Academic Programs

Diagnostic Medical Sonography
(updated 10/22/09)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a highly-skilled profession which uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body used by physicians to make medical diagnoses.

Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.

Sectional anatomy, ultrasonic instrumentation and imaging are the major components in this program. Skills are developed through clinical experiences using diagnostic imagery equipment.

Progression in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is contingent upon achievement of a grade of “C” or better in each (Sonography) course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale).

• Transportation to the community agencies is the responsibility of each student.

Mission Statement
To develop highly skilled, competent, and professional sonographers.

In applied theory and practice, amplify professional attitudes and appropriate judgment; also obtain adaptability in diverse and changing work areas. Prepare for registry certification of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

General Overview

• The Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded upon successful completion of this program.

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program is offered at the Technical Campus at 800 W. Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40203.

• The DMS Program is a selective admissions program. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the DMS Program.

• Admission to the DMS Program is conditional, pending successful completion with a “C” or better grade, in each prerequisite course.

• The program curriculum consists of a combination of general education, program-specific coursework, and clinical learning experiences. Students will be responsible for travel to the assigned clinical sites.

• The program offers two options, the general concentration or the vascular concentration.

• The applicant can choose which concentration he/she prefers. Enrollment into the program is limited due to the available clinical facilities.

• The DMS program consists of 65-70 credit hours and accepts students once a year.

• The coursework begins in August of each year.

Technical Standards
Diagnostic Medical Sonography involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of Diagnostic Medical Sonography technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess:

1. sufficient visual acuity for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care;

2. sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.)

3. sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients, required in meeting health needs related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

4. sufficient verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing) to interact with patients and professional personnel; and

5. sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
    

Application Process

• Students must first apply to Jefferson Community & Technical College, and then submit a separate DMS program application to the Academic Program Coordinator.

• Program applications will be made available during DMS Program Pre-Admission Orientation held on various dates/times.

• Orientation dates/times for the current academic year are identified on this curriculum guide.

• The application process and procedures are reviewed during the pre-admission orientations.

• This is the only time that the DMS application will be given to interested applicants. Therefore, all students interested in applying to the DMS Program must attend a pre-admission orientation. The application(s) and appropriate credentials must be received by May 15 of the year in which the student is applying for admission in order to be considered by the DMS Admissions Committee.

Admission Process

• In order to be considered for admission, applicants must comply with college and program application requirements.

• Students applying for admission to the Jefferson Community & Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program must meet the minimum requirements established by the Senate Rules of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

• Students who do not meet the minimum requirements cannot be admitted to the DMS Program. Meeting the minimum requirements permits a student to be included in the qualified applicant pool, but does not guarantee admission to the DMS Program.

• Admission to the college does not imply admission to the DMS Program.

Minimum Requirements Established by the Senate Rules:
In order to be considered by the DMS Admissions Committee, each applicant must attend a pre-admissions conference and present the following credentials by May 15 of the year in which the student is applying for admission:

Office of Admissions:

• Application for admission to the college ( Make a copy of your application to the college because you will need to submit this copy in your application packet to the DMS program).

• Official high school transcript indicating the applicant has or will have completed a high school course of study or a passing GED report.

• Official transcripts of all post-secondary education.

• ACT or SAT Score Report.

DMS Program Coordinator
The following documentation needs to be included in the packet (envelope) submitted to the program coordinator, after attending a pre-admission orientation.

• It is important that all required documentation is included in the packet. Packets can be submitted after April 15 and must be received by May 15.

• Copy of the application for admission to the college (Make a copy of this to include in your DMA application packet)

• Copy of transcripts of all post-secondary education

• Copy of test scores (ACT or COMPASS)

• Completed DMS Program Application Form (this form is only obtained at a pre-admission conference). Be sure to include concentration preference.

• Completed Transcript Evaluation Form

• Documentation of the Nursing Assisting Skills (NAA) requirement or its equivalent

• Letter of Intent

• CPR Certification

• If you turn in an incomplete packet, you will not be considered for admission

• If you are not admitted into the program you must come and pick-up completed packets by June 30. Submitted documents will be destroyed after June 30.

Pre-Admission Conference Schedule

Financial Information

• Fee schedules may be found in the college catalog or on-line at http://www.jefferson.kctcs.edu

• Specific questions concerning financial assistance should be directed to the Downtown Campus Financial Aid Office located on the 4th Floor of the Jefferson Education Center, or by calling (502) 213-2146.

Liability Insurance

• The liability insurance fee (approximately $20.00) will need to be paid when you pay tuition.

Background Check

• All Allied Health students must submit to and demonstrate a satisfactory criminal background check as a prerequisite to clinical practice.

• The background checks are conducted by a college approved company.

• The cost of the background check is $ 43.00 and is paid by the student.

Immunizations

• TB Skin Test

• Varicella

• Hepatitis B Series or Titer

• MMR

SPI Exam

• All students are required to take the ARDMS SPI exam during the 8 week summer session.

• This must be taken prior to graduation.

• The cost of this exam is $200.00.

• The ARDMS specialty exams will be taken after graduation.

• Each specialty exam is $200.00.

• Successful completion of the specialty exams is required for earning ARDMS credentials.
   

Additional requirements

• The CPR requirement must be successfully completed prior to application to the DMS program and must be kept current throughout the program.

• Documentation of successful completion of a minimum 75 hour nursing assistant (NAA) course or its equivalent and computer literacy competency as defined by KCTCS are required prior to application to the DMS program.

• Students interested in enrolling in the NAA100 course must be given permission and will need to contact Marty Goodhue at 213-4297.
   

Incoming Freshman

• All incoming freshman students must take one of the following college introduction courses - GE100, GE101, or AHS105.

• Students transferring college course work into Jefferson Community and Technical College are exempt from this requirement.

Program Cost

• Students enrolled in the program can expect expenses in the following areas:

• Textbooks – Approximately $625,00

• Uniforms – Approximately $150.00

• Tuition - $125.00 per credit hour

• Liability Insurance - $20.00

• Background Checks - $43.00

• Drug Screen - $40.00

• Graduation Expenses - Variable

• Transportation – Variable

• Initial ARDMS Certification Application Fee - $200.00 per exam/concentration
   

Selective Admission Criteria

• There are 35 possible points.

• Applicants with the highest number of points will be accepted in the program.

• In the event of duplicate point totals, final applicant selection will be determined by grade point average (GPA) used in selective admission process.
   

Preference may be given to:

1. Applicants with an ACT composite score of 19 or above, or Compass scores in Math (Algebra) 41 or above, in Reading 81 and in Writing 75 or above.

2. Applicants who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale) in 10 hours of college credit applicable to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

3. Applicants who are American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) board applicable and graduates of a 2-year Joint Review Committee on Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredited Radiography program, registered radiographers, or registered nurses
   Applicants for admission are evaluated objectively based on the following point system:
   
   _____ Test
   
   COMPASS* (Reading, Writing, Algebra)

ACT COMPOSITE SCORE

Points are awarded based on the applicant's cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better (4 point scale) in college credit applicable to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

_____ GPA courses applicable to program


Point Distribution for GPA

_____ GPA courses applicable to program

Point Distribution for GPA

Points are awarded for grades made in the following classes:
A = 5 points
B = 3 points

Physics _____ _____

A & P _____ _____

Registered Radiographer or Nurse** _____ _____

**Applicants who are American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) Board applicable and graduates of a 2-year Joint Review Committee on Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredited Radiography program, registered radiographers, or registered nurses will receive 5 points.
For Additional Information Please Contact:

For Additional Information Please Contact:

Becky Stevens
DMS Program Coordinator
(502) 213-4009
becky.stevens@kctcs.edu

or

Lisa Moran
DMS Clinical Coordinator
(502) 213-4152
lmoran0007@kctcs.edu

AAS Degree:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography:  Cardiac Sonography
Diagnostic Medical Sonography:  Vascular option

Certificate:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography:  Cardiac Sonography