Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Admission Information
The following must be met prior to the application deadlines:
- Admission to Mt. San Jacinto College, completion of orientation, optional advisement
- Proof of High School Diploma or GED, California Proficiency Exam or College Degree
- Submission of Official Transcripts from all Colleges and/or Universities attended to Enrollment Services
- Attend Information Workshop or view workshop presentation on website
- A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 college scale and a grade of “C” or better in the required pre-requisite courses.
- A minimum grade of "C" or better in all required General Education courses.
- Admission will be offered to students with a complete application and rank the highest on the Multi-Criteria Selection process.
Program Description
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a non-transfer AS degree program, consisting of a cohort group completing 4 semesters + 1 summer semester which includes a 12-month clinical internship. This program is competitive in nature due to the greater number of applicants as compared to the number of available clinical internships. This degree program provides an opportunity for students to be educated and trained in the healthcare career of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The objective of the program is to graduate students who are competent and confident in providing excellent patient care in the field of sonography.
The goal of our DMS program is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Students will demonstrate a high competency in anatomy and pathology, as seen on the ultrasound exam. Students will be evaluated on didactic learning in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, hands-on scanning skills, communication skills, patient care, and critical thinking ability.
Students will practice ultrasound scanning skills with ultrasound equipment in the campus lab. Those skills will be applied and enhanced in an affiliated medical center by training on the job with a licensed sonographer scanning patients. The DMS program prepares the student to work in an ultrasound department performing abdomen, superficial structures (thyroid, breast, and testicular), gynecology, and obstetric ultrasound exams. Additional vascular didactic and lab training is included in the program curriculum, although our program has not pursued vascular accreditation at this time.
The didactic education will prepare the student for taking the national exams of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). These exams include Sonography Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), Abdominal (ABD) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN).
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department Page
Accreditation Status
The DMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and by the Joint Review Commission for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). This achievement places MSJC's DMS program among the top programs in the United States. Accreditation increases opportunities for student clinical training strengthens the student learning process and increases opportunities for student employment after graduation. Students enrolled in an accredited DMS program are eligible to take the ARDMS national board exams up to 60 days prior to graduation.
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Nursing and Allied Health (951) 639-5577
nursingandah@msjc.edu
Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Nursing and Allied Health Unit (951) 639-5577
nursingandah@msjc.edu
| Criteria | Maximum Points for Each Category | Point Distribution and Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Previous Academic Degrees, Diploma = AA/AS or BA/BS or higher | 10 |
Points for this criteria are given for any prior degrees or multiple degrees. Score will either be 10 points or 0 points - multiple # of degrees do not add points |
| 2. Licensed Healthcare work, Certified Healthcare work, or Employment documentation. *See adjacent column: License, Certificate, or Employment history must be direct patient care. Volunteer hours do not count |
10 |
Points for this criteria are given for health care licensing, certificate, or employment documentation. Licenses/Certifications/Employment must have documentation Score will be either 10 points or 0 points - multiple # licenses/certifications do not add points. *Examples of Approved Direct Patient Care, including but not limited to: Licenses/Certifications/Employment: Imaging Technologist (RT): X-ray, MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, CNA, LVN, RN, MA, HHA, Paramedic, EMT, Respiratory Therapist, Physical Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Phlebotomist, Doula, EKG, IHSS, Esthetician, Optician, Chiropractic assistant, Massage therapist etc. |
| 3. GPA from Prerequisite Courses Minimum GPA to apply is 2.5 |
40 |
3.9 – 4.00 = 40 points 3.7 – 3.89 = 35 points 3.5 - 3.69 = 30 points 3.3 – 3.49 = 25 points 2.5 – 3.29 = 20 points |
| 4. Completion of all General Education Units | 5 |
Points for these criterion are given for completion of all General Education requirements. (Option A) |
| 5. Approved Diagnostic Assessment Tool = Test of Essential Academic Skills(TEAS VI) or most current version Minimum score to apply is 70% Study material & test registration on ATI website: www.atitesting.com |
35 |
Points for TEAS is a maximum of 35 points. Score 90 to 100% = 35 points Score 82 to 89% = 30 points Score 74 to 81% = 25 points Score 70 to 73% = 20 points (The highest score on the TEAS will be accepted, limit of 2 attempts per application period) |
| Total Maximum Points | 100 |
|
| *NEW March 2022: Additional 2 points for each year of a complete application. |
Two points will be added each year for an application that contains *all application requirements. (current year does not add points) |
- Complete the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Physics and Instrumentation exam and one or more specialty exams of Abdomen and Obstetrics/ Gynecology.
- Apply knowledge of proper use of ultrasound equipment and demonstrate image improvement through manipulating the instrumentation of the equipment.
- Document proper imaging of the abdomen, small parts, obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound exams.
- Use effective communication with patients, staff, and physicians.
- Show discretion with and implement HIPPA laws for all patients.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in the workplace.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (A) | $108,270 | 738 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)