Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate of Applied Science

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program educates the student in a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. A diagnostic medical sonographers is a highly-skilled professional who use specialized equipment to create sonograms of structures inside the human body and collaboratively work with radiologists and other specialized physicians to assist effectively toward a medical diagnosis. 

Upon completion of this program, the student will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-Sonography ARRT(S) exam, to become a Registered Technologist–Sonography RT(S).

 

Program Mission

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program strives to provide an educational experience that will produce competent entry-level medical sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

 

Job Opportunities

 

Salary

Salaries for Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers vary depending on the setting (hospital, private practice, home health, outpatient rehab centers, etc.) and location. The average annual salary for new Registered Sonographers for this region is approximately $65,000 a year.

 

Program Costs

The tuition and fees schedule for the DMS student is the same as for regular college students. See the current LC catalog to determine fees. Students are charged tuition and fees based on their residency classifications at the time of registration. The tuition and fees schedules are based on semester hours. Additional expenses for DMS students include the purchase of a uniform(s), a watch, tennis shoes, books software, liability insurance, and Standard Exam fees. TB skin test, immunizations, a physical exam, CPR certification fees, CastleBranch, personal laptop, DMS software needed throughout the program, and Trajecsys are at the student's expense.

The approximate costs for special items for the DMS student are as follows (these fees are subject to change according to current applicable rates):

• Admission Costs (background check, physical, CPR, etc.) $300.00
• Uniforms $350.00
• Books $2,500.00
• SDMS Membership/DMS Club Fees $150.00
• Capstone review $150.00
• Laptop/Software $1,000.00

  

Accreditation

Laredo College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees as well as certificates. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, at http://www.sacscoc.org for questions about the accreditation of Laredo College.

The Laredo College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is an ARRT-approved, educational program. Upon graduating from the program, the students are eligible to follow the Primary Eligibility Pathway to seek the ARRT(S) credential. For more information, please click here: ARRT(S) 

 

Marketable Skills

In addition to acquiring the knowledge and skills required to become a diagnositc Medical Sonographer, students also develop marketable skills that are valued by employers. These skills include:

• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking

 

Complaints

Community members may submit concerns or complaints about Laredo College's DMS Program, faculty, students, or program graduates. Comments must be submitted by completing the Complaint Referral Form. Completed forms should be emailed to Hortencia Gonzalez, Associate Professor and Diagnostic Imaging Program Director at hortencia.gonzalez@laredo.edu.

 

Campus Location

Laredo College South Campus

College of Helath Sciences

5500 South Zapata Highway

Laredo, TX. 78046

For additional information, students may contact Ms. Hortencia Gonzalez at 956-721-5262 or via email hortencia.gonzalez@laredo.edu.

 

Program Effectiveness Data

Data collection in progress.

 

1. Follow the application process for the Health Sciences Programs.  

Applications are being accepted from March 1^st through the last Thursday in May. 

https://webportalapp.com/sp/laredo_diagnostic_medical_sonography_program.

5. Students will be ranked based on the highest percentage points awarded, and a maximum of 10 students will be accepted. Due to program size limitations, a number of applicants who meet the program admissions requirements may not be admitted to the program. 

The DMS Program adheres to the Equal Opportunity Policy as listed in the LC Manual of Policy FA (LEGAL), click here to access policy.

1. A completed Health Sciences Department Immunization Verification form that includes: Please click here to access form.

      a. Proof of Immunizations (Hepatitis A (Recommended), Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Bacterial Meningitis)

      b. TB skin test of chest x-ray (every 2 years)

      c. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) shot (every 10 years)

2. American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider CPR certification.  Certification must remain current for the duration of the program.

3. A negative 10-Panel urine drug screen

4. A completed Health Sciences Department Physical Examination Form.  Please click here to access form.

5. Influenza vaccine (annually)

6. The Laredo College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program students are required to obtain a criminal background record on an annual basis for any student who may be placed in a clinical site that deals with care of elderly, the care of children, and the care of the client in a mental health facility.  All student applications shall submit a negative background check to be considered eligible for acceptance and continuation in the DMS Program.  A negative criminal background check completed through CastleBranch.com and from the local sheriff's office needs to be provided as stated on the Health Sciences Department Application.