What is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
The goal of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to prepare competent, entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s): Abdominal, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Vascular sonography. To fulfill this mission, the program strives to provide excellence in teaching and learning, promoting student success, and supporting economic development. This goal coincides with the colleges goals as well as Kentucky Community and Technical College Systems goals.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
All applicants should possess sufficient:
- Visual acuity for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care.
- Auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of patients through the use of monitoring devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.)
- Gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to diagnostic medical sonography.
- Verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing), to interact with patients and professional personnel.
- Intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
What are my career options?
A few examples of workplaces in your local area:
- Hospitals
- Health clinics
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
Associate Degree in Applied Science
An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years.
How do I apply for this program?
Each applicant must submit the following credentials by March 15 in order to be considered by the committee for fall semester of the same year. A college, due to unusual circumstances, may extend these dates.
1. Attend a pre-admission conference.
All DMS pre-admission conferences will be held in the WKCTC Allied Health Building in Room E105 at 4:00 p.m. The dates listed below are for the Fall 2024 class only. There are no more conferences for the Fall 2023 class.
For Fall 2024 Admission:
- Thursday, March 2, 2023
- Thursday, August 10, 2023* (*Room E107)
- Thursday, October 12, 2023
- Thursday, January 4, 2024
2. Apply for admission to West Kentucky Community & Technical College if not currently enrolled.
3. Submit an official transcript of all previous college work.
4. Submit ACT reading score.
Additional Requirements for Students Conditionally Admitted:
Applicants admitted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must have completed the following prior to beginning the first Diagnostic Medical Sonography course:
1. A program approved CPR requirement that must be kept current throughout the program;
2. A mandatory new student orientation;
3. All general education and supportive courses with a grade of "C" or better. Admittance is contingent upon successful completion of all general education and supportive courses with a grade of "C" or better prior to enrolling in the first DMS course.
Admission is based upon a point system. The admissions point scale is designed to objectively evaluate applicants. Applicants with the highest total points will be admitted to the program.
Length of Program
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is four (4) semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall).
WKCTC Trainings
Field Licensure Requirements
Upon completion of the program, students must pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers exam to become certified. CPR certification at healthcare provider level, proof of immunizations, background checks, and drug screens are required after a student is admitted and prior to starting the first semester of the program.
Accreditation / Program Success
The general and vascular concentrations of the West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, 727-210-2350), through the Joint Review Commission on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS).
Program completion, licensure and job placement rates
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.