Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.A.S.

CIP Code: 51.0910
NOVA Code: 1090 

Offered through MEC

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare students to produce diagnostic images of the human body using special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into different anatomic structures in a patient’s body. The sonographer is a central member of the healthcare team and assists the radiologist in gathering diagnostic data for interpretation. NOVA’s program emphasizes didactic and “hands-on” practice of sonographic techniques in a well-equipped scanning laboratory at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield, Virginia. Clinical experience is acquired at numerous area hospitals and private medical affiliates.

Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program learn to perform an ultrasound of the Abdomen and Small Parts as well as Obstetric and Gynecologic sonography. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, the student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examination(s) leading to credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS^®).

Transfer Information: Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

Admission Requirements: Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive. Applicants must do the following:

• Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Review an online Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session https://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 Human Anatomy and Physiology I  and BIO 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology II  with a “B” or higher and completed within 5 years of application.
• Complete ENG 111 College Composition I  with a grade of “B” or higher.
• Complete MTH 154 Quantitative Reasoning  or higher level math with a “B” or higher.
• Complete PHY 101   Introduction to Physics I with a “B” or higher and completed within 5 years of application.
• Complete SDV 101  Orientation to Healthcare with a “B” or higher.
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

Special Program Requirements: The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) applicants, candidates, and registrants are required to report their involvement in any incident that constitutes a violation of ARDMS discipline policies. First-time applicants must disclose information regarding all previous violations of ARDMS discipline policies to the ARDMS with their initial application for examination. Upon disclosing a violation of ARDMS discipline policies, all ARDMS applicants, candidates, and registrants are required to submit official documentation from the presiding court system or disciplinary body. Individuals must provide documentation that either verifies that all sentencing requirements were completed in full, or a letter from the presiding court system/disciplinary body verifying that this case is closed and all of the requirements have been satisfied.

AARDMS conducts a “pre-application review” for individuals who wish to determine the impact of a previous violation of ARDMS discipline policies on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. The Pre-Application Review Process is recommended for individuals who are not yet ready to apply for an examination. Individuals may obtain additional information regarding the pre-application process along with the appropriate forms by visiting www.ardms.org.

Special Accreditation Status: The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program maintains their status of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

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.