Oct 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Degree


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Schoolcraft program code #AAS.0P281/#AAS.00281

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a branch of diagnostic medical imaging. DMS, also called ultrasonography or sonography, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program (DMS) provides the knowledge that will enable students to enter the workforce as entry-level sonographers. The program includes didactic, directed hands-on laboratory and professionally supervised clinical training in general sonography (defined as abdomen, obstetric, gynecologic, superficial organs, and other appropriate areas).

Educational facilities located within Schoolcraft College include state-of-the-art classrooms and clinical resources designated to promote an exceptional educational experience. Students that satisfactorily complete this 24-month program will earn an associate degree of applied science from Schoolcraft College. Upon completion of the program graduates sit for the American Registry in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam. Successful passing of this exam results in being certified as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).

Mission:

The mission of the Schoolcraft College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to serve the community by providing an educational setting where students will receive the essential foundation for a career in diagnostic medical sonography science. Graduates will exemplify qualities of excellence in patient care, professionalism, safety, and ethical behavior thereby enhancing the healthcare experience of the patients we serve.

Program Goals:

  • To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
  • Offer an educational experience that promotes effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and professionalism. 
  • Provide an educational program that enhances career opportunities and encourages a desire for life-long learning.
  • Develop Diagnostic Medical Sonographers that function as a compassionate and competent part of the healthcare team and represent the commitment to excellence that Schoolcraft College strives to achieve. 
  • Prepare the students to take and pass the ARDMS examination in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen, Obstetrics & Gynecology Sonography. 

This program requires a special admissions process. Students are required to complete a specific list of requirements before being officially admitted into the program. Students are listed in a pre-program code while application requirements are being met. The full program start date and implementation of the program code may be dependent on space availability. Requirements are listed online at https://www.schoolcraft.edu/admissions/apply-to-sc/students-with-selective-admissions/ or the Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Program Application Information  catalog page. Contact the Admissions and Welcome Center at 734-462-4426/ admissions@schoolcraft.edu or the Advising Department at 734-462-4429 (option 4)/eadvise@schoolcraft.edu to complete an application.

Students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements with a minimum of a 3.0 grade in each DMS, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics class will qualify for an associate of applied science degree.

Not all courses are offered each semester. Students should work with an academic advisor to develop a schedule that will work for them. Students planning to transfer should check the transfer institution’s requirements/guides or discuss their options with an academic advisor. Number of total program credits may vary depending on course selection.

Sample Schedule of Courses


Admission Prerequisites


*These courses must be completed prior to admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS program. Students must achieve a 3.0 or higher in DMS 100 , COMA 103  , Mathematics, Biology and Physics for acceptance.

First Year


Select one: Credits 2-4

Select one:

Mathematics* Credits 3-5

Select one

Total Credits: 13-17

Total Credits: 14-15

Spring/Summer Session


Admission to Program Required for All DMS Courses Below**

DMS courses are 15 weeks.

Total Credits: 12

Second Year


Total Credits: 8

Total Credits: 11

Spring/Summer Session


DMS courses are 15 weeks.
Total Credits: 9

Program Total: 67- 72 Credits


If a student is a current Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, RDMS through the American Registry in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, ARDMS, they may be eligible to earn Prior Learning Credit for all listed DMS courses (39 credits) plus HIT 100  and mathematics. The remaining credits must be earned at Schoolcraft College to obtain an AAS. Please consult the Program Director for more information.

***Students may also take the BIOL 237 -BIOL 238  Anatomy and Physiology course sequence, please meet with an advisor for recommendations.

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