Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Information

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMSO) student will have direct experience with ultrasound examinations. Student clinical education will begin the first semester. The student will interact with patients under a variety of circumstances and will be responsible for the safety and well being of those patients, in addition to producing quality sonograms.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Tyler Junior College offers a cooperative program with area medical facilities, which is designed to provide skilled technologists in diagnostic medical sonography. This program is fully accredited by the commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208, and telephone 312.553.9355.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is a sixteen-month degree program with an additional four-month certificate option, resulting in a two-year commitment. Students who are accepted into the program begin in the Fall semester and graduate the following Fall with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. They are then eligible to apply for registry examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in Physics, Abdomen and/or Obstetrics/Gynecology.

ADVANCED VASCULAR CERTIFICATE

The Advanced Skills Certificate in Vascular Technology (ASCVT) is an option for all graduates from the TJC/DMS program, and credentialed sonographers. All applicants must submit an application by November 15th, once accepted classes begin in January of each year. All applicants will be reviewed and selected by the DMS Admission Committee. The formal instructions of didactic and clinics is a four month certificate. Graduates will be eligible for the ARDMS registry examination in Vascular Technology and Vascular Physics.

PLACEMENT POLICIES

Admission to Tyler Junior College does not imply or guarantee admission to a Allied Health and Nursing program. Unless THEA exempt, prospective students are required to pass, or satisfy the THEA requirement (or a state approved alternative test such as COMPASS) before applying to the program. Prospective students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in the School of Allied Health and Nursing use a point system for placement.

Students for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are selected according to:

• ACT scores (17 or greater)
• THEA (or THEA exempt)
• Cumulative grade point average
• Prerequisite grade point average
• Interview (top 25 students only)
• Previous education
• Employment (medical profession only)

The Admissions Committee ranks the applicants according to points earned in each of these areas.

The required Biology courses only must be completed within the past five years, unless approved by the department chair. All prerequisites must be completed with at least a "C" average by May 25th of each year. In order to concentrate solely on DMSO courses, it is highly recommended that all general education requirements be completed early. General Education courses must be at least a “C” average.

STARTING SALARY

Salaries vary in areas of the United States and are based on shift work, job responsibilities and job experience. The average salary (new graduate prior to passing ARDMS examination) nationally is $41,600 - $49,920 ($20.00 - $24.00 per hour) annually.