Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Overview
Sonography is an imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images for diagnosis. Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will train you to use imaging equipment and sound waves to generate images of the human body. You will be trained to create and analyze these ultrasounds.
Jobs in the diagnostic medical sonography field include general sonography, cardiac sonography, vascular technology, and various subspecialties. The profession requires sound judgment and the ability to provide appropriate health care services. Sonographers are highly skilled professionals who are qualified by education to provide patient services using diagnostic techniques under the supervision of a licensed physician like a radiologist. The sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings. Sonographers assist physicians in gathering data necessary to reach correct diagnostic decisions.
Hinds was recently named one of the 15 best ultrasound tech schools in the country by Best Value Schools. Hinds’ program is one of the only two-year programs on the list, and at $150 per credit hour, it’s easily one of the most affordable.
Quick Facts
- Associate of Applied Science
- Nursing Allied Health Center
- Face-to-Face
Sample Curriculum
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture & Lab) | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture & Lab) | 4 |
| College Algebra | 3 |
| English Composition I | 3 |
| English Composition II | 3 |
| Public Speaking I OR Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 26 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Ultrasound | 4 |
| Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| Physics and Instrumentation I | 3 |
| Clinical Experience I | 5 |
| Abdominal Sonography | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Physics and Instrumentation II | 3 |
| Clinical Experience II | 6 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography | 4 |
| Advanced Sonography Procedures | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Clinical Experience III | 5 |
| Sonography Seminar | 2 |
| Ultrasound Exam Critique | 2 |
| Total Hours | 9 |
The degree plan provides the courses recommended for students seeking to transfer in this area of study. Students should consult the Mississippi Articulation Agreement for specific course requirements at specific Mississippi universities. Students can also use MATT (MS Articulation & Transfer Tool).
Important Program Information
Admission Requirements
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide the required data to: Hinds Community CollegeNursing/Allied Health Center Office of Admissions
1750 Chadwick Drive Jackson, MS 39204-3490
Submitting the information to any other Hinds Community College location will delay the processing of your file.
- Application for admission to Hinds Community College
- Application to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
- Validation of high school graduation by official high school transcript or high school equivalency transcript (GED®, HiSET®, TASC™, or Mississippi Competency-Based High School Equivalency)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended, except Hinds Community College
- ACT composite score of 19 (If taken before October 1989 – 16)
- Graduation from a JCERT Radiologic Technology Program (must include Radiographic Physics and Medical Terminology, as approved by the Program Chairperson)
- Prerequisites to the First Clinical Course
- Verification of RTR credential by the first Diagnostic Medical Sonography class
Prerequisites to the first Diagnostic Medical Sonography course:
- College Algebra (MAT 1313)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs (BIO 2511, BIO 2513, BIO 2521, BIO 2523)
- English Composition I and II (ENG 1113 , ENG 1123)
- Public Speaking I (SPT 1113) or Interpersonal Communication (SPT 2173)
- Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, and a Social/Behavioral Science Elective
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” or above by the first Diagnostic Medical Sonography class.
Selection Process
Applications will be available from March 1 through July 31.
Preference will be given to applicants who complete the application procedure by April 15th for Fall admission.
Individuals who have submitted all required admission documents will be considered for program admission based on a rating scale that includes but is not limited to:
- ACT Composite Score
- ACT Math and Reading sub-scores
- highest previous certificate or degree
- military experience
Applicants not selected for a class may reapply for subsequent classes by submitting a new Application for Selection to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
Program Accreditation
The Hinds Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs9355 – 113th St. N, #7709Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
JCR-DMS Contact Information: Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 443-973-3251
Fax: 866-738-3444
Career Opportunities
Entry-level salaries of registered diagnostic medical sonographers vary greatly per geographical location. Beginning salaries in the Jackson area and in the state range between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. Pay scales increase with experience and registries obtained. To further your career in the radiology field, diagnostic medical sonography would be an exciting first step.