Diagnostic medical sonographers are a critical part of the healthcare team. They help clinicians diagnose illnesses using ultrasound to image organs, tissue, and blood flow inside the body. An associate degree is all you need for a career in this growing field, as a staff sonographer in radiology departments, hospitals, private offices, outpatient clinics, and military units.
Through a partnership with Tidewater Community College, Southwest will launch a local student cohort in Spring 2024, selecting 12 students to enter the Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS program.
This nationally accredited Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography boasts a 100% pass rate in the last three years for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examination, with most students becoming employed before finishing the program.
Admission to the diagnostic medical sonography program is very selective and requires a separate application in addition to general admission to the college(s).
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Interested students must submit the Southwest Admission Application.
Select the Health Sciences Certificate Program for completion of prerequisites at Southwest, which is required before application to the Sonography program.
After completing the prerequisites, submit the Tidewater Admission Application
Admission to the college(s) does not guarantee admission to this program.
Submit the Tidewater Health Professions Application along with all supporting documentation by May 15 for fall admission. (May 15, 2024, for Spring 2025 cohort)
Download and review the program guide and the diagnostics medical sonography admissions guide. See more information about the selective admission process and course and GPA requirements.
NOTE: The following information is from the catalog of our partner institution, Tidewater Community College (TCC), and is subject to change without notice.
Program Code: 109
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) prepares individuals for careers as staff sonographers in radiology departments, hospital settings, private offices, outpatient clinics, military units, and the ultrasound industry. Program applications and the general admission application to the college must be submitted to the Virginia Beach Admissions Office no later than May 15.
Applicants must obtain CPR certification from the American Heart Association prior to admission. Applicants must also complete all benchmark courses with a “B” or better to be considered for admission into the DMS program. Students must submit an unofficial transcript along with their health professions application. They must also submit an official copy of their Allied Health Program transcripts and transcripts from other colleges attended to the Office of the College Registrar at Tidewater Community College prior to the application deadline. Applicants who meet all benchmarks will continue to the next stage of the application process and will be required to complete an assigned essay and interview with the program representative(s).
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in conjunction with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
CAAHEP: 9355 - 113th Street N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350, http://www.caahep.org/
JRC-DMS: 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043, (443) 973-3251, http://www.jrcdms.org/
Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the DMS program. If admitted, students must meet certain conditions for continuance. Students are financially responsible for their uniforms and travel. For further information, go to tcc.edu (search keywords “diagnostic medical sonography”).
1Eligible courses are listed under General Education Core Requirements. Students should consult with an academic advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).