Dallas – Bachelor of Science in Health Science with Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Program Quick Facts
| Duration | 42 months (full-time) |
| Start Dates | January/April/June/October |
| Format | On-campus |
| Accreditation | N/A |
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In our Dallas Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, you’ll work to gain advanced knowledge and training in such areas as digital imaging, advanced patient care, and special topics. The program offers tracks either in Abdomen-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology (Abdomen/OBGYN) or Adult Echocardiography. As you grow your sonography and patient care skills, you’ll also focus on topics in healthcare administration, healthcare law and ethics, leadership strategies, and current trends and issues in the field. As a graduate, you’ll have worked to supplement your knowledge and skills in sonography to pursue advanced positions within a healthcare team, including management roles in imaging departments.
Develop Essential Skills In
- Patient care and assessment
- Imaging procedures and instrumentation
- Radiation safety
- Quality control
- Health science research
- Administration and leadership
- Healthcare law and ethics
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Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certification/Licensure
Abdomen-Extended/Obstetrics & Gynecology Track
Campuses Seeking CAAHEP Accreditation (Dallas, Marietta): Students successfully completing the A Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Abdomen-Extended/Obstetrics & Gynecology Track) are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Upon receipt of the ARRT credential, a student must then apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Successful completion of the ARDMS examinations provides certification to practice as a registered sonographer in most states. Please note, students who secure a job position as a sonographer with the ARRT credential may not be required to take the ARDMS examination. In these cases, successful completion of the ARRT examination provides professional certification to practice as a registered sonographer. Contact the Program Director with questions or refer to www.ardms.org and www.arrt.org for more information.
Adult Echocardiography Track
Campuses Seeking CAAHEP Accreditation: Students successfully completing the Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Adult Echocardiography Track) are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Successful completion of the CCI examination provides professional certification to practice as a registered sonographer.
State licensure is currently required in NH NM, ND, and OR. All other states do not require licensure. Passing of the certification exam is required in order to apply for state licensure. South College works with students in preparation to sit for the exam.
Need to Know More About the Bachelor of Science Health Science with a Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program? Here Are Frequently Asked Questions!
Diagnostic medical sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound, to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues for medical diagnosis. These images help physicians identify and monitor various conditions, such as high-risk pregnancies, heart defects, and cancer. A professional, called a diagnostic medical sonographer, performs the ultrasound exams under a doctor’s supervision and interprets the findings.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eHow it works:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernSonographers use a device called a transducer to send sound waves into the body. The waves echo off different tissues and organs, and the transducer picks up these echoes to create a real-time image on a screen.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eSonographer’s role:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernIn addition to performing the scan, sonographers analyze the images for abnormalities, maintain patient records, and communicate their findings to the interpreting physician.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAreas of specialization:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernSonographers can specialize in various fields, including:rnu003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eObstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) for imaging the female reproductive system and monitoring fetal developmentu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eCardiovascular sonography (echocardiography) to evaluate heart functionu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eAbdominal sonography to image organs like the liver, kidneys, and gallbladderu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eVascular sonography to examine blood vessels and detect blockages or clotsu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e
The main difference is semantic; both sonography and ultrasound technology diagnose ailments using ultrasound technology. In most instances “sonographer” and “ultrasound tech” are interchangeable terms, but sonographers are required to complete additional training and certifications.
Yes, diagnostic medical sonography is considered a hard career due to demanding coursework, physical strain from long hours on your feet and repetitive motions, emotional challenges from working with anxious patients, and the need for continuous learning. The educational programs and certification exams are also difficult and competitive, requiring strong technical skills and perseverance.rnrnEducational and professional challengesrnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eRigorous education:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernSonography programs are challenging, requiring a strong foundation in math and science to master concepts like ultrasound physics.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eCompetitive industry:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernPrograms can be competitive, and the job market may require strong credentials and experience to secure employment.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eCertification exams:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernPassing the professional certification exams is difficult and may require multiple attempts for some.rnrnPhysical demandsrnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eRepetitive motions:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernSonographers hold transducers for long periods and perform repetitive motions with their hands and arms, which can lead to physical strain over time.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003ePhysically demanding work:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThe job often requires long hours on your feet and assisting patients with moving or positioning, which can be physically taxing.rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eErgonomic training:u003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernMany facilities offer ergonomic training and equipment to help mitigate these physical challenges.
An Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is the most common and satisfactory educational path for becoming an entry-level sonographer, but Bachelor’s degrees or certificate programs are also viable options depending on your goals. The u0022bestu0022 choice depends on your career aspirations, as a Bachelor’s degree can offer pathways into management or academia, while an Associate’s degree provides the necessary education and clinical training for professional certification.rnrnCommon Educational Pathsrnrnu003cstrongu003eAssociate’s Degree:u003c/strongu003ernrnA two-year degree is a common and effective way to gain the foundational knowledge and clinical experience required for entry-level positions and professional certification.rnrnu003cstrongu003eBachelor’s Degree:u003c/strongu003ernrnA four-year degree provides a broader academic foundation and can open doors to leadership, research, and academic roles within the field.
Yes but there are specific accreditation levels for each campus. We are CAAHEP Accredited in Asheville, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Nashville, Orlando, and Pittsburgh. We are seeking CAAHEP Accreditation for Dallas and Marietta. Please scroll up slightly on this page to see this more in detail by track.
There are some options available for those that qualify. Please scroll up on this page to see more information.