Program Goal
The goal of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
| PLO 1. |
Students will apply effective communication and patient care skills to provide compassionate care while adhering to the professional code of ethics. |
| PLO 2. |
Students will demonstrate an understanding of human gross anatomy and pathophysiology related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography. |
| PLO 3. |
Students will implement skill proficiency in general sonographic procedures by using clinical skills and technical knowledge. |
| PLO 4. |
Students will recognize ultrasound principles and instrumentation relative to imaging and image quality. |
Program Description
Southern Arkansas University Tech’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a 71-credit hour program designed to provide students with general knowledge, skills and competencies needed to have a successful career in diagnostic medical sonography. This program is based on the requirements necessary to pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS) certification examination and to function as a general sonographer. Upon completion of the coursework, graduates will receive an Associates of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and once all requirements are met, will be eligible to take the ARDMS examination in Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI), Abdomen and Obstetrics and Gynecology. A selective admissions process is used for student enrollment into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
General Information
- Developmental coursework may be required in addition to the courses required for this degree.
General Requirements
- This degree requires successful completion of 71 credit hours.
- All degree-seeking students are required to take Student Success.
- A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average is required for graduation.
- Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the college is required for graduation.
Residency Requirement
The student is required to complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in residence at SAU Tech for associate degrees and technical certificates and half of the credit hours required for certificates of proficiency as well as complete all other graduation requirements. Students who wish to pursue additional degrees must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of difference between the degrees.
ACTS Course Numbers
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements.
Program Entrance Requirements
- Completed program application;
- Completed and passed all prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher; and
- ATI TEAS entrance examination - Must score 50% or higher.
Degree Plan
Program Prerequisites (27 hours)
Semester I (11 hours)
Semester II (11 hours)
Semester III (11 hours)
Semester IV (11 hours)
Total Credit Hours: 71