Diagnostic Medical Sonography - A.A.S.

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.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Information

Specific Admission Requirements for Program

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a limited-access program.  All applicants must meet weighted admission requirements by May 15 to be considered for the program.  However, meeting admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DMS program. Students with the highest scores will receive admission to the program. A waiting list of applicants will not be maintained for future admission. An applicant who receives notification that he/she was not admitted to the program must resubmit the    by the program application deadline date to be considered for admission to the next available class. Program admissions application is available above under admissions information.

• Must pass Criminal Background Check prior to acceptance 
• Must pass Urine Drug Screening prior to acceptance 
• Submit a Health Sciences Division Student Health Record Form indicating the candidate has the ability to perform the physical tasks required in the program. 
• Complete and pass the General Hospital Orientation. 
• Proof of CPR certification for Health Care Providers prior to admission and during program. 
• Review and acknowledge the  Medical Imaging Technical Standards Form. 
• Successful completion of all 5 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Core Courses with a minimum grade of "C" and a GPA of at least 3.0. (Course time limits apply.) 
• Payment of a non-refundable tuition deposit. 
• For re-acceptance guidelines, see the  DMS Student Handbook. 
• Other expenses for which you are responsible may include, but are not limited to: purchasing scrubs and shoes, gas and transportation to clinical sites, and Licensing Exam fees. 
• To be licensed as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer the graduate must pass the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) or ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and registry exams in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The cost of completing the NPTE and application for licensure is NOT included in the cost of tuition for the program.

Course Sequence and Progression Requirements

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher as well as a minimum grade of "C" or better is required for all program courses for progression and graduation. Grades below "C" are considered course failures. Any student who fails to meet the requirements for progression will be dropped from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and must meet re-entry requirements prior to re-application. For further information regarding re-acceptance, see the DMS Student Handbook.Students must pass a criminal background check and urine drug screening 30 days prior to starting clinical each semester.

Student Resources

• Cost of Attendance
• Program Cost
• DMS Student Handbook
• Technical Standards for Sonographers
• STEPS Session
• Program ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Process

Forms

• Background Check
• Clinical Requirements
• DMS Program Application (Complete this after the Program ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Process.)

For more information, contact:
Caryn Atkins - (843) 477-2181

For more information about Health Science ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú visit: www.hgtc.edu/healthscience.

Accreditation Status

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is accredited by the  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 ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú 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:

1. Students will be clinically competent.
2. Students will communicate effectively.
3. Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Program promotes professional behaviors and lifelong learning.
5. The program will effectively meet the needs of the community for entry level Sonographers.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate competency in command of the transducer
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and record specific anatomy and pathology.
3. Students will demonstrate applicable patient care methods.
4. Students will demonstrate effective written communication.
5. Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
6. Students will demonstrate appropriate analytical and evaluative abilities in the clinical setting.
7. Students will modify ultrasound procedure according to patient conditions
8. 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  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

*Courses may be completed during Phase I, General Admission phase of the DMS program or transferred in from another accredited institution.  These courses must be completed before enrolling into the Limited Access DMS program.

**Courses may be completed during the General ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú phase of the DMS program, or after accepted into the Phase II, Limited Access DMS program.

To apply to the Limited Access DMS program, the following must be completed:

• The five courses denoted with *, found in the General Admission phase with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
• A minimum TEAS score of 65.
• The .

Students accepted into Phase II: Limited Access DMS will receive an acceptance letter from the HGTC ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Office outlining next steps and due dates for enrolling into the Limited Access 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.