Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography prepares graduates to practice competently and effectively as entry-level sonographers in diverse healthcare environments. Sonography is a rewarding career in healthcare, where the sonographer plays a critical role in helping healthcare providers diagnose and treat medical conditions.

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 four (5) consecutive semesters can complete the program in approximately 20 months.
Tuition: $667 per credit
Fees per Semester: $325
Credits: 60 (120*)

Curriculum

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. Clinical Externship A consists of 100 hours, Clinical Externship B and C consist of 260 hours each, and Clinical Externship D consists of 280 hours.

^A 30 general education credits are required for transfer with at least one course from each of the following categories: social science, science, mathematics, and humanities. Among the 30 transfer credits required, at least one oral communication course, one written communication course, and one mathematics course must be a 300-400 level course. Students who do not meet this requirement upon enrollment at John Patrick University may enroll in the needed course or courses concurrently with BS Diagnostic Medical Sonography program courses.

^B 30 100-200 level technical/occupational courses are required for transfer from a related degree program in radiologic science or radiologic technology. Students who do not meet this requirement upon enrollment at John Patrick University may enroll in the needed course or courses concurrently with BS Diagnostic Medical Sonography program courses.

Sample Plan of Study

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
• $35.00 application fee (non-refundable)
• Distance Education Self-Assessment

Program Admission Requirements

• Associates Degree in a related field (Associate of Science degree preferred)
  • 30 100-200 level technical/occupational credits required to be accepted for transfer
  • 30 general education credits required to be accepted for transfer. There must be at least one course from each of the following categories listed below. Among the 30 required credits, at least one oral communication course, one written communication course, and one mathematics course must be a 300-400 level course.
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Science
    • Mathematics
• A GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for the most recent degree earned. 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
• Distance Education Self-Assessment

Program Prerequisites*

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Algebra I
• Descriptive Physics
• Medical Terminology

*Students may gain admission into the program if one or more program prerequisites are not met. The student must complete any needed prerequisites prior to program completion. Students may enroll in any needed prerequisite courses concurrently with program courses.

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 second 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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