Accelerated Ultrasound Tech Programs in Dallas

Dallas College offers an accelerated Diagnostic Medical Sonography program designed to quickly prepare students for a career as ultrasound technicians. With a structured 18-month curriculum, this program is ideal for students seeking an intensive yet comprehensive education path in sonography.

Program Highlights

• Accelerated Format: The program spans five semesters, allowing students to complete their training in around 18 months, faster than many traditional programs.
• Extensive Clinical Training: Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations, which are integrated into the curriculum to build hands-on skills essential for real-world success.
• Accredited Curriculum: Dallas College’s program meets the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), preparing graduates for certification exams by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Learning and Curriculum Overview

Dallas College’s sonography program combines classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical training. The curriculum includes foundational subjects such as ultrasound physics, anatomy and physiology, and more specialized areas like abdominal and pelvic sonography, and obstetrics/gynecology imaging. In clinical practice, students gain familiarity with professional ultrasound equipment and diagnostic techniques, learning how to interpret and capture detailed images of organs, soft tissues, and blood flow to assist physicians in patient care.

Courses are taught during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, to ensure students are immersed in the field and developing skills alongside academic learning. This practical training ensures that graduates are ready for entry-level sonography roles upon program completion.

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Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

To apply, applicants must meet Dallas College’s general admission requirements and have completed certain prerequisite courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• College Algebra
• Physics for Allied Health
• Introduction to Sonography

A minimum GPA of 3.0 in these courses is typically required, as the program is highly competitive. Prospective students also need to score at least 70% on the HESI A2 exam, and complete the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) test.

Admission is limited, with only 14 students selected each year, so applicants are encouraged to review all program requirements carefully and meet with an advisor if needed.

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Program Costs and Duration

For Dallas County residents, the program costs approximately $7,847; for out-of-county students, $12,400; and for out-of-state students, $17,662. This cost covers tuition, textbooks, and additional fees related to clinical practice. Additional expenses, such as uniforms and required immunizations, may apply.

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Career Preparation

Graduates of Dallas College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are prepared to take registry exams, allowing them to earn credentials in abdominal and obstetrics/gynecology sonography. This credentialing opens up various career opportunities in settings such as hospitals, diagnostic centers, and specialty clinics.

With a focus on both academic knowledge and practical skills, the Dallas College program enables students to enter the workforce quickly, well-prepared for the demands of diagnostic medical sonography.

The Adult Echocardiography Program at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital offers an accelerated pathway for individuals interested in a career as a cardiac sonographer. This 52-week certificate program equips students with practical skills through hands-on clinical training and classroom learning.

Program Highlights

• Accelerated Training: Complete comprehensive training in one year, allowing for quicker entry into the healthcare field.
• Hands-On Learning: Benefit from direct clinical experience and a 1:1 instructor-student ratio in real-world settings.
• Accredited Curriculum: The program is CAAHEP accredited, ensuring a quality education that meets industry standards.

Course Structure and Learning Approach

This program combines didactic coursework, lab sessions, and clinical externships. The curriculum is organized over three semesters, each focusing on a foundational level of echocardiography knowledge. In the first semester, students focus on anatomy and the basics of echocardiography, including essential skills in cardiac imaging and lab practices. The second semester deepens into complex cardiovascular conditions and introduces Doppler imaging techniques, while the final semester includes advanced studies in pathophysiology and prepares students for national certification exams.

Clinical Training and Facilities

Students gain extensive hands-on training across Baylor Scott & White’s network, benefiting from a range of high-tech facilities and equipment. This structured clinical approach includes supervised scanning in labs and real-world patient interactions. The program’s 1:1 student-to-instructor ratio in clinical settings ensures personalized guidance, which is critical for mastering echocardiography techniques.

Program Cost and Included Resources

The tuition for the program is $22,000, with an additional $100 non-refundable application fee. This fee covers textbooks, lab fees, and use of a Baylor Scott & White-issued laptop, returned upon graduation. Students also receive scrubs and a backpack, and, upon graduation, the program covers the fee for a national credentialing exam, either through CCI or ARDMS.

Prerequisites

• Age: 18 or older.
• Education: Minimum of an associate’s degree, with preference given to bachelor’s degrees.
• Coursework: At least 8 credit hours in Anatomy and Physiology, completed within the last six years.
• Health Requirements: Current immunizations, TB test, and COVID-19 vaccination.

Application Process and Admissions

The program is competitive, with limited seats available each year. The application process involves submitting an application, fee, academic transcripts, resume, references, and a personal essay on career motivations. Admissions requirements also include a Basic Life Support certification and a background check.

Career Outlook

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for national certification and entry-level positions as cardiac sonographers. With a job placement rate near 100% and a projected 14% job growth for cardiac sonographers, this accelerated program provides a direct route into a promising healthcare career.