- Duration: 18 months (5 semesters), available as an associate degree or advanced technical certificate.
- Cost: Tuition ranges from approximately $7,847 for Dallas County residents to $17,662 for out-of-state students.
- Format: Classes held during weekdays; clinical training offered at affiliated healthcare sites in the Dallas area.
Program Summary
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Dallas College, based at the El Centro campus, provides comprehensive training in sonography, covering essential skills like imaging internal organs, performing diagnostic exams, and using high-frequency sound waves to aid medical diagnosis. The program offers two tracks: an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree requiring 65 credit hours and an Advanced Technical Certificate for those with a relevant healthcare degree. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), graduates are eligible to sit for ARDMS registry exams, leading to the RDMS credential with specialties in abdominal, obstetrics, and vascular imaging.
Curriculum Overview
The program spans five semesters, with the first semester starting in June each year. Coursework includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical rotations. Topics covered range from basic ultrasound physics and anatomy to advanced imaging techniques and pathophysiology. Clinical rotations provide practical experience across various settings, including hospitals and specialized healthcare facilities, ensuring students develop both technical and patient care skills.
Class Schedule
Classes occur Monday through Friday during standard daytime hours, with clinical hours varying by site. Clinical hours generally follow an 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule, though students should expect occasional evening or weekend shifts. Each semester includes a mix of academic coursework, practical labs, and clinical practice.
Prerequisites
To be eligible for application, students must complete the following courses:
- ENGL 1301 – Composition I
- BIOL 2401 – Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIOL 2402 – Anatomy & Physiology II
- MATH 1314 – College Algebra
- SCIT 1420 – Physics for Allied Health or PHYS 1401 – College Physics I
- DMSO 1110 – Introduction to Sonography
All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and biology and physics courses must be taken within five years of program entry.
Application Process
Admission is competitive and based on a point system that evaluates grades in prerequisite courses, scores on the HESI A2 exam, and an Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) to gauge skills such as visualization, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Applicants must submit transcripts, a physical exam, and immunization records. The filing period opens annually from October to December for the following June start date.
Clinical Training Requirements
Students will engage in clinical training that requires the ability to care for sick patients, lift and move patients, and operate equipment in low-light settings. Clinical rotations take place in various healthcare facilities, and students are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Clinical settings may vary, requiring students to adapt to different locations and patient demographics.
Estimated Costs
In addition to tuition, estimated expenses include uniforms, equipment, textbooks, and exam fees. Dallas County residents pay approximately $7,847, with additional fees for background checks, immunizations, and CPR certification. Out-of-state students pay about $17,662. Financial aid and payment plans are available, but students are encouraged to apply for aid early.
Advanced Technical Certificate
The Advanced Technical Certificate is available to individuals with prior healthcare degrees. This 42-credit-hour track covers similar content as the associate degree but is condensed for professionals with existing credentials and experience in healthcare. Additional prerequisites for this track include coursework in human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
Why Dallas College?
Dallas College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program provides a well-rounded education with a mix of classroom learning and extensive clinical experience, backed by CAAHEP accreditation. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the RDMS exams and enter the workforce in a high-demand field. However, the program’s intensive schedule and clinical requirements may be challenging for students with other commitments. For students ready to commit to a rigorous, hands-on training experience, this program offers solid preparation for a career in sonography.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Dallas County Resident: $7,847; Out of County: $12,400; Out of State: $17,662 |
| Program Duration | 18 months (5 semesters) |
| Class Schedules | Monday-Friday, daytime hours |
| Classes Offered | Diagnostic Medical Sonography with an Associate Degree or Advanced Technical Certificate |
| Admission Requirements | Completion of prerequisites with a minimum 3.0 GPA, HESI A2 exam, USA assessment, official transcripts |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | Yes, affiliated with local hospitals and healthcare facilities |
| Financial Aid Options | Available; includes payment plans and possible financial aid options |
| Location | 301 North Market Street, Dallas, TX 75202 |
| Phone | 972-860-5303 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | Dallas College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program |
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