Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

School Mission Statement

The Methodist LeBonheur Hospital Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will graduate students with the entry-level employment skills and knowledge required of a registered diagnostic medical sonographer to think critically while performing sonographic procedures and highest of patient care. The Program will fulfill its mission to the community with graduate sonographers who are critical thinkers, competent through the evaluation and achievement of the program goals listed below, as well as compassionate while performing sonographic procedures and delivering patient care.

Program Goals (Cognitive, Psychomotor, Affective)

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations:
Abdominal-Extended Sonography Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography

1. Students/graduates will be clinically competent.

Utilize critical thinking while performing diagnostic medical imaging.
Utilize proper positioning and scanning skills.
Practice highest quality of care for the patient, self, and others.
Successfully perform diagnostic medical sonography procedures accurately.
Document all anatomy, physiology, pathology pertinent to each sonographic procedure for physician interpretation.
Assist physicians, radiologists and other pertinent medical personnel with invasive and noninvasive procedures.
Knowledge of the process of becoming a registered sonographer upon graduation and continue education through the professional sonographic organizations and seminars.
Bimonthly student evaluations/documentation by Sonographers required

2. Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Adapt and maintain skills in diagnostic medical sonography techniques under the supervision of a registered sonographer as required to become registered.
Adjust technical imaging factors for all sonographic procedures.
Maintain functioning of all sonographic equipment.
Gather necessary data for sonographic procedures and make skilled judgments necessary for a diagnosis.
Evaluate sonographic images for diagnostic quality.
Bimonthly student evaluations/documentation by Sonographers.

3. Students will be able to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and others.

Demonstrate oral and written communication skills effectively.
Bimonthly student evaluations/documentation by Sonographers.

4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of professionalism.

Maintain an understanding of ethical, professional and legal values.
Effective and compassionate communication and education
Understand the importance of professional organizations and continued learning within the profession

Upon graduation of the program, all students will have demonstrated and completed all clinical and academic competencies required for eligibility to apply and take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exams in the area(s) of study to become a registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

Job-Shadowing and documentation within a diagnostic medical sonography department is strongly recommended prior to application. This shadowing ensures a clear understanding of the tasks a sonographer performs which is very important for understanding the career path. Job-shadows may be arranged at Methodist University Hospital. You may contact us for the appointment at 901-516-8099.

Job-shadowing Form

Program Description

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Methodist Healthcare offers two separate tracts in sonography. The tracts provide quality clinical and didactic instruction to a small group of select students in the fields of abdominal-extended obstetrics and gynecology sonography and adult cardiac sonography. Students designate a tract of study which allows them focus on a particular area of interest and allow maximum development of expertise. Students choose from one of the following options:

1. Abdominal-Extended Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography (15 months) encompasses abdominal imaging (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, etc.), superficial structures, and obstetric and gynecologic imaging. Additional didactic and clinical experience is provided in vascular imaging (arteries and veins throughout the body).

2. Cardiac Ultrasound (15 months) covers adult echocardiography (imaging of the heart).

Upon completion of a program, the student is eligible to apply for a choice of certifying exams given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Successful completion of these examinations enable the individual to use the title “Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer” (RDMS) or “Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer” (RDCS)

Non B.S. Degree Applicants: The MLH DMS Program has an articulation agreement with Saint Joseph’s College to obtain a Bachelor's Degree post DMS Program graduation, if desired. Please see https://www.sjcme.edu/academics/online/programs/bs-radiological-science-administration/ for more information.

Accreditation

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

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355-11th St. North #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350 phone | 727-210-2354 fax | www.caahep.org

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-973-3251 phone | 866-738-3444 fax | www.jrcdms.org

Admission Requirements

(Please see application for all requirements prior to applying.)

To have this application considered for class commencing in January of each year, an applicant must:

Ensure an application form, pursuant letter, 3 letters of reference, resume, completed or incomplete transcripts are received by this office along with a $50 application fee (non-refundable) by September 1.
Latest deadline to receive original transcripts to meet requirements is December 31st.

Degree Requirement:

1) Be a graduate of a 2-year allied health medical education program (AMA) and active license in that procession that is patient care related and is defined as:
(a) 24 full-time consecutive calendar months or 60 semester credits or 84 quarter credits
(b) 2 year AMA degree must include and REQUIRE a completion of a clinical internship/externship; applicant MUST hold current, active license in the completed 2 year medical health care profession (AMA)

OR

2) Have a 4-year Bachelor's degree (science major preferred, but not required)

Enclose a resume describing your professional employment history (include military service), professional training, volunteer experience and education (list all schools attended starting with high school and including present school)

Document a minimum of 2.0 grade point average for each of the following prerequisite college level classes:

General physics for the Health Sciences(no lab required) or Intro to Physics (Kinesiology not accepted)
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Communication Skills
Medical Terminology
Algebra, statistics or higher mathematics course

The communication skills prerequisite may be met by a variety of courses including English Composition or Speech.

Arrange for the submission of official copies of transcripts from high school, college or other schools attended and ensure this office receives them by December 31.
Arrange for the submission of three letters of reference, as described in the application form and ensure this office receives them by September 1.
Meet the technical standards for performing the duties of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography profession as established by the program. Additional details given in Application Package.
Upon admission provide documentation of health insurance.
Participate in scheduled interviews by the admission committee.
Pass a pre-admission background check and medical exam performed by Methodist Healthcare.
Applicant must be in satisfactory physical, mental and emotional health as determined by Methodist Healthcare.

Students who are accepted into the program must pass a drug test and background check.

Financial Requirements

Application fee - $50 (sent with application, non-refundable).

Program Tuition:

15-month Abdominal-Extended Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography Program Tuition is $13,000 ($2000.00 due 1st day). Tuition and fees are nonrefundable after program acceptance. The remaining program tuition of $11,000 balance may be divided into monthly payments at $785.71/month) for the remaining program length (14 months), interest free by credit card, cash, check, money order. The entire balance is required to be paid in full 2 weeks prior to graduation day.
15-month Cardiac Program Tuition is $13,000 ($2000.00 due 1st day). Tuition and fees are nonrefundable after program acceptance. The remaining program tuition of $11,000 balance may be divided into monthly payments at $785.71/month) for the remaining program length (14 months), interest free by credit card, cash, check, money order. The entire balance is required to be paid in full 2 weeks prior to graduation day.

Students have the option to pay using cash, check, debit, or credit cards. If the student doesn't wish to pay using this method, they can pursue a personal loan. Students wishing to pursue loan options are advised to closely consider all conditions related to loans on their own and to meet their own personal needs. The MLH Diagnostic Sonography Programs do not endorse any particular loan option.

Additional cost:

Books - $400-$700 (approximately & students are responsible for ordering books before the class start date)
OnlineTrajecsys Record Keeping Fee - $150 (one time, nonrefundable fee paid directly to online student reporting system)
Lab/Technology Fee - $300 (nonrefundable and payable 1st day of class)
Malpractice Insurance - $20 (nonrefundable, malpractice clinic insurance requirement, in addition to personal insurance requirement)
Parking Fee - some clinical rotations may require a parking fee and is sole responsibility of the student.

**Tuition is subject to change.
**Monthly payments toward the total tuition requirement may be arranged by program director BUT required to be paid in full before graduation date.

Individuals who show an interest in this advanced area of study and who meet the entrance requirements for the program, may submit the attached application.

The admissions committee will invite each applicants meeting the entrance requirements, to the participate in the interview process. The committee will evaluate by interview, transcripts, and/or references the educational background, attitudes, motivation, health, personality, and/or character of each applicant to indicate the likelihood of his/her success in the program. Shadowing is recommended prior to interviews.

Students are also responsible for the cost of meals, some clinical site parking, clothing, laundry, transportation, and living accommodations.

Enrollment is limited. All qualified applicants who meet program requirements PRIOR to deadlines are reviewed, interviewed and accepted based on the outcomes of experiences in education, work and interview.

An equal opportunity is offered to each applicant regardless of race, color, religion, gender, veteran or non-veteran, national origin, disability and age. The ability to pay tuition is solely the responsibility of the student, therefore payment type (i.e. credit card, loan) is not discriminatory in any way.

Download a DMS Application Package with full information on our program

If you have any questions regarding the this program or the contents of the Application Packet, contact:

Tamera Ghelichkhani, RDMS, RT(R), Director
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Methodist University Hospital
Phone: 901-516-8099