Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

• Curriculum

Program Description

Sonography (ultrasound) is a specialized field of imaging that uses sound waves to produce a computer image. A student in this program studies the clinical aspects of medical sonography and the physical principles of ultrasound. The student also learns to use ultrasound equipment and participates in various supervised sonographic procedures. AHU offers two different entry-level options. Each student must choose one of the following areas of emphasis:

• Option A:  General-Vascular Sonography Program; includes imaging of abdominal organs, obstetrics, gynecology, superficial structures, and vascular system.
• Option B: Cardiovascular Sonography Program; focuses on adult echocardiography and vascular imaging with didactic work in both fetal and pediatric echocardiography.

Program Goals
Minimum Expectations
General-Vascular Sonography Program: To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular sonography concentrations.
Cardiovascular Sonography Program: To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the adult cardiac and vascular sonography concentrations.

Policies

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Handbook Supplement contains the policies of the program. By accepting admission into the Sonography program, each student agrees to abide by the regulations as outlined. All students must present:

• Verification of tuberculosis screening. If the test is positive, refer to the Communicable Disease Policy in the Student Handbook for more information.
• Updated immunization records including hepatitis B, MMR and tetanus-diphtheria.
• Verification of varicella vaccination or show immunity (titer).
• Evidence of a physical examination within three months prior to beginning the program.
• Verification of current certification in professional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association, including infant, child, and adult CPR.
• Evidence of a successfully completed FIT test prior to entering the first clinical rotation and must be completed on an annual basis.
• Proof of health insurance before entering the clinical environment and must maintain this insurance for the duration of the program.

A background check is required for admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography requires disclosure of any crime or misdemeanor directly related to public health and safety and the provision of diagnostic medical sonography. The results of this background check may affect eligibility for certification and should be determined before the student begins the program.

Students must comply with drug testing requirements. Students who test positive on their drug screen will forfeit their seat in the program.

A professional program fee will be charged to cover the additional costs of the sonography education (see the Fee Schedule in the Financial Information section).

Students entering the Sonography program during the Summer trimester are governed by the Academic Catalog of the Fall trimester of the year they are admitted.

Mental and Physical Requirements for Applicants

Applicants seeking admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to accomplish the following:

• Visually observe and assess a patient; discriminate color and depth; read and accurately complete reports; and visualize diagnostic/monitoring equipment in dimmed light.
• Accurately assess patient health needs, hear various equipment and background sounds, and communicate by telephone.
• Demonstrate sufficient hearing to differentiate among Doppler signals.
• Verbally communicate clearly and concisely.
• Communicate appropriately, verbally, and in writing.
• Read and interpret relevant medical data from patients’ charts, reports, and orders.
• Safely lift and transfer patients to accomplish bed/chair/stretcher transfer with assistance or assistive devices.
• Safely push a gurney or wheelchair.
• Stand or sit for extended time.
• Push and operate portable imaging equipment.
• Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity necessary to perform activities specific to this professional program.
• Possess critical thinking skills sufficient to think clearly and act professionally, safely, and accurately in stressful situations.
• Professionally interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

Admission

The successful applicant for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must meet the general admissions requirements for admission to AdventHealth University (AHU) and the following requirements:

1. Submit the AS Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Application once admitted to the University. The application can be accessed at http://my.ahu.edu.
2. A minimum admissions GPA of 2.70, in high school, or on a minimum of 12 college credits. GPAs presented to the Admissions Committee for each applicant will be a cumulative record of all college-level work.
3. Complete prerequisite courses by the program start date. Prerequisite courses are College Algebra, English Composition I, and either General Physics I or Survey of Physics.
4. Applicants that have completed a minimum of 12 college-level credits at AdventHealth University and have completed the requisite courses by the admission deadline will be given preference for program admission. Applicants should be advised that all 3 requisite courses must be completed by the program start date. 
5. For general studies and program admission for the 2023-2024 academic year, AHU will be test-optional and not require submission of ACT or SAT scores. However, AHU strongly encourages applicants who have ACT and/or SAT scores to submit them during the application process, as this will expedite course placement and enhance academic advising. 
6. A minimum ACT composite score of 19 with an individual score of 19 in math, or a combined SAT score of 910 (rSAT: 990) with an individual 510 in math.  Applicants with 24 or more credits from a regionally accredited college are exempt from taking the ACT or SAT.
7. A minimum ACT composite score of 19 with an individual score of 19 in math. Applicants with 24 or more credits from a regionally accredited college are exempt from taking the ACT.
8. Repeated only two (2) cognates, one time each, including transfer credits, to be eligible for admission into sonography courses. Must have a grade of “C” or better for required courses.
9. Submit two recommendations on AHU Recommendation Forms. If an applicant to an undergraduate program has completed at least one trimester at AdventHealth University before being admitted to a program, one of the two recommendations must come from any AdventHealth University faculty member, adjunct professor, tutoring coordinator, chaplain, or academic coach/advisor. Special recommendation forms for this requirement are available in the Office of Admissions.
10. Submit an essay explaining the applicant’s interest in becoming a sonographer that clearly identifies which track he or she is applying for and reasons for selecting a faith-based institution, including how the applicant feels he or she fits within the mission of the University.
11. Attend an interview at an AHU campus. Competitive applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee an invitation for an interview.

Admission into all professional programs is competitive. Each program has a maximum number of students that can be admitted each year. Students meeting the admission requirements for a given program qualify to be considered for admission to that program. However, due to the competitive nature of each program’s admission process, meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Students may be given preferential consideration, for admission to degree and certificate programs, when they have successfully completed 12 college-level hours at AdventHealth University.

Each applicant accepted to an on-campus professional program is expected to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $200 to reserve his or her place in the program. The applicant’s acceptance letter will contain a deposit amount and deadline indicating when the deposit must be received by the University. Once the student enrolls in the program, this deposit will be applied toward the student’s account. Students who have paid the deposit, but decide not to enroll in the program, will forfeit the deposit. If that student is admitted to the same program at a later date, he or she will be required to pay the full deposit amount again. If an applicant is admitted to a program with requisites in progress and becomes ineligible for admission due to his or her grades, a full refund will be provided. A professional program deposit is not transferable to another department. Online Education students are not required to pay a program deposit.

Progression

Students may progress in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program when they complete the following:

• Earn a minimum grade of “B-” (2.67) or P (Pass) in each sonography course.
• Earn a minimum grade of “C” (2.00) in each of the following cognate courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Sectional Anatomy.
• Successfully repeat courses in which the minimum grade is not achieved. No more than two courses may be repeated, and only one of these may be a sonography course.
• Also, present immunizations, including hepatitis B, and health insurance. Verify current certification in professional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association, including infant, child, and adult CPR.

Students who do not complete a trimester or progress with their class cannot be assured of placement in the following class. Readmission is subject to available space. Students will be readmitted under current program policies.

Readmission

Students are considered for readmission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program when they meet the admission requirements and complete the following:

• Submit a Reapplication Form directly to the Sonography Department chairperson.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70.
• Meet the department policies regarding health, professional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association, including infant, child, and adult CPR, FIT testing, and background check.
• Meet specified requirements as set forth by the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department.
• Meet the time limits for program completion as outlined in this Academic Catalog.

Readmission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is not automatic and is subject to available clinical space.

Completion

AdventHealth University will consider students for graduation and conferral of an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography when they have met the general University’s requirements for graduation and have accomplished the following: 

• Complete a minimum of 72 trimester hours of credit.
• Complete the prescribed course of study for either Option A or B with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
• Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 in general education courses with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00) in all cognates¹ and a minimum grade of “B-” (2.67) or P (Pass) in all sonography courses.
• Achieve a minimum of 79% on each of the following mock registry examinations administered by program faculty prior to graduation:

Option A: Ultrasound Physics, Abdomen, OB/Gyn, Vascular Technology;

Option B: Ultrasound Physics, Adult Echocardiography, Vascular Technology.

• At the end of 6 trimesters, students will be eligible to receive an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
• Complete a minimum of 50% of credit in residence at AdventHealth University before graduation.

Time limits: Students must complete the ASDMS requirements in 60 months.

Complete the service-learning requirement. Please refer to your program handbook for more information.

¹Cognates are defined as Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Sectional Anatomy.

Clinical Rotations: To provide the maximum benefit to the sonography student and to enhance versatility and skills, a wide variety of clinical rotation sites are provided. Students are expected to travel to all clinical sites and are assigned to them at the discretion of the department.

Reliable Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites.

Curriculum