Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Applied Science Degree

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 the abdomen, obstetric, gynecologic, superficial organs, and other appropriate areas).

Educational facilities located within Schoolcraft College include state-of-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 in 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.

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 in applied science degree.

• 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 lifelong 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, and Musculoskeletal sonography.

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, Fundamentals of Speech, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics for acceptance.

First Year

Fall Semester

• COMA 103 - Fundamentals of Speech Credits: 3 *
• BIOL 236 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Credits: 5 * ***

Select one: Credits 2-4

Select one:

• HIT 100 - Introduction to Medical Terminology Credits: 2 *
• HIT 104 - Medical Terminology Credits: 4 *

Mathematics*

Select one

• MATH 102 - Technical Mathematics Credits: 4
• MATH 113 - Intermediate Algebra for College Students Credits: 4 or a higher Mathematics course

Total Credits: 14-16

Winter Semester

• DMS 100 - Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Credits: 3 *
• PHIL 257 - Bioethics Credits: 3
• PHYS 123 - Applied Physics Credits: 5 *

Social Science

Select One

• ANTH 112 - Introduction to Anthropology Credits: 3
• GEOG 133 - World Regional Geography Credits: 4
• PSYCH 201 - Introductory Psychology Credits: 4
• SOC 201 - Principles of Sociology Credits: 3
• SOC 205 - Social Problems Credits: 3
• SOC 209 - Marriage and Family Credits: 3
• SOC 210 - Cultural Diversity Credits: 3
• SOC 220 - Urban Sociology Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14-15

Spring/Summer Session

Admission to Program Required for All DMS Courses Below**

DMS courses are 15 weeks.

• DMS 110 - Sonography Physics and Instrumentation Credits: 4 **
• DMS 120 - Abdominal Sonography Credits: 3 **
• DMS 150 - Sonography Lab 1 Credits: 3 **

English

Select One

• ENG 101 - English Composition 1 Credits: 3
• ENG 102 - English Composition 2 Credits: 3

Total Credits: 13

Second Year

Fall Semester

• DMS 160 - Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography Credits: 3 **
• DMS 180 - Advanced Sonography Credits: 3 **
• DMS 200 - Sonography Lab 2 Credits: 3 **
• DMS 210 - Sonography Clinical 1 Credits: 4 **

Total Credits: 13

Winter Semester

• DMS 220 - Sonography Clinical 2 Credits: 6 **

Total Credits: 6

Spring/Summer Session

DMS courses are 15 weeks.

• DMS 230 - Sonography Clinical 3 Credits: 6 **
• DMS 250 - Diagnostic Medical Sonography Capstone Credits: 1 **

Total Credits: 7

Program Total: 67- 70Credits

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.

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. The number of total program credits may vary depending on course selection.