Program: Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS - Tulsa Community College (2024)

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2024-2025 College Catalog

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Program Description

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) AAS degree is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to be employed as a sonographer. There are several areas of specialization, including Abdominal, OB/GYN and Vascular Sonography, which are available at TCC. Graduates find work in hospitals, physician offices, or outpatient clinics. Instructional methodologies will be based on the latest technology and will reflect current professional practice standards, and once eligible the student will sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examinations.

Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body for diagnostic purposes. The diagnostic medical sonographer is a skilled person qualified by academic and clinical education to perform sonographic examinations under the supervision of a qualified physician. The sonographer performs a variety of diagnostic examinations to include evaluations of the brain, abdomen, peripheral blood vessels, and studies of the pregnant and non-pregnant female patient, and has a unique and vital role in the diagnostic process. The profession continues to offer many excellent opportunities for employment.

Admission to the Program

Program Application Instructions

  1. All prospective Diagnostic Medical Sonography students who have not been enrolled at TCC within the past year must complete an application for admissionto the College, submit their high school transcripts, ACT scores and previous college transcripts to the Metro Campus Student Completion Services office at 909 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119. Incomplete submissions will not be considered for admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Admission to Tulsa Community College does not guarantee admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
  2. Applications to the DMS program must be completed online at tulsacc.edu/ApplyDMS​ by April 1. For more information, contact the School of Health Sciences office at (918) 595-7002.
  3. Eligible applicants to be interviewed for consideration for admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will be notified by email. All interviewed applicants will be notified by email regarding their selection status” to “All interviewed applicants will be notified through their TCC email regarding their selection status.

    Program Admission Requirements

    • College GPA of 2.5.
    • ACT Composite Score of 18. (completed within the last 5 years)
    • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” or better. Must be completed prior to application deadline.
      • BIOL 1314 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
      • ENGL 1113 - Composition I
      • MATH 1513 - Precalculus I (A)
      • PHYS 1114 - General Physics I (L)
    • Student must be able to travel to local and distant clinical sites.
    • An extensive criminal background check, including but not limited to, a seven-year county of residence nationwide criminal history check, national sexual predator screening, Social Security check, and Medicare/Medicaid fraud screening is required by all clinical affiliates. All Health Sciencesstudents participating in clinicals are required to complete these background checks, immunizations and a drug screening test by the School of Health Sciencesoffice deadline prior to the first clinical rotation. Any positive findings may be subject to review by the clinical affiliates and could prevent the student from completing clinical requirements.

    English Language Proficiency

    An official iBT® TOEFL (internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language) test score or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Band score is required as proof of English proficiency for any International student for whom English is a second language who is applying to any Tulsa Community College health sciences program. Students who have graduated from a U.S. high school will not be required to take the iBT Toefl or IELTS tests. Your scores must be current within 2 years of the semester for which you are applying.

    For health sciences students, the minimum sub-scores on the internet based TOEFL (iBT®) are 21 for Writing; 24 for Speaking; 20 for Reading; and 20 for Listening, with a total minimum score of 85.

    For students choosing the IELTS test, acceptable scores include: 6.5 for Reading; 6.5 for listening; 7.5 for Speaking; and 6 for Writing, for a total IELTS Bans score of 6.5. These required minimum scores must be met for each of the four sub-tests on a single exam. A total score that does not meet the sub-score minimums does not meet the requirement. Exceptions to this policy may be considered on an individual basis.

    Students must go to www.ets.org/toefl to find a TOEFL iBT testing site, register and pay for the test. Students may go to www.ielts.org/us to find an IELTS testing center and register and pay for the test. Both tests cost approximately $190. Students are highly encouraged to take practice tests to prepare for these important tests. Your official scores, including ALL Sub-scores, must be sent directly to the TCC Registrar’s Office.

    Contact Information
    Program Director
    Aimee M Francois, MS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
    West Campus
    918-595-2059
    aimee.francois@tulsacc.edu
    Additional Information Available

    Program Learning Outcomes

    Upon successful completion of this program you will be able to:

    • Incorporate anatomy, physiology and physics to the field of Diagnostic Ultrasound.
    • Perform exam protocols in a sequential manner.
    • Manage appropriate patient care.
    • Manage DMS equipment proficiently.
    • Uphold sonographic professional standards.
    • Incorporate content to the lab and clinical setting.
    • Evaluate images you have taken.
    • Communicate appropriately to the setting.

    Careers

    Search careers in this field at Focus 2 Careeror schedule an appointment withTCC Career Servicesto learn more about our free career planning and job preparation services

    Student Organizations

    Network with other DMS students through participation in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Organization. For more information speak with DMS faculty.

    Degree Requirements

    View a semester-by-semester course plan of study on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Program Map.

    Program: Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS - Tulsa Community College (2024)

    FAQs

    Is diagnostic medical sonography harder than nursing? ›

    Sonography programs require more clinical hours and final exams than a nursing degree.

    How much do ultrasound techs make in Tulsa? ›

    The average ultrasound technician salary in Tulsa, OK is $152,074 per year or $73.11 per hour.

    How competitive is diagnostic medical sonography? ›

    Sonography is a highly competitive field, so you will have to work hard to stand out. Sonography is a physically demanding job. You will be on your feet for long periods and may have to lift patients.

    How long is the sonography program at OU? ›

    The four-year program culminates in the baccalaureate degree in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (B.S.M.I.R.S.) in the specific discipline of study.

    Do sonographers make more money than nurses? ›

    Sonographers need an associate degree or certificate; nurses need a diploma, ADN, or BSN and must pass the NCLEX-RN. Sonographers have 10% job growth with a median salary of $80,850; nurses have 6% job growth with a median salary of $86,070.

    Is there a lot of math in medical sonography? ›

    For an entry-level sonographer, the emphasis on math in cardiovascular sonography is important, but it's typically focused on foundational concepts and practical applications. Basic arithmetic skills are essential for tasks such as measuring blood flow velocities and calculating cardiac output.

    What is the lowest paid ultrasound tech? ›

    Ultrasound Tech Salary Overview

    The top 10% of sonographers earn $116,300, in contrast to the bottom 10%, who earn $63,680, according to the BLS's data. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032.

    How do I pass a sonography exam? ›

    Take mock exams

    You've just unlocked a whole other level with ultrasound physics. So practice is key. Try to isolate what exactly the question is asking and what key concept the writers are trying to solicit from you. Make sure you know ALL words that can mean the same thing.

    Is sonography worth it? ›

    Is sonography a good career? The sonography profession is challenging, rewarding, and empowers you to make a difference in the lives of patients. If you are a person who is looking for these facets in your career, then sonography may be the right career for you.

    How long do most diagnostic medical sonographers go to school? ›

    Many education paths are available for prospective sonographers, but the most common is a 2-year degree through an accredited sonography training program. Bachelor's degrees are also available, as are 1-year certificate programs in sonography for persons already trained in another healthcare field.

    What is the shortest sonography program? ›

    Boise State University in Idaho features an online certificate in diagnostic medical sonography that prepares learners to take the Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography exam. The program, which full-time students can complete in 12 months, requires in-person clinical experience hours.

    How do I become an ultrasound tech in Tulsa? ›

    The Diagnostic Medical Sonography, A.A.S. degree prepares students for a career as a sonographer. Specializations in Abdominal, OB/GYN, and Vascular Sonography are available. Graduates find employment in hospitals, physician offices, or outpatient clinics.

    Is medical imaging harder than nursing? ›

    Nursing school may be considered more difficult than radiology tech school, as nursing students require deeper understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, along with more clinical experience. However, with dedication and hard work, radiology tech school can be a rewarding and worthwhile career path.

    Is sonography a hard major? ›

    Due to the technical nature of these courses, the ultrasound program can be challenging at times. But, you're provided with hands-on training on the equipment you'll use daily, study materials and more to help you succeed.

    What is the hardest part of being a sonographer? ›

    The Challenges of Being an Ultrasound Technician

    Long and varying work hours: Sonographers often work in hospitals and clinics that stay open long hours. You could work nights and/or weekends to best serve your patients. Difficult patients: Some patients will be struggling with difficult emotional situations.

    Is medical sonography stressful? ›

    As a Sonographer, I can confirm that ultrasound is indeed a fast-paced career with the need to perform well. Busy individuals who enjoy multitasking and staying active will likely find healthcare work enjoyable, as both the mind and body are always on the move. However, stress varies from person to person.

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