Program Overview

  • Bachelor's Degree

Diagnostic medical sonography, also referred to as ultrasound, is a dynamic field in the area of Allied Health. As part of the health care team, diagnostic medical sonographers perform diagnostic medical examinations utilizing specialized equipment to assist with patient care.

Sonography and clinical practicum courses allow students to gain knowledge in multiple areas of sonography such as:

  • Abdominal sonography
  • Obstetrical and gynecological sonography
  • Breast sonography
  • Pediatric sonography
  • Vascular sonography
  • Adult and fetal echocardiography
  • Ultrasound physics

Median Salary $75,920

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Bachelor's Degree

The baccalaureate curriculum requirements include a strong science foundation with courses specific to the practice of diagnostic medical sonography. The sonography and clinical practicum courses are designed to prepare the student’s knowledge base to perform sonographic examinations as an entry-level sonographer.

CURRICULUM

Applying to the Program

Students interested in the DMS program are required to complete several pre-program college level courses prior to applying to the program. All required courses are offered at Baptist University.

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM

Sonography students in the Campus Hub Lab

Why Sonography at Baptist University?

  • Faith-based atmosphere
  • Student centered with small classrooms
  • In-class instruction, Online instruction, Laboratory experience & clinical practicum experience
  • Hands-On Instruction
  • Faculty advisors
  • Upon successful completion of examinations, graduates can earn multiple credentials
    Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS),
    Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and
    Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).
Chase McGee in DMS lab

“I could not be more pleased with my experience as a student in the DMS program. The program offers a bachelors degree in ultrasound along with being trained in every modality. I was able to obtain RDMS (Ab) and RVT credentials before I graduated. I feel that the program and the instructors that are in charge of the program really care for their students. I highly recommend a career in diagnostic medical sonography, but I also highly recommend choosing the DMS program at Baptist University of Health Science for obtaining an education in this field.”

 

Chase McGee, DMS Alumni

Program Outcomes

100%
Placement Rate
Graduation Year 2021
85%
Retention Rate
Graduation Year 2021
97%
Credential Success Rate
Graduation Year 2021
students in the ultrasound lab

Career Opportunities

  • Lead sonographers
  • Application specialists
  • Educators

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a few questions about the sonography program?

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on recommendation by the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The program at Baptist University is accredited in both the general and vascular concentrations.

Mission

The DMS degree program at Baptist University will provide an excellent educational program to prepare students to enter the dynamic field of diagnostic medical sonography.

Program Learning Goal

  • To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), Psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations it offers: Abdominal sonography – Extended, Obstetrics and gynecology sonography, and Vascular sonography.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course of study in the DMS program, graduates will:

  • Function as a knowledgeable entry-level sonographer.
  • Demonstrate clinical proficiency of sonographic procedures.
  • Exhibit behavior skills that reflect professionalism, effective communication, and time-management skills.

Technical Standards

The following technical standards outline reasonable expectations of a student enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program for the performance of common clinical functions.*

Communication

Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and the ability to be easily understood. Reading, writing, recording, and documenting patient information required.

Analytical Skills/Critical Thinking

Analytical skills sufficient to process information, to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, and to prioritize tasks. Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment.

Hearing                                                                                                                  

Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs, to detect and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.

Vision

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for the care of patients and operation of equipment.

Tactile

Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment.

Mobility

Physical ability, flexibility, strength, and stamina sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor ability sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Behavioral

Emotional and mental health sufficient to establish therapeutic boundaries, to perform multiple tasks concurrently, to handle strong emotions, and to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

 

*Students who have accessibility questions or who need accommodations should contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Room 101, Science Building, at 901-572-2570 or by sending an email to Disability.Accomodations@baptistu.edu.