Program Overview
SJVC's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program prepares students to work in the medical field as an entry-level general sonographer. Students will learn to perform ultrasound scanning examinations and record the data for interpretation by a physician. Graduates will also be prepared to provide compassionate patient care and effective oral and written communication with the health care team as it pertains to diagnostic results.
Learn
- Sonography fundamentals
- Taking and recording technical data
- Principles and instrumentation of ultrasound
- Abdominal ultrasound imaging
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and vascular imaging
- Professional aspects of sonography
Students receive over 900 hours of extensive clinical practice in California hospitals and clinics to gain real-world experience.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and have completed the necessary prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher at a regionally accredited college or university:*
- English Composition – CAN 2
- Basic Algebra or higher
- Anatomy and Physiology – CAN 10
- Medical Terminology
*Where applicable, it is recommended to use the California Articulation Numbers (CAN) as listed in California Community College catalogs. For more information on general education courses from other institutions, visit www.collegeboard.com
Applicants must also meet the technical standards to be considered for the program.
Technical standards provide a reference against which candidates for enrollment to the program are evaluated by the Admissions Committee in the selection of students for the DMS program.
Application Process
The application process for the DMS Program is highly selective. The most qualified applicants meeting the prerequisites and minimum requirements will be selected using points earned from:
- Wonderlic BST Assessments, to be administered during the application process
- Postsecondary education (Attainment, GPA)
- Healthcare work experience
- Application panel interview
Applicants with the highest number of points will be selected for available seats with three alternates for each student cohort.
To begin the application process,
click here to view the application and necessary admissions forms.
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended must be included in the application packet. Transcripts of all completed prerequisite courses must be sent to SJVC by the application deadline.
Click here for information on Foreign Institutions & Transfer of Credit
Applicants who have completed coursework outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF) or equivalent organization. An official copy of the Academic Detailed Report from IERF or an equivalent organization must be included with the application. All applicants must include course descriptions of prerequisite coursework in the application packet.
For additional information regarding the application, please contact the DMS Admissions Advisor at (661) 834-0126 or email
admissions.dms@sjvc.edu .
Academic Information
SJVC's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program consists of three 24-week terms for the full 18-month program (including summers). This includes 2 term of course work and labs, and 1 terms of clinical practice. During the first term, classes are scheduled between 7:15 am-12:40pm Monday –Thursday with classes on Fridays from 7:15am-10:15am. As students start their clinical coursework, schedules are determined by the clinical site. Students are expected to be on clinical sites 40 hours per week for a total of 960 hours. While enrolled in the DMS program, it is recommended that students should not work. No special concessions are granted for working students.
Click here for the course listing.
Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Outcomes
Graduates earn a Certificate or Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Refer to the application packet for more details about sitting for the ARDMS Exam.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work as a general diagnostic medical sonographer in a variety of settings such as in a hospital, radiology imaging center, or medical clinic. Other career opportunities include working for a registry service or equipment manufacturer.
Tuition & Fees*
Estimated cost for tuition, fees, equipment and books for the full AS degree program is $37,280. The tuition is $18,000 per academic year. A registration fee of $100 is due prior to starting the program.
*Tuition & fees at San Joaquin Valley College are subject to change. Please contact the campus near you for the most current information.
Additional Tuition Information
1. Costs are estimates based on current available information and are subject to change.
2. Financial Aid is administered through the Financial Aid Offices of San Joaquin Valley College, Bakersfield Campus, 201 New Stine Rd., Bakersfield, CA.
3.Please refer to the SJVC Catalog for withdrawal and refund policies.
