Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Information

This program of study is designed to provide academic and clinical training in the field of general (OB/GYN and Abdominal/Superficial Structures) ultrasound (diagnostic medical sonography). The Associate of Applied Science degree awarded at program completion is a four-semester, competency-based curriculum that includes practical experience in regional health institutions. The ultrasound program at Trenholm State is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) based on the recommendation of accreditation made by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). By attending a program accredited by CAAHEP, you will be able to apply to take the national certification examinations offered by the ARDMS/ARRT. By successfully completing the certification exams, you will be awarded the credential ‘registered sonographer.’

Occupational Choices 

Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2021-2031 Edition, 2022 Survey

Average Full-Time Wage

The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $57,720 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,370. The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $77,740 in May 2021. The highest 10 percent earned more than $101,650 annually, with the lowest 10 percent earning $59,640 a year.

Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2021-2031 Edition, 2022 Survey

Admission Criteria and Requirements

Program applications and deadline for application submission will be posted to the Ultrasound (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) webpage.

Applicants must:

• Meet all general admission requirements of Trenholm State Community College and be in good standing.
• Complete all general required courses (prerequisites) courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course (see program webpage).
• Have a minimum ACT score of 20 on the national ACT exam (writing section not required). 
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or better on all general required prerequisite courses. Math/Sciences courses must have been completed within seven (7) years of the date of expected entry into the DMS-program.
• Submit a completed DMS-program application by the application deadline to include all the following documents:

1. Completed DMS-Program Application.  The program application can be found on the website. For application deadline information please visit DMS webpage, Select Programs> Health Sciences Division>Ultrasound.
2. Copies of transcripts from ALL colleges previously attended
3. A copy of your Trenholm State transcript showing completion and transfer of ALL prerequisite courses
4. A copy of your ACT score showing 20 or higher. All applicants will be ranked according to his/her ACT score.  Applicants with the highest ACT scores will be issued acceptance letters. Average ACT score for the past three years is 22.6.  

Essential Eligibility Criteria.  Student must be able to, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• access and accurately understand or analyze requisitions, orders, charts, directions, and other job-related documentation and communications;
• independently travel through the sonography department and to other departments and floors of the hospital;
• remain in a stationary position either sitting or standing for an extended time, equal to or greater than 30 minutes;
• assist patients to transfer from beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers to the sonography table and back;
• independently be able to perform CPR, first aid and general patient care;
• give clear commands to patients and communicate effectively with patients and professional staff; including with individuals wearing masks;
• independently access, adjust, and operate sonography equipment;
• independently assess the ongoing functioning of the sonography machine and other equipment;
• independently assess sonographic images, controls, labels, and observe patients; and
• work in a sterile environment, prepare sterile fields, and fill sterile syringes.

Admission to the Ultrasound (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Awards Available

Associate of Applied Science
Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Short Term Certificates
Vascular Sonography Concentration
Cardiac Sonography/Echocardiography

Program Contact

April Fricks
Program Director/Instructor
334-420-4334
Location:  Trenholm Campus - Bldg. H

LaTonya Caudle
Clinical Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4358
Location:  Trenholm Campus - Bldg. H

The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.

Estimated Program Length & Cost *

* Tax not included.  Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers.  The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above.  The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.  Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.