higher.
• Complete MTH 154    or higher level math with a “B” or higher.
• Complete PHY 101   Introduction to Physics I with a “B” or higher.
• Complete SDV 101  Orientation to Healthcare with a “B” or higher.
• Complete all courses used to satisfy the science requirements within 10 years of the semester in which verification of the DMS admission process is completed.
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Completion Requirements: All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better before taking the next course in the sequence and to satisfy graduation requirements.