Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a unique and challenging field in the health professional team. It takes a very special person to deal with the stress, personal patient contact and clinical expertise required to perform the job of a sonographer. It is the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program's purpose and responsibility to help you discover this fascinating career and the important role it plays in the care of the patient.

Program Description
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Methodist Healthcare offers two programs in sonography. The programs provide quality clinical and didactic instruction to a small group of select students in the fields of general and cardiac sonography. Students designate a field 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. General Ultrasound (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)

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

• Ensure an accurate and complete application form is received by this office along with a $25 application fee (non-refundable) by October 1
• Be a graduate of a 2-year AMA or AMA-equivalent allied health education program that is patient care related and hold current registry in that health care field
• 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 classes:

algebra (high school level credit)

• Arrange for the submission of official copies of transcripts from high school, college or other schools attended and ensure this office receives them by October 1.
• Arrange for the submission of three letters of reference, as described in the application form and ensure this office receives them by October 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.

Financial Requirements
Application fee - $25 (send with application, fee non-refundable).

Tuition (eligible for loan forgiveness program):
15 month General Program $6,500
15 month Cardiac Program $6,500
Books - $850 (approximately)
Malpractice insurance - $20
Activity fee - $40

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 applicant 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 and profession.

Enrollment is limited. All qualified applicants are screened and the most outstanding and qualified candidates are accepted to the program.

Download an 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