College Catalog Programs of Study 2013-2014

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare students to produce diagnostic images of the human body using special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. The sonographer is a central member of the healthcare team and assists the radiologist in gathering diagnostic data for interpretation. NOVA’s program emphasizes didactic and “hands-on” practice of sonographic techniques in a state-of-the-art scanning laboratory at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield, Virginia. Clinical experience is acquired at numerous area hospitals and private medical facility affiliates.

Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, the student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examination leading to credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS®).

Transfer Information: Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

Admission Requirements: Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive. Applicants must do the following:
    • Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health Programs.
    • Review an online Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session.
    • Pass the DMS Computer Competency Exam with a grade of 70% or higher or pass HIM 130 or ITE 115.
  • Complete BIO 141 and BIO 142 Anatomy and Physiology I-II with a "B" or higher.
  • Complete DMS 100 Orientation to the Sonography Profession with a "B" or higher.
  • Complete ENG 111 College Composition I with a grade of "B" or higher.
  • Complete MTH 151 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts I or higher level math with a "B" or higher.
  • Complete PHY 101 Introduction to Physics I with a "B" or higher.
  • Complete SDV 101 Orientation to Healthcare with a "B" or higher.
  • Complete all courses used to satisfy the science requirements within 10 years of the semester in which verification of the DMS admission process is completed.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Complete 4 hours of DMS related volunteer work as directed.

Special Program Requirements: The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) applicants, candidates, and registrants are required to report their involvement in any incident that constitutes violation of ARDMS discipline policies. First-time applicants must disclose information regarding all previous violations of ARDMS discipline policies to the ARDMS with their initial application for examination. Upon disclosing a violation of ARDMS discipline policies, all ARDMS applicants, candidates, and registrants are required to submit official documentation from the presiding court system or disciplinary body. Individuals must provide documentation that either verifies that all sentencing requirements were completed in full, or a letter from the presiding court system/disciplinary body verifying that this case is closed and all of the requirements have been satisfied.

ARDMS conducts a “preapplication review” for individuals who wish to determine the impact of a previous violation of ARDMS discipline policies on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. Individuals may obtain additional information regarding the preapplication process along with the appropriate forms by visiting ARDMS.