Nature of Work

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are skilled health care workers who assist the physician as a sonographer.  Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform various procedures which have been delegated to them by the physician.  These procedures include:

• Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
• Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician.
• Record and process sonographic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
• Exercise discretion and judgement in the performance of sonographic services.
• Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and promote principles of hood health.
  

Program Description

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at CSN is a two-year associates degree program preparing students for a career in the health profession of sonography (Diagnostic Medical Sonography). The students have the choice of one of two different tracts:

General/Vascular Ultrasound Tract

Students electing to take this area of study are prepared to enter the sonography field in the areas of abdominal, obstetrical/gynecological and vascular ultrasound. The student, upon graduation, will be eligible to sit for the National Registry Exams for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Upon passing the exams, they will use the designation RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer).

Cardiac/Vascular Tract

Students electing to take this area of study are prepared to enter the sonography field in the areas of adult and pediatric echocardiography as well as vascular ultrasound. The student, upon graduation, will be eligible to sit for the National Registry Exams for Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography. Upon passing the exams, they will use the designation RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer).

Accreditation

The program received full accreditation from the Joint Review Committee for Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) and the parent organization, Committee for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP), in the Spring of 2001.

Certification as a Sonographer

No individual is eligible to apply for certification unless in compliance with all American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers rules and standards.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs at CSN

• General / Vascular Program Course Sheet and Application Deadlines
• Career Guide and Approximate Costs
• General / Vascular Selection criteria

• Cardiac / Vascular Program Course Sheet and Application Deadlines
• Career Guide and Approximate Costs
• Cardiac / Vascular Selection Criteria

Note: Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions of Sonography Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.

Admission Requirements

This is a Limited Entry Program.  Therefore, an application for admission must be submitted by the application deadline and all prerequisite requirements must be completed by the completion deadline in order to be eligible for consideration.  This material is reviewed using selection criteria set by the program.  Applicants are notified of their standing by the Limited Entry office.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Observation Report Record

TEAS Exam Information and Registration Form

NOTE: Students who have taken the TEAS exam from another state and/or institution must have all their scores officially transferred to CSN BEFORE their specified application deadline. An unofficial copy must also be presented with their limited entry application packet.

Pilot Test for Assessment of Anatomy & Physiology

Note: Only students applying to the Nursing or Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program may be eligible to take the Pilot Test.

Science courses must be no older than 7 years old at the time of entry into the Limited Entry Programs at CSN. Students applying to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program who completed college transferable course(s) with a "C" or better in Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits) greater than 7 years ago may be eligible to take a pilot test for this subject. By satisfactorily passing a standardardized exam for Anatomy & Physiology, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director will waive the 7 year policy for the science courses, and science courses can then be used for purposes of selection into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Pilot Test Information

New Student Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Students First Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking a Limited-Entry Health Science Degree or Certificate.

How to Transfer Credits to CSN

For further information, contact the Health Programs Advisement office.  Additionally, it is very important that interested students attend an orientation as soon as possible for complete admissions information.   Program orientations are held weekly.  You can call (702)651-5015 for pre-recorded orientation information. 

If you require other information, please e-mail the Health Programs Advisor directly.