Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Learn more about our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Applied Science Degree program.

Apply for DMS clinicals online using Survey Monkey. Check back Spring 2021 for Fall 2021 application. You must meet with a DMS advisor and attend a mandatory information session spring 2021 prior to completing the application. In response to the ongoing public health issues surrounding the coronavirus, shadowing requirements are currently on hold. If you have any questions, email jrimbode@hacc.edu.

Watch a video about the DMS career and our program.

Review information from the DMS information session (pdf). If you have questions contact the Program Director, Julia R. Imboden at jrimbode@hacc.edu

What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?

General sonographers:

Acquire ultrasound images of various parts of the body to aid physicians in the diagnosis of medical conditions
Present an analysis of the ultrasound image to the physician
Communicates effectively with the patient and staff

Learn more about the career (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography - SDMS -website).

Where do sonographers work?

New graduates will most likely find employment in hospital imaging departments.

How much does the program cost?

Download Estimated Expenses (pdf).

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials?

Upon successful completion you will earn a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Applied Science degree.
HACC requires students to sit for the ARDMS credentialing exams. The exams consist of:
- Sonography Principles and Instrumentation
- Abdomen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can earn the title of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) after successful completion of the exams and graduation.

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete? Where are the clinicals held?

Download a list of Course requirements/suggested schedule (pdf)
HACC assigns clinical rotations within 85 miles of the Harrisburg campus.
The typical clinical rotation is 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
DMS classes are held at the Harrisburg Campus. Prerequisite courses are offered at other campuses and sites.
Students will be busy five days a week with lecture, lab and clinical rotations.

What are the program clinical admission criteria and how do I apply for clinicals?

Admission to HACC does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the program. Work closely with your advisor to prepare to apply to the clinical/core component.
Download Admission Criteria and Essential Qualifications (pdf)
If you are a pre-DMS student, you are required to meet with a DMS advisor, who will guide you through the application process.
- Attend an information session during your first semester at HACC - Preregistration required - email RSVPDMS@hacc.edu - include your name, HACCID, phone number and email address and indicate DMS information session IN HARRISBURG. Space is limited! CHECK BACK for dates.
Attend a required 8-hour shadowing experience (information is provided during your advising session and during each DMS Information Session). Shadowing must be completed by April 1 - ON HOLD CURRENTLY - SEE BELOW.
Apply for DMS clinicals online using Survey Monkey. Check back Spring 2021 for the Fall 2021 application. You must meet with a DMS advisor and attend a mandatory information session spring 2021 prior to completing the application. In response to the ongoing public health issues surrounding the coronavirus, shadowing requirements are currently on hold. If you have any questions, email jrimbode@hacc.edu.

Is the program accredited?

The DMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

CAAHEP
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
www.CAAHEP.org

JRC-DMS
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-973-3251
Fax: 866-738-3444
www.jrcdms.org

Can I advance my education in this field?

This program leads directly to an occupation.
Enroll in HACC's Vascular Sonography courses.
Franklin University offers a BS in Healthcare Management.
Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration.
Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management. They offer classes in accelerated format at HACC's Lancaster Campus.
Misericordia offers a BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

What are the program goals?

The diagnostic medical sonography program prepares students to:

be competent entry-level general diagnostic medical sonographers
demonstrate the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains of diagnostic medical sonography

What is the most current (2019) program effectiveness data?

Graduation Year	ARDMS Exam Pass Rate (Within program --prior to graduation)			Job Placement Rate (When seeking employment within 12 months of graduation)	Program Completion Rate (# graduates in cohort / # students initially in cohort)
	SPI (Physics & Instrumentation)	Abdomen	OB/GYN
2019	100%	100%	100%	100%	58%
2018	100%	100%	100%	100%	83%
2017	100%	100%	100%	92%	100%
2016	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
2015	100%	100%	100%	100%	75%
2014	100%	100%	100%	100%	67%
6 Year Average (2014-2019)	100%	100%	100%	99%	81%

Where can I get more information?

Download the Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
Watch the SDMS Career Video
Visit other sites:

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu

DMS Program Office:
HACC Harrisburg Campus
Blocker Hall 101
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-221-1392