Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Our Program How to Apply Background Preparation
Clinical Work Experience Faculty Job Outlook
Become a Sonographer. A sonographer obtains diagnostic images of internal organs and blood flow using sound waves to observe fetal growth or to study body organs. Image-producing echoes are collected, and these reflections of high-frequency sound waves – sonograms – are used to construct an image of a body organ. As a sonographer, once you have completed the exam you will present the images to a physician for interpretation and diagnosis.
Our Program
Your 23-month DMS studies includes classroom instruction, practice in skills lab and clinical experience in a variety of health care settings. You’ll learn both the art and the science of diagnostic imaging. We teach you to be a technically skilled and caring individual, excellent at critical thinking and problem solving. Our educational opportunities facilitate personal and professional development to contribute to your long-term success.
Our DMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest program accreditor in the health sciences field.
Once you successfully complete this program, you have the opportunity to advance into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Completion or Health Care Administration degree programs at Mercy College.
How and When to Apply
We accept from 12 to 16 DMS students beginning each summer semester. Our program is divided into two tracks: 1) Abdominal / ObGyn, and 2) Cardiovascular. Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged. Application deadline is February 28.
Background Preparation
You only need to complete high school (or a college equivalent) with your algebra I, algebra II and biology coursework completed before admission. Your cumulative grade point average should be 2.7 or higher and your ACT composite score must be 20 or above.
Clinical Work Experience
You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center. You’ll also work at Mercy affiliate locations and at many other leading health care organizations in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study.
Faculty
Our dedicated team includes a program chair, a DMS instructor and a clinical coordinator in addition to many medical professionals in clinical settings. Together, they assure you an exceptional level of personalized instruction. Meet and learn more about our DMS faculty on our website.
Job Outlook
Once you have completed your DMS degree, you’ll have the knowledge and the clinical exposure you need to become a registered sonographer. Your job opportunities are very good, and our DMS graduates have found great jobs across the United States. Growth in this area of health care is expected to continue as sonography becomes an ever-increasing alternative to radiologic procedures. You’ll find more details and statistics about specific roles and job opportunities from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
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