Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is designed to prepare graduates to meet the demands of the healthcare industry by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for entry-level sonography positions.

How Do We Do This?

At John Patrick University, we fulfill our mission and goals through didactic education and mastery of the required skill sets during structured clinical rotations in the clinical setting. The diagnostic medical sonography program has the following learning outcomes:

• Prepare graduates for entry-level sonography positions
• Prepare graduates for certification and licensure exams
• Prepare graduates to perform ultrasound examinations accurately, efficiently, and safely
• Develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make sound clinical decisions and communicate findings effectively to healthcare providers
• Foster professionalism, ethical behavior, and effective communication skills among students
• Provide opportunities for students to engage in research and continuing education to stay up-to-date with advancements in the field of sonography

Duration: 2 Years (5 semesters)
JPU offers three (3) semesters per calendar year. Students enrolling at a full-time status for five (5) consecutive semesters can complete the program in approximately 20 months.
Tuition: $580 per credit
Fees per Semester: $325
Credits: 69

Curriculum

General Education Courses (18 credits required)

BIOL152	Human Anatomy & Physiology	3 Credits
MATH105	Algebra I	3 Credits
PHY150	Descriptive Physics	3 Credits
SOC105	Introduction to Psychology*	3 Credits
SOC107	Introduction to Sociology*	3 Credits
HUM109	English Composition	3 Credits
HUM111	Fundamentals of Public Speaking	3 Credits

*One course from the Social Science (SOC) category must be selected.

Technical/Occupational Courses (51 credits required)

SCI115	Medical Terminology	1 Credit
RTE120	Medical Ethics & Law	1 Credit
US101	Introduction to Sonography	2 Credits
US103	Patient Care & Professionalism in Sonography	2 Credits
US105	Ultrasound Physics	3 Credits
US122	Abdominal Ultrasound I	2 Credits
US226	Advanced Abdominal Imaging	2 Credits
US124	Superficial and Small Parts Ultrasound I	2 Credits
US224	Superficial and Small Parts Ultrasound II	2 Credits
US223	Pediatric Ultrasound	2 Credits
US130	Gynecological Ultrasound	2 Credits
US132	Obstetrical Ultrasound I	2 Credits
US230	Obstetrical Ultrasound II	2 Credits
US234	Advanced OBGYN Imaging	2 Credits
US160	Vascular Ultrasound I	2 Credits
US190	Clinical Externship AA,B	4 Credits
US290	Clinical Externship BA	9 Credits
US292	Clinical Externship CA	9 Credits
US293	Clinical Externship DB	6 Credits
US294	Clinical Externship EB	6 Credits
US295	Clinical Externship LB	6 Credits

Clinical Externship courses total 22 credits (a minimum of 900 hours). Students typically begin competency completion in the clinical setting during the third semester of the program. The specific schedule is determined between the Program Director, Clinical Site Preceptor, and the Student. Students select Route 1(a 5-semester plan of study) or Route 2 (a 6-semester plan of study).

^A Route 1: Clinical Externship A (100 hours), Clinical Externship B (400 hours), and Clinical Externship C (400 hours)
^B Route 2: Clinical Externship A (100 hours), Clinical Externship D (260 hours), Clinical Externship E (260 hours), and Clinical Externship L (280 hours)

Sample Plan of Study – Route 1

Sample Plan of Study – Route 2

Program Application Requirements

• 3 letters of reference
• Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions
• Personal statement letter
• Copies of TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable
• Application
• $95.00 application fee (non-refundable)
• Entrance Exam
• Distance Education Self-Assessment

Program Admission Requirements

• Minimum of a High School Diploma with a GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).  A 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred.
• If applicant’s first language, or language of instruction, is not English, English proficiency examination scores are required.  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores are 550 (pBT) or 213 (cBT) or 79 (iBT).  The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score required is 6.5.  The PTE Academic minimum score required is 53.
• Interview with JPU representative
• Personal statement
• Three Letters of Reference
• A minimum score of at least 80% is required on the Entrance Exam

Entrance Exam

The AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program requires the completion of an Entrance Exam as part of the admissions process. The entrance exam is waived for any applicant who has earned a degree within five (5) years of applying to JPU. The minimum score required on the Entrance Exam is 80%.  The anticipated time to complete the exam is 1.5 hours.

• Reading Comprehension: Provides reading scenarios in order to measure reading comprehension, identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical inferences, etc.
• Learner Profile: Assesses your personality related to your preferred learning style

After your application is submitted, you will receive an email with information on taking the entrance exam.  Once you have completed the entrance exam, a representative from JPU’s admissions team will reach out to you to schedule phone interviews.

Applicants who do not pass the entrance exam with an 80% will have a second opportunity to take the exam. Applicants who do not pass the entrance exam after two attempts but earn a score in the range of 76-79% may still be considered for admission into the University as a continuing education student (non-degree seeking student) if their cumulative GPA earned from college-level coursework is at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Admission into the AS Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will be reconsidered for students that choose to enroll as a continuing education student and earn a GPA of at least 2.5 during their first semester at JPU.

CLINICAL OBLIGATIONS

All students are required to adhere to Policies and Procedures outlined the Clinical Internship Handbook. The following are general requirements regarding clinical clearance screening requirements and clinical site placement:

Clinical Clearance Screening
JPU has clinical clearance screening requirements for all students prior to the start of their clinical internship.  This documentation includes, but is not limited to a background check, drug screen, and immunization records, CPR Training, and Physical Exam.  The accumulation of the required documentation is performed at the student’s expense.  Some Clinics may require different and/or additional screening requirements.  The student is required to comply with all screening requirements mandated by their assigned clinical site.  Any fees associated with procuring items required in the clinical clearance screening process are at the student’s expense.  Clinics that prefer to do their own testing and verification may do so directly with the student.  JPU may be asked to perform these services and provide the results to the clinic upon their request.

Clinical Site Placement
JPU is responsible for assigning a clinical site to each student enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program.  DMS program leadership will grant acceptance into the program to qualified applicants after both the student and clinical site agree to the clinical site assignment.  

If a student is not granted admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program but wishes to enroll in DMS courses as a non-degree seeking student, they may enroll in selected DMS courses approved by JPU at a part-time status for no more than three consecutive semesters if their ultimate goal is to gain acceptance into the DMS program.  Students who do not gain admittance into the DMS program after attending as a non-degree seeking student for three consecutive semesters must repeat the admissions interview process.

JPU resolves to make every effort to place student in a location that is within a reasonable distance from their place of residence.  Due to availability of clinical sites and student schedules, temporary relocation may be necessary to secure an appropriate clinical site.

Loss of an Assigned Clinical Site or Failure to Accept a Site Assignment
There are various reasons why a student may lose an assigned clinical site either before or after they begin their clinical internship.  Some reasons may be unpredictable and/or unpreventable by the University.  Any student who loses their assigned clinical site must accept the next clinical site assignment they are offered, even if it means temporary relocation is required.  Program leadership makes every effort to consider the student’s current location when working on clinical site assignments.  If the student chooses not to accept the subsequent clinical site they are offered, they are considered non-compliant with Clinical Obligations required for the program and will be placed on Administrative Hold.  Refer to the Administrative Hold Policy in the ACADEMIC POLICIES section of the Academic Catalog. 

Hybrid Program Requirement

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is a hybrid program, meaning both online and in-person instruction (boot camp) is required. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program requires one boot camp session. Students must attend in-person for 3 days (Saturday-Monday) the second weekend of the semester in which they are enrolled in the Clinical Externship A course, which is typically the third semester of the program. Possible locations for in-person instruction include Indiana, Delaware, or Florida. Students are responsible for all travel expenses associated with attending boot camp.

Sonography Certification

Is state licensure required?

No: AL, AK, AZ, CT, FL, MS, TX, AR, CA, CO, DE, DC, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

Yes: NH, NM, ND, OR

If required, is ARRT certification sufficient?

Yes: NH, NM, ND, OR

Does JPU’s program meet requirements to take the ARRT examination?

Yes.  Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT examination. JPU’s accreditor, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is recognized by the ARRT.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) contains the most updated information on licensure. Including each individual state. JPU reviews the information annually.

Does JPU’s program meet requirements to take the ARRT examination?

Yes.  Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT examination because JPU’s accreditor, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is recognized by the ARRT.

If ARRT is not sufficient, what are the requirements?

Texas: A Jurisprudence (JP) Exam with a score of 75 or better is required.  Visit https://tmb.state.tx.u/page/licensing for more details.

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