Diagnostic Medical Sonography with a Concentration in Abdomen Extended and Obstetrics Gynecology Sonography, Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares the student for an entry-level position as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer for employment in hospitals and other health care agencies. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer produces, evaluates, and correlates ultrasound images and related data. Sonographers provide a summary of their technical findings to the qualified interpreting physician to aid in rendering a medical decision. The curriculum consists of on-campus didactic and lab instruction, as well as off-campus clinical applications at our affiliated health care institutions. The program offers specialty training in abdominal sonography and obstetrical/gynecological sonography. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, graduates are eligible to apply for the national credentialing exams by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the exam offerings of abdominal and Ob/Gyn sonography.

Final acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is contingent upon the results of the required background check.

Program Admissions Requirements

The DMS program application is online and found on the program web page at  http://www.tri-c.edu/sonography  along with comprehensive admissions and program information. Please refer to the website for application timelines.

• GPA calculated using only the Tri-C specific admission course credit hours listed.
• Non-native English speaking applicants:  Admission into Cuyahoga Community College is premised on a complete and accurate initial application to the College, including, if applicable, proof of English Language Proficiency Requirements for admission as indicated on the English Language Proficiency Requirements for Admissions to the College, and available on the web at: http://www.tri-c.edu/get-started/international-students/english-language-proficiency-requirements-for-admission.html.
  To be accepted into any selective admission programs, students must successfully complete English as a Second Language (ESL) course/s, as referenced above, if deemed necessary by the College at the time of enrollment.  Admission is conditioned upon achieving the necessary grade point average (GPA), English language proficiency requirements and any specific pre-requisite courses, and by meeting program accreditation or licensing requirements as evidenced in the Program Handbook for the specific program.

• Complete the following Program Admissions requirements with a “C” grade or higher in each:

¹

 Minimum GPA 3.0 required for BIO-2331 & BIO-2341 (total 8 credits).

²

Requires appropriate score on Biology placement test or grade of "C" or higher in BIO-1100 to enroll in this course.

³

 Minimum GPA 3.0 for DMS-1303, DMS-1320, and DMS-1071 (total 5 credits).

Other Information

• Only a maximum of two repeats to improve from a previous attempt(s) are permitted. Students may repeat one admission course twice OR two admission courses once to improve the GPA. A "W" is counted as an attempt.

• Criminal background check required. Also see General Application Procedures for Health Careers.
• Enrollment in DMS-1320 is by departmental approval only.  Students will receive departmental approval upon successful completion of DMS-1303 and DMS-1071.
• Applicant must submit evidence of good health by fulfilling health requirements of the DMS Program and verification of current CPR certification prior to clinical assignment. Complete information provided during the first semester of the Program.

• Enrollment in DMS-1320 is by departmental approval only. Students will receive departmental approval upon successful completion of DMS-1303 and DMS-1071.

Program Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Exhibit an awareness of continuity of care through effective, empathetic communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Display sensitivity to all aspects of diversity.
3. Seek and accept opportunities for improvement by being a team player that is confident, flexible, and passionate about what they do.
4. Exercise discretion, knowledge, and independent judgment in performing sonographic procedures, accessing medical information systems, and in seeking assistance.
5. Integrate pertinent patient history, supporting clinical data, and data obtained using ultrasound and related diagnostic technologies to provide a summary of findings to the physician.
6. Become a credentialed sonographer that continually educates oneself in sonography and in issues affecting the healthcare industry in recognition of the value of other modalities and professions.

Suggested Semester Sequence

¹

Requires appropriate placement score on Biology placement test or grade of "C" or higher in BIO-1100 to enroll in this course.

²

MATH-1240 Contemporary Mathematics taken before Fall 2024 will be accepted in place of MATH-1410 Elementary Probability and Statistics I to meet the math requirement for this program.

³

 MA-1020 Medical Terminology I will be accepted in place of MA-1010 Introduction to Medical Terminology.

⁴

 PHIL-2050 Bioethics will be accepted in lieu of HTEC-1110 Ethics for Health Care Professionals.

Electives

Technical Electives

Select from the following courses to fulfill DMS elective option:

MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement.  These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016.  Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.