Allied Health
Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S.
Average Length of Program: 109-111 credits, 7 quarters
Program Description
Diagnostic medical sonography technology is an allied health profession in which practitioners perform
diagnostic and monitoring procedures using sound waves. The sonographer performs examinations at the
request or direction of a physician. Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the sonographer proceeds
with the examination to create an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and
physiologic diagnosis may be established for each patient.
The various types of ultrasound imaging equipment require a highly skilled sonographer to obtain the imaging
information or other data required. The sonographer must obtain appropriate history, physical findings, and
pertinent laboratory data to adapt the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic
information.
Career Opportunities
Diagnostic medical sonography is a rapidly advancing specialty due to continued technological advances.
There continues to be a demand for trained sonographers in hospitals, clinics and physicians offices. The
greatest demand is outside of the Spokane area due to the small number of training programs available across
the nation.
Potential positions include: diagnostic medical sonographer, vascular technologist, abdominal
sonographer, and OB/GYN sonographer.
Admission Recommendations/Requirements
- Active email account recommended
- Computer skills recommended
- CHEM 120 Organic and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences recommended
- CHEM& 121 Introduction to Chemistry recommended
- Appropriate scores in ASSET or COMPASS required
- Physical examination, immunizations, and drug screening and Washington State Patrol (WSP) background check are required after being accepted into the program.
- A 2.0 grade must be maintained quarterly in every course before proceeding to the next quarter.
- Students may repeat a professional course once, but it must be repeated within two years.
- High school diploma or GED certificate required
- Interview with sonography instructor required
Persons with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, accommodations for
students with disabilities will be considered at the student's request. The student will be required to register
with the Disability Support Services office and provide documentation of disability. Once the student is qualified
by the DSS Manager as having a disability, requested accommodations will be considered. Accommodations for the
classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting will be considered according to reasonableness. Accommodations that
compromise patient care, or that fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity, are not considered
to be reasonable. A student denied accommodation may request an individualized determination to assure that the
denial is not a result of disability discrimination by contacting the Manager of Disability Support Services and
Testing at 533-7498. Contact the SCC Disability Support Services office to obtain a copy of the procedures for
appeal of an accommodation denial. Other than accommodation issues, procedures for student grievances including academic
dismissal are outlined in the following SCC website:
www.scc.spokane.edu/?concerns.
For additional information, please contact Disability Support Services.