DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
Associate in Applied Science

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Admission

Clinical Settings

Curriculum Outline

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The college offers a cooperative program with area hospitals that is designed to provide understanding, proficiency, and skill in diagnostic medical sonography. Upon completion of the program, the successful student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree.

The program curriculum is a balance of approved didactic and technical courses which affords each student individual opportunities for educational development and clinical competence. The student must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in all sonography courses or be dropped from the program.

Information sessions and program acceptance will be determined yearly.

Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
1. Application and acceptance to Angelina College.

2. Pass all sections of TASP/THEA (must take Accuplacer if TASP exempt) prior to May 1st each year for August consideration.

3. Submit passing TASP/THEA scores, proof of exemption, or Accuplacer results to health careers secretary HC II, room 128.

4. Attend a sonography information session to obtain a program application and/or information.

5. Program application must be submitted completed physical health form, receive appropriate immunizations as mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services for health care workers, and provide proof of current 2 year American Heart Association CPR card no later than May 1st each accepting year for August consideration. All requested information must be received by the program in order for the application to be complete. The hepatitis B series (3 shots in 6 months) must be completed by the first clinical day of the first semester.

6. Submit all official college transcripts directly to Angelina College Office of Admissions from issuing schools/agencies. College transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. A copy of official college transcripts and a high school transcript or copy of GED scores should be submitted with the completed program application.

7. Complete all prerequisite courses prior to designated date:
BIOL 2404 - Human A&P (General)
ENGL 1301 - Composition
PSYC 2301 - General Psychology
MATH 1314 - College Algebra or MATH 1332 Contemporary Math
DMSO 1210 - Introduction to Sonography
DMSO 1302 - Basic Ultrasound Physics
Prerequisite courses may be taken only twice for selection consideration. If a prerequisite course is taken more than twice, only the second grade will be calculated in the cumulative GPA for prerequisite courses. Students who receive a grade of "D" or "F" in DMSO 1210 or DMSO 1302 will not be eligible for consideration.

8. Acceptance into the diagnostic medical sonography program is limited. Applicants will be ranked and selected based on the following criteria:

    a. Completion of ALL requirements by published deadlines.

    b. Cumulative GPA in BIOL 2404, ENGL 1301, PSYC 2301, MATH 1314 or Math 1332, DMSO 1210, DMSO 1302. Applicants will be ranked according to the cumulative GPA of the prerequisite courses following the completion of the first Summer semester. Twenty (20) applicants with the highest GPA of the prerequisite courses will be scheduled for a personal interview to determine the students that will be accepted for program admission.

    c. Program admission is based upon a point value system which includes the cumulative GPA of the prerequisite courses and an individual interview. The DMS program currently accepts 8 to 12 students per year based upon the availability of appropriate clinical agencies to support the program's clinical education.

9. Students accepted into the program are also required to submit a completed physical health form, receive appropriate immunizations as mandated by Texas Department of Health for health care workers, and provide proof of a negative drug screen and current CPR certification prior to clinical assignment.

Admission Point Value System

Students will be selected according to a point value system as follows:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Mission and Philosophy
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, in concert with the mission and philosophy of Angelina College, is committed to provide a quality and comprehensive education in general sonography for preparation in the profession. Through didactic information, educational resources, and a variety of clinical experiences, the program is designed to develop competent, responsible, and independent sonography professionals. The program's mission is also supported by a dedicated team of experienced faculty, sonographers, and physicians who encourage and model life long learning in diagnostic medical sonography. 

Goals
To provide the highest quality instruction of a curriculum designed to prepare the graduate to demonstrate knowledge, comprehension, application of technical, affective, psychomotor, and critical thinking skills, and competency in the role as an entry level sonographer.

To produce graduates who are eligible and competent to pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers certification examinations upon completion of the program.

To seek new community partnerships for clinical practice as needs are identified according to student growth and the addition of advanced modality certificate programs.

To provide students with both academic and clinical instruction in the field Diagnostic Medical Sonography in order to meet the employment needs of the graduate and of the medical communities.

To foster and promote a life-long desire for learning and professional growth in each student.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the graduate should possess the knowledge and skills to implement safe, competent, entry level skills in sonography. The graduate will accomplish this by the following:

a. Demonstrate entry level competency for employment in the profession.
b. Utilize critical thinking skills and analytic capabilities to ensure production of high quality diagnostic sonograms.
c. Utilize effective oral and written communication.
d. Demonstrate independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures.
e. Demonstrate awareness of the need for life-long learning and professional growth.

State Licensing Requirements
Students considering this program are advised that any conviction of a felony or misdemeanor charge (other than a minor traffic violation/DWI is not a minor traffic violation) can make them ineligible for certification by the ARDMS. The ARDMS is the only agency that can address whether they will or will not allow an individual with a criminal record to write the examination. If in doubt, students should investigate the possibilities with the ARDMS at (301) 738-8401.

Student Accidents:
As a student at Angelina College, you will encounter certain risks while you are enrolled in a classroom, or laboratory experience, or in a clinical or practicum setting. In the event that you sustain an injury and or require any medical testing or care, all resulting medical expenses (hospital, ambulance, or physician fees), are your responsibility and not the responsibility of Angelina College or the clinical/practicum site.

It is recommended that you purchase a student/personal health insurance plan (medical and hospitalization) if you are not covered by a group health insurance plan.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Associate of Applied Science Program
2010-2011
Curriculum Outline

Clinical Facilities

Lufkin:

Memorial Health System of East Texas
Frank & Franklin
P.O. Box 1447
Lufkin, Texas 75901
(936) 634-8111
www.memorialhealth.org

Woodland Heights Medical Center
500 Gaslight Blvd.
Lufkin, Texas 75901
(936) 634-8311
www.woodlandheights.net

Nacogdoches:

Memorial Hospital
1204 Mound Street
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
(936) 564-4611
www.nacmem.org

Nacogdoches Medical Center
4920 NE Stallings Drive
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
(936) 569-9481
www.nacmedicalcenter.com

Livingston:

Memorial Medical Center - Livingston
1717 HWY 59 Bypass
Livingston, Texas 77351
(936) 327-4381
www.memorialhealth.org

Casey Davis
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Coordinator
cdavisangelina.edu

936-633-5268