Comprehensive Guide to Sonography Programs at Dallas Colleges
The field of diagnostic medical sonography, which utilizes ultrasound imagery to aid in medical diagnoses, has become an indispensable part of modern healthcare since its introduction in the 1940s. Sonographers play a crucial role in assessing pregnancies, detecting tumors, and creating images of soft tissues, including major organs and arteries. Dallas College and Concorde Career College in Dallas offer comprehensive programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this high-demand field.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Dallas College
Dallas College, particularly at its El Centro campus, offers a comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Sonography program designed to equip students with essential skills in sonography. The program focuses on imaging internal organs, performing diagnostic exams, and utilizing high-frequency sound waves to aid medical diagnosis.
Program Overview
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Dallas College offers two distinct tracks:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree: This track requires the completion of 65 credit hours.
- Advanced Technical Certificate: This track is designed for individuals who already possess a relevant healthcare degree and requires 42 credit hours.
The program is structured to span five semesters, with the first semester commencing in June each year. It combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on clinical rotations.
Curriculum and Coursework
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the fundamental principles of ultrasound physics and anatomy to advanced imaging techniques and pathophysiology. Classes are typically held Monday through Friday during standard daytime hours. Clinical hours vary depending on the site, and students should be prepared for occasional evening or weekend shifts.
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Admission Requirements
Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive. The selection process is based on a point system that evaluates several factors:
- Grades in prerequisite courses
- Scores on the HESI A2 exam
- Performance on an Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA), which assesses visualization, problem-solving, and spatial awareness skills
Applicants are also required to submit transcripts, undergo a physical exam, and provide immunization records.
Clinical Training
A significant component of the program is clinical training, which necessitates the ability to care for sick patients, lift and move patients, and operate equipment in low-light settings. Clinical rotations are conducted in various healthcare facilities, and students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to these sites.
Costs and Financial Aid
In addition to tuition fees, students should anticipate expenses for uniforms, equipment, textbooks, and exam fees. For Dallas County residents, the estimated tuition is approximately $7,847. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $17,662. Additional costs include fees for background checks, immunizations, and CPR certification. Financial aid options are available to those who qualify, helping to alleviate the financial burden of the program. Concorde Career College also ensures that students have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process, offering financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
Advanced Technical Certificate Details
The Advanced Technical Certificate is tailored for individuals with prior healthcare degrees. This 42-credit-hour track covers similar content to the AAS degree but is condensed to accommodate professionals with existing credentials and experience in healthcare. Potential students will be considered on an individual basis to determine if they have an adequate background in anatomy and physiology, math and physics.
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Accreditation and Career Prospects
Dallas College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is backed by CAAHEP accreditation, ensuring a high standard of education. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the RDMS exams and enter the workforce in a field with high demand. However, the program’s intensive schedule and clinical requirements may pose challenges for students with significant external commitments.
Concorde Career College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Concorde Career College in Dallas offers an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, designed to prepare students for career opportunities in the field.
Program Overview
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 20-months. The Associate of Applied Science program can be completed in as little as 21 months (about 8 terms). This program provides a foundation of medical knowledge and practical sonography skills.
Curriculum and Training
Concorde incorporates real-world training and off-site clinical experiences into its programs. This hands-on approach ensures that students gain practical skills and experience in a clinical setting.
Career Outlook
Graduates can find employment in various healthcare settings, including:
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- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Acute Care Facilities
- Labs & Clinics
The job market for sonographers is projected to grow, driven by an aging population and the increasing use of imaging technology in medical diagnoses. According to BLS.gov, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography job field from 2024-2034 is estimated to grow by 13%. As the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions, such as blood clots and heart disease, will increase and imaging technology is a tool used in making these diagnoses.
Campus Information
The Concorde Dallas campus operates during the following hours:
- Monday: 7:30 am - 7 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 7 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 7 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 7 pm
- Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
- Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Note: The Concorde Dallas campus is a branch of the Aurora, CO campus.
Skills and Responsibilities of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers are skilled professionals who create ultrasound images to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Their responsibilities include:
- Taking patient medical histories and answering questions prior to procedures.
- Calibrating, operating, and tracking issues with imaging equipment.
- Reviewing images to ensure quality and coverage are adequate for diagnostic purposes.
- Identifying images that show abnormalities.
- Providing reports for physicians and maintaining patient records.
Competitive Admissions and Program Flexibility
Both Dallas College and Concorde Career College have competitive admissions processes. Dallas College requires students to earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students.
Advanced Technical Certificate Requirements at Dallas College
The Diagnostic Medial Sonography Advanced Technical Certificate Option is for students having at least a previous Associate Degree in a designated allied health field or nursing program, or a B.S. degree with a major in a science discipline and have current credentials in a health care profession prior to application to the program. Admission requirements include an information session, satisfactory scores on pre-entrance assessment testing, rank ordering by grade point, and completion of all requirements for admission as a full-time student to the college.
Adult Cardiac Sonography at Dallas College
Dallas College also offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Cardiac Sonography - Adult Cardiac Sonography. The Adult Cardiac Sonography program is a two-year A.A.S. degree program with a competitive admissions process. The Adult Cardiac Sonographer performs cardiovascular examinations to produce a picture of a heart and great vessels using high-frequency sound waves. These examinations are used to diagnose congenital heart disease, valvular disease, pericardial disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular disorders. Types of examinations include 2D and 3D Echo, M-mode and color flow Doppler, as well as Transesophageal and Stress Studies. The Adult Cardiac Sonographer may work in hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College.
Core Courses at Dallas College
Several core courses are required for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Dallas College, including:
- BIOL 2401 - Anatomy and Physiology I
- ENGL 1301 - Composition I
- MATH 1314 - College Algebra
- BIOL 2402 - Anatomy and Physiology II
- SPCH 1315 - Public Speaking
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