Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Requirements

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in all credit hours to be used towards the degree.
• Complete the coursework listed below.

Program Outcomes

• Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
• Recognize the importance of patient care and comfort.
• Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in the performance of sonographic and other diagnostic services.
• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior.
• Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures.

Program Goals

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is dedicated to empowering students who aspire to build meaningful careers as diagnostic medical sonographers. We strive to provide an enriching environment that encompasses clinical, laboratory, and classroom experiences, enabling students to rise to the challenges and high standards of the diagnostic medical ultrasound profession and achieve registration as diagnostic medical sonographers.

The goals of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are as follows:

• Competency Development: Prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, with demonstrated proficiency in the abdominal-extended and obstetrics/gynecology sonography concentrations, as defined by the JRC-DMS Competency Standards.
• Accreditation Standards: Meet or exceed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for accreditation through continuous quality improvement and programmatic self-assessment.
• Exam Preparation: Provide comprehensive didactic and clinical training that prepares students to successfully challenge the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exams in Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen, and OB/GYN.
• Skill Acquisition: Deliver the requisite knowledge, practical skills, and general education necessary for students to perform sonography effectively and efficiently, thereby preparing students for entry-level positions in the diagnostic sonography field.
• Student Retention: Promote student retention and academic success through proactive advising, mentoring, remediation strategies, and learning support services.
• Lifelong Learning: Foster a commitment to lifelong learning, continuing education, and active engagement in professional societies and credential maintenance.
• Community Needs: Respond to workforce needs by aligning program capacity and graduate outcomes with regional healthcare demands for qualified diagnostic medical sonographers.
• Graduate Employment: Contribute to graduate job placement within three to six months of graduation.

The effectiveness of these goals is assessed through various student outcomes, including course completion rates, clinical competencies, overall program completion, national certification pass rates, employment rates, and feedback from graduate and employer satisfaction surveys.

Application Process

The application for admission to the Sonography Program is available on the BRCC website once a year—ONLY during the fall semester. A selective admissions process is used to choose candidates for enrollment. Completing the prerequisites does not guarantee admission.

Admitted students will receive additional instructions regarding program requirements (e.g., personal health history, physical examination, TB skin test, various immunizations including full Covid-19 vaccination and booster, urine drug screen, and CPR certification). Costs for these requirements are incurred by the student.

Admission Criteria

The following courses are prerequisites for the Sonography program. A grade of “C” or better is required in each course.

Prerequisite Courses & Credit Hours:

Program Presentation

SONO 2025 Advising Packet

SONO 1011 Foundation of Sonography FAQ

Course Registration Request for Foundation 1011

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