Diagnostic Medical Sonography
In Gwinnett Tech’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, students learn how to use specialized equipment that directs high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic images of organs, tissues, blood flow and fetal anatomy for interpretation by a physician, as a tool to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions. Students learn about various types of sonography through didactic instruction, patient simulation, labs and clinical experiences. Coursework includes sonographic physics, sonographic identification of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology of the abdomen, pelvis, and small parts of the adult, pediatric and fetal patient, clinical application courses, interventional sonography, vascular sonography, journal and case study review, and comprehensive registry reviews. Graduates of Gwinnett Tech’s diagnostic medical sonography program go on to work in hospitals, imaging centers, physicians’ offices and urgent care centers.
Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th Street N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775-7709
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
The DMS program is a competitive entry program. For more information on the process and prerequisite courses please attend one of our Monthly Information sessions to learn more. Application to the DMS program requires that you attend ONE of these information sessions within a year of applying to the program.
What are my program options?
More Info…
Take the first step toward a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and apply for next semester! Important dates and deadlines are listed to get you started and if you’re looking for ways to pay for your education, explore our scholarships for this program, as well as state and federal funds for which you may be eligible. You can also learn about our faculty and clubs and organizations you can join!
Gwinnett Tech builds relationships with local subject-matter experts to develop advisory boards, who provide feedback that ensures we deliver relevant industry-specific curriculum for today’s high-demand careers. See who serves on our Diagnostic Medical Sonography advisory board.
What can I expect from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?
The DMS program provides students with the skills necessary to operate sonographic equipment and to obtain high-quality diagnostic images through various enhancements. The program strives to prepare students to be capable of implementing innovative techniques, to practice excellent patient care skills, ability to respond quickly to adverse or atypical situations, and who have a commitment to keep current with technological changes within the sonography field.
Tell me more about this program.
The DMS program offers the Abdomen-extended and OB/GYN concentrations. Students will learn both concentrations in this 22-month continuous course of study (5 semesters) that includes on-campus didactic and lab sessions and off-campus clinical rotations. The DMS program is a full-time commitment that requires a lot of additional study time outside of class. Classes are scheduled for daytime with a new cohort beginning every fall.
Students in our program will sit for the ARDMS Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation exam after their first semester. Just prior to graduation, DMS program students will take the ARDMS registry specialty examinations in both Abdomen-extended and OB/GYN.
Abdominal sonographers can help diagnose conditions that affect the aorta, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, bladder, thyroid, breast, scrotum, pediatric sonography, as well as analyze blood flow throughout these organs. Sonographers also assist with interventional procedures which means biopsies, needle aspirations, fluid drainage all of which involve sterile fields, needles, and body fluids.
OB/GYN sonographers specialize in measuring the health of a fetus and expectant mother, as well as detecting or analyzing potential abnormalities in the fetus and assessing the female reproductive organs. These sonographers will also assist with interventional procedures.
The majority of sonographers are expected to perform all sonographic examinations in hospitals, imaging centers, or urgent care centers. Only in breast centers or a private physician’s office will the sonographer specialize in specific areas.
What career options will I have?
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- OB/GYN Sonographer
- Breast Sonographer
- Vascular Technologist
- Pediatric Sonographer
- Musculoskeletal Sonographer
- Applications Specialist
- Sonographic Equipment Sales
How much will it cost?
Gwinnett Tech offers affordability at $100 per credit hour + fees. Great opportunities for scholarships and financial aid with HOPE Grant, HOPE scholarship, HOPE Career Grants, and more!