Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 62 credit-hour program designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and competencies for a career in diagnostic ultrasound. The curriculum is based on the requirements of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Program Goals
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is dedicated to empowering students who aspire to build meaningful careers as diagnostic medical sonographers.
Core Competencies
- Competency Development: Prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor
(skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for:
- Abdominal-extended sonography
- Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
- Accreditation Standards: Meet or exceed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines.
- Exam Preparation: Training to challenge ARDMS exams in Physics, Abdomen, and OB/GYN.
- Skill Acquisition: Practical skills for entry-level positions.
The effectiveness of these goals is assessed through course completion rates, clinical competencies, national certification pass rates, and employment rates.
Program Outcomes
- Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and clinical data.
- Recognize the importance of patient care and comfort.
- Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data for the interpreting physician.
- Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in sonographic services.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior.
- Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound.
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 in the Program of Study.
Application Process & Admission Criteria
The application is available on the BRCC website only during the fall semester. Admission is selective.
Prerequisite Courses
A grade of “C” or better is required in each course.
| Course Code | Course Title / Notes |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1013 | English Composition |
| MATH 1113/1213 | College Algebra |
| BIOL 2213/2211 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab Prereq: BIOL 1033 (C or better) OR ACT composite 22+ & MATH 1213 eligibility |
| BIOL 2223/2221 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture and Lab Prereq: Completion of BIOL 2213/2211 |
| PHYS 1013 | Introduction to Concepts in Physics |
| PSYC 2013 | Introduction to Psychology |
| HLSC 1103 | Medical Terminology |
| PHIL 2253 | Biomedical Ethics |
| Humanities | Any SACS accepted Humanities Course |
| SONO 1011 | Foundations of Sonography |
Focus: SONO 1011 Foundations of Sonography
Course Description
This 1-credit hour lab course introduces students to the profession. Key topics include:
- Role of the Sonographer in clinical settings
- Safety, communication, and workplace expectations
- Ethical, legal, and professional considerations
- Basics of ultrasound equipment and medical terminology
Course Availability
- Spring: 3–4 sections (16 weeks, 2 hours lab/week)
- Summer: 1 section (8 weeks, 4 hours lab/week)
- Fall: 8–9 sections (16 weeks, 2 hours lab/week)
Approval Process
Enrollment requires prior approval from the Program Director upon successful completion of A&P I. The request form opens on the first day of registration for the semester preceding the one in which you plan to take the course.
Resources & Requests
Mandatory Background Check & Drug Screen
Accepted students must submit to a criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen at their own cost. Applicants with certain criminal offenses may be denied the right to take ARDMS certification exams.
Concerned? Review the ARDMS Compliance Predetermination Application or contact the Program Manager at hidalgoc@mybrcc.edu.
Program of Study Curriculum
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ENGL 1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1213 | College Algebra | 3 | |
| PSYC 2013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| BIOL 2213 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 | |
| BIOL 2211 | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 | |
| SONO 1011 | Foundations of Sonography | 1 | |
| Second Semester | BIOL 2223 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIOL 2221 | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 | |
| PHYS 1013 | Introduction to Concepts in Physics | 3 | |
| HLSC 1103 | Medical Terminology | 3 | |
| PHIL 2253 | Biomedical Ethics | 3 | |
| Humanities | General Education Humanities course | 3 | |
| Third Semester | SONO 1102 | Physics and Instrumentation I | 2 |
| SONO 1143 | Ultrasound Learning Lab I | 3 | |
| SONO 1203 | Sonographic Sectional Anatomy | 3 | |
| Fourth Semester | SONO 1122 | Abdominal Ultrasound I | 2 |
| SONO 1161 | Ultrasound Practicum I | 1 | |
| SONO 1182 | Ultrasound OB/GYN I | 2 | |
| SONO 2101 | Physics and Instrumentation II | 1 | |
| Fifth Semester | SONO 2123 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3 |
| SONO 2163 | Ultrasound Practicum II | 3 | |
| SONO 2183 | Ultrasound OB/GYN II | 3 | |
| SONO 2201 | Physics and Instrumentation III | 1 | |
| Sixth Semester | SONO 2302 | Abdominal Ultrasound III | 2 |
| SONO 2403 | Ultrasound Practicum III | 3 | |
| SONO 2502 | Ultrasound OB/GYN III | 2 | |
| SONO 2601 | Comprehensive Seminar | 1 | |
| Total Program Hours: | 62 | ||
| Year | Admitted | Graduated | Registry Exam Pass Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 15 | 15 (100%) | 13/15 (87%) | 13/15 (87%) |
| 2022–23 | 15 | 15 (100%) | 13/15 (87%) | 14/15 (93%) |
| 2021–22 | 15 | 15 (100%) | 13/15 (87%) | 12/15 (80%) |
| 2020–21 | 11 | 10 (91%) | 8/10 (80%) | 9/10 (90%) |
The Baton Rouge Community College Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
6021 University Blvd #500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (443) 973-3251
Website: www.jrcdms.org
9355 - 113th St. North, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Email: mail@caahep.org
Website: www.caahep.org