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 for the Fall 2020 clinical application. You must meet with a DMS advisor, attend a mandatory information session spring 2020 and complete the required program shadowing prior to completing the application.

Watch a video about the DMS career and our program.

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!  

  			RSVPDMS@hacc.edu
  Monday, October 28	2-4 pm	Hbg Campus Select Medical Room 103
  Thursday, November 14	2-4 pm	Hbg Campus Select Medical Room 107

   

• 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.
• Apply for DMS clinicals online using Survey Monkey - check back for the Fall 2020 clinical application. You must meet with a DMS advisor and attend a mandatory information session spring 2020 prior to completing the application.

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 (2018) 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:
  • Career InfoNet
  • American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
  • Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

 

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