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Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.A.S. - Associate in Applied Science Degree
Program Requirements:
Admission Type:
Health Sciences
Health Science Admissions
Locations:
Contact:
Limited Access Program Admissions
(843) 347-5221
The technological advancement of diagnostic sonography has been incredibly beneficial for the medical field. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use sound waves at high frequencies to produce high-resolution images for physicians to visualize the body’s internal organs, muscles, and joints, providing more accuracy when determining a patient's condition and course of treatment. One of the more popular uses of this technology is obstetric sonography, which allows doctors, along with expectant parents, to see the fetus as it develops and to monitor for abnormalities or health complications in the developing child. Students completing the program are eligible to take the ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) registry exams in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. See the program mission below.
Admissions Information
Specific Admission Requirements for Program
This is a Top Qualified program with a limited number of available seats. It has additional requirements beyond those of HGTC’s General Admission policy. Every applicant will be reviewed on a weighted application, but all will not be selected. Detailed information is shown below.
Getting Started with Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Step 1
Apply to HGTC by filling out the Admission Application.
Step 2
Submit additional required documentation.
- Official high school transcript or G.E.D.
- Official college transcript(s)
- Affidavit Acknowledgement Form (found in myHGTC, Health Sciences Resource card)
- TEAS** scores, no older than two (2) years from date of testing. Students may retest every 30 days.
Step 3
Begin working on requirements listed below in Phase I (Pre-program). You may select Phase I Option A or Phase I Option B, but you must fully complete one option shown below before advancing to Step 4. It is recommended to consult with your advisor to determine which option is best for you.
Phase I (Pre-program) Options - choose only one option
Phase I (Pre-program) Option A:
Option A is the choice for students wanting to apply to the program before completing all nine (9) Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Education Courses.
Student must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible to apply for Phase II:
- Completion of five (5) Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Education courses, specifically ENG 101, ◊BIO 210, ◊AHS 110, ◊MAT 101, PHY 118 with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and a minimum grade of “C” for the five courses mentioned above.
- TEAS** score of 65 or above – valid for 2 years from date of testing.
Phase I (Pre-program) Option B:
Option B is the choice for students wanting to apply to the program after completion of all nine (9) Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Education Courses.
Student must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Phase II:
- Completion of ENG 101, ◊BIO 210, ◊BIO 211, ◊AHS 102, ◊AHS 110, ◊MAT 101, PHY 118, PSY 201, and a Humanities with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and a minimum grade of “C” for the nine courses mentioned above.
- TEAS** score of 65 or above - valid for 2 years from date of testing.
*Nine (9) Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Education Courses: ENG 101, ◊BIO 210, ◊BIO 211, ◊AHS 102, ◊AHS 110, ◊MAT 101, PHY 118, PSY 201, and a Humanities
◊BIO courses (BIO 210, 211) and AHS courses (AHS 102, 110) must be completed within a 5-year time limit at HGTC or within a 10-year time limit if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. ◊MAT has a 10-year time limit.
** Further information about the TEAS test, including instructions for registering for the TEAS and links to study material may be found on the Health Science Resources card in your myHGTC portal.
NOTE: Any student who applies under Phase I (Pre-program) Option A, must still complete all nine (9) Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Education* courses in conjunction with the DMS courses before graduating from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
Step 4
Submit the Program Application (found in myHGTC, Health Sciences Resource card.) Applications are due by May 15.
Step 5
If selected for a seat in Phase II (Clinical Program), you will receive an official acceptance letter from Admissions, along with clinical requirements instructions from HGTC-clinical@hgtc.edu. Some requirements are time sensitive, so you should not begin any requirements until contacted.
Clinical requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Completion and passing of a ***criminal background check (CBC) and a ***14-panel drug screen (UDS)
- General Hospital Orientation Care Learning Passport Transcript
- Proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Certification through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross
- Completion of the 4-page HGTC Health Physical
- Tuberculosis Screening (2-Step PPD: two TB skin tests) or a QuantiFERON-TB Gold Blood Assay (QFT)
- Submission of specific immunizations (Flu, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, and recommended Hepatitis B and COVID)
- Submit $125 deposit to hold your seat
***Only background checks and drug screens completed through the College's designated agency will be accepted.
Step 6
Attend program orientation
Step 7
Welcome to the program! Begin Phase II (Clinical Program)
Phase II (Clinical Program)
Phase II is when you will begin diagnostic medical sonography classes, labs and clinical rotations. It is required to attend a program orientation prior to the start of the program where you will receive further information from the department.
Course Sequence and Progression Requirements
A minimum grade of "C" or better is required for all program courses for progression and graduation. Grades below "C" are considered course failures. Students must pass a criminal background check and urine drug screening 30 days prior to starting clinical each semester. Any student who fails to meet the requirements for progression will be dropped from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and must apply for reacceptance. For further information regarding re-acceptance, see the DMS Student Handbook.
Student Resources
- Cost of Attendance
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Specific Cost
- DMS Student Handbook
- Technical Standards for Sonographers
- STEPS Session
Forms
For more information, contact:
Caryn Atkins - (843) 477-2181
For more information about Health Science Admissions visit: www.hgtc.edu/healthscience.
Accreditation Status
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775, 727-210-2350.
For more information about HGTC's accreditations, click here.
Program Mission, Goals & Outcomes
Program Mission Statement
The Medical Imaging Sciences Programs of Horry-Georgetown Technical College will provide a student - centered environment for the development of professional attributes, technical abilities, and critical thinking skills expected of entry-level Sonographers. The graduate of the program will have acquired the knowledge, skills and professional experiences necessary for success in achieving their career and educational goals and will work as effective Sonographers in their local communities.
Program Goals
The program will prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for Abdominal sonography - Extended and Obstetrics and gynecology sonography through the following goals:
- Students will be clinically competent.
- Students will communicate effectively.
- Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Program promotes professional behaviors and lifelong learning.
- The program will effectively meet the needs of the community for entry level Sonographers.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate competency in command of the transducer
- Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and record specific anatomy and pathology.
- Students will demonstrate applicable patient care methods.
- Students will demonstrate effective written communication.
- Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
- Students will demonstrate appropriate analytical and evaluative abilities in the clinical setting.
- Students will modify ultrasound procedure according to patient conditions
- Student will demonstrate professional behavior in Health Care Team.
Program Effectiveness
View Program Effectiveness Data
Program Disclosure Statement
Applicants to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program should be aware a current, unrestricted license or certification may be required to practice in the state in which you intend to reside/practice. Each state is unique in its licensure requirements. Students are encouraged to reach out to the program chair for more information and assistance with understanding professional licensure.
Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities
Hospitals are the primary employers for sonographers, although there are opportunities in private physician's offices. Sonographers can earn certifications in specialty areas such as breast, pediatrics, cardiac, and vascular sonography. Certification as a sonographer can also open new career options for current members of the healthcare community, such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and other imaging specialists.
- Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
- Georgetown Hospital System
- McLeod Regional Medical Center
- MUSC Marion
- MUSC Florence
- Waccamaw Community Hospital
- Conway Medical Center
- McLeod Loris
- McLeod Seacoast
For more information about careers, visit O*Net Online for an overview of South Carolina and National earnings statistics, and Career Services for more employment, career, and professional development resources.
Required Courses and Sample Schedules
Degree Requirements: Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
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| Component | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
| General Education | ||
| *BIO 210 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| *ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| *MAT 101 | Beginning Algebra | 3 |
| **BIO 211 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| **PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| and | ||
| **Select one Humanities course from the list below: | ||
| ENG 201 | American Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 202 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 205 | English Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 206 | English Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 208 | World Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 209 | World Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 230 | Women in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 236 | African American Literature | 3 |
| HIS 101 | Western Civilization to 1689 | 3 |
| HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3 |
| HIS 201 | American History: Disc to 1877 | 3 |
| HIS 202 | American History: 1877 to Pres | 3 |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 110 | Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 201 | History of Philosophy | 3 |
| REL 103 | Comparative Religion | 3 |
| SPA 201 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
| SPA 202 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| CREDITS | 20 | |
| REQUIRED CORE SUBJECT AREAS | ||
| *PHY 118 | Medical Imaging Science | 3 |
| DMS 110 | Sonographic Instrumentation I | 3 |
| DMS 116 | Abdominal Ultrasound | 4 |
| DMS 112 | OB/GYN Sonography I | 3 |
| DMS 124 | OB/GYN Sonography II | 2 |
| DMS 164 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 2 |
| CREDITS | 17 | |
| OTHER HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION | ||
| **AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| *AHS 110 | Patient Care Procedures | 2 |
| DMS 114 | DMS Cross Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| DMS 120 | Sonographic Instrumentation II | 3 |
| DMS 175 | Clinical Education III | 6 |
| DMS 160 | Clinical Applications II | 7 |
| DMS 122 | Abdominal Sonography | 1 |
| DMS 126 | Advanced Sonographic Topics | 2 |
| DMS 130 | Selected Topics in Sonography | 2 |
| DMS 166 | Advanced Clinical Education | 7 |
| CREDITS | 36 | |
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | 73 | |
Sample Schedule: Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
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PHASE I:*Required courses prior to application for PHASE II of the DMS program. |
||
| *BIO 210 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| *ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| *MAT 101 | Beginning Algebra | 3 |
| *PHY 118 | Medical Imagining Science | 3 |
| *AHS 110 | Patient Care Procedures | 2 |
| Courses denoted by ** may be taken in either Phase I or Phase II, but it is recommended the courses be taken in Phase I to help improve success in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program of Phase II. | ||
| **BIO 211 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| **AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| **PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| and | ||
| **Select one Humanities course from the list below: | ||
| ENG 201 | American Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 202 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 205 | English Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 206 | English Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 208 | World Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 209 | World Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 230 | Women in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 236 | African American Literature | 3 |
| HIS 101 | Western Civilization to 1689 | 3 |
| HIS 102 | Western Civilization post 1689 | 3 |
| HIS 201 | American History: Disc to 1877 | 3 |
| HIS 202 | American History: 1877 to Pres | 3 |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 110 | Ethics | 3 |
| PHI 201 | History of Philosophy | 3 |
| REL 103 | Comparative Religion | 3 |
| SPA 201 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
| SPA 202 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| CREDITS | 28 | |
PHASE II:First Semester - Fall |
Course Title |
Semester |
| DMS 110 | Sonographic Instrumentation I | 3 |
| DMS 114 | DMS Cross Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| CREDITS | 6 | |
| Second Semester - Spring | ||
| DMS 120 | Sonographic Instrumentation II | 3 |
| DMS 164 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 2 |
| DMS 116 | Abdominal Ultrasound | 4 |
| DMS 112 | OB/GYN Sonography I | 3 |
| CREDITS | 12 | |
| Third Semester - Summer | ||
| DMS 175 | Clinical Education III | 6 |
| CREDITS | 6 | |
| Fourth Semester - Fall | ||
| DMS 160 | Clinical Applications II | 7 |
| DMS 122 | Abdominal Sonography | 1 |
| DMS 124 | OB/GYN Sonography II | 2 |
| DMS 126 | Advanced Sonographic Topics | 2 |
| CREDITS | 12 | |
| Fifth Semester - Spring | ||
| DMS 130 | Selected Topics in Sonography | 2 |
| DMS 166 | Advanced Clinical Education | 7 |
| CREDITS | 9 | |
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS | 73 | |
*Courses must be completed during Phase I, General Admission phase of the DMS program or transferred in from another accredited institution.
**Courses may be completed during the General Admissions phase of the DMS program, or after accepted into the Phase II, Limited Access DMS program.
NOTE: Registration for ENG and MAT courses require students to have appropriate test scores and/or prerequisite courses. Please refer to your advisor to determine your academic qualifications and eligibility for enrolling in ENG and MAT courses.