Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. Degree
EFSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program, with its concentration on Abdomen-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) ultrasound, is designed to educate students to perform general ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures.
Graduates play a critical role in patient care through specialized ultrasound imaging procedures, including obstetrical, gynecological, breast, and abdominal sonography. Medical sonographers, also referred to as ultrasound technicians, work with physicians to assess patients’ bodily organs, facilitating diagnosis and treatment.
Students admitted to the accredited, full-time, two-year program learn the fundamentals of sonography via classroom and clinical experiences, under the supervision of registered diagnostic medical sonographers.
The limited-access program is highly competitive with an excellent reputation throughout Brevard County, Florida, and the United States.
EFSC's Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Learn more about the program's accreditation.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. COURSE CURRICULUM
While earning your associate degree as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you’ll benefit from:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. Degree
Program Overview
- Degree Type
- Associate in Science (A.S.)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus
- Location
- Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 77
- Academic Community
- Health Sciences
- Contact Information
-
Health Science Advising
Email Advising
321-433-7575Dr. Harry Holdorf
Program Manager
Email Dr. Holdorf
321-433-7130
- Lectures and labs on the Melbourne campus and clinical externships
- Articulation agreements with local healthcare centers that allow students to apply their knowledge and practice sonography skills during clinical practicums each semester
- Special facilities, technology, and equipment for hands-on training
- Experienced, certified program faculty who teach current and relevant coursework
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admissions Information
EFSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. degree is a limited access program with a separate Selection and Application process in addition to the general EFSC admissions process:
- Complete the Virtual Information Session and meet with a Health Sciences advisor. While both are optional, they are the best way to review program requirements and
can lead to selection criteria points if completed prior to the annual May 15th application
deadline.
- Apply for Admission: Interested students should review and complete the customized Sonography Selection Criteria and Application Process. Completed application files are due by the annual May 15th deadline for a fall term start.
- Schedule an observation session and interview. Prospective sonography students must attend two, four-hour observation sessions in the Sonography Skills Lab. The application process explains how to schedule these sessions, and the required follow-up interview.
- If selected, complete Accepted Student Requirements. Students accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. program must undergo a background check and drug screening, with certain immunizations also required.
Program Costs & Financial Aid Eligibility
Estimated expenses, including tuition and fees, for EFSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. program total just over $11,000, significantly less costly than other area diagnostic medical sonography schools and programs.
You may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships to assist you in paying for the the sonography program. We highly recommended applying for both federal aid and Titan Scholarships provided by the EFSC Foundation, as well as community-based scholarships.
College Courses You Will Take
Beyond learning the fundamentals of human anatomy, students practice sonography techniques in abdominal, obstetrical, and breast medical imaging, among others. They study current uses and cutting-edge trends in the areas of diagnostic radiology, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, and nuclear medicine. Here are just some of the classes you will take as part of the extensive curriculum:
Learn basic sectional anatomy of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, and obstetrics, as you develop knowledge about cross-sectional images.
This course provides an entry-level exploration of the historical, professional and occupational development of medical imaging with an emphasis on diagnostic medical sonography.
This course is an introduction to the cross-sectional anatomy of the female reproductive system with an existing pregnancy.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. Program Outcomes & Information
Students in EFSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program gain confidence and the professional skills required for a successful career in the healthcare industry. After earning a degree from Eastern Florida, you will be prepared to take the ARDMS national certification examination and have the tools needed for entry-level sonographer jobs in clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings.
Watch our overview video then visit our spotlights and newsletters page to view student testimonials, plus read the latest program news. You can also review program facts in the accordion below and on our frequently asked questions page.
Eastern Florida State College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S. degree program concentrating on Abdomen-Extended and OB/GYN ultrasound is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
CAAHEP:
www.caahep.org
25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
CAAHEP number 110324
JRC-DMS:
www.jrcdms.org
6021 University Boulevard #500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
The program is also recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists:
ARRT Recognized Program Number 3161
Data for recent graduating classes are as follows:
Attrition Rate:
JRC-DMS Benchmark < 20% attrition
Class admitted 2017 / Graduated 2018: 11%
Class admitted 2018 / Graduated 2019: 12%
Class admitted 2019 / Graduated 2020: 12%
Class admitted 2020 / Graduated 2021: 0%
Class admitted 2021 / Graduated 2022: 15%
Class admitted 2022 / Graduated 2023: 9%
Job Placement:
JRC-DMS Benchmark > 75%
Class admitted 2017 / Graduated 2018: 81%
Class admitted 2018 / Graduated 2019: 80%
Class admitted 2019 / Graduated 2020: 80%
Class admitted 2020 / Graduated 2021: 100%
Class admitted 2021 / Graduated 2022: 91%
Class admitted 2022 / Graduated 2023: 93%
Credential Success Rate:
JRC-DMS Benchmark 80%
Class admitted 2017 / Graduated 2018
Abdomen 13/12 = 92%
OB 13/11 = 85%
RVT 5/5 = 100%
BREAST 2/2 =100%
RDCS
PS 1/1 = 100%
Class admitted 2018 / Graduated 2019
Abdomen 11/11 = 100%
OB 10/9 = 90%
RVT 8/8 = 100%
Breast 1/1 = 100%
RDCS
PS 1 1/1 = 100%
Class admitted 2019 / Graduated 2020
Abdomen 13/12 = 92%
OB 10/9 = 90%
RVT 9/9 = 100%
Breast 0/0
RDCS 3/2 = 66.6%
Class admitted 2020 / Graduated 2021
Abdomen 10/9 = 90%
OB 7/7 = 90%
RVT 0/0
Breast 3/2 = 66.6%
RDCS 0/0
Class admitted 2021 / Graduated 2022
Abdomen Extended 5/5 = 100%
OB 4/4 = 100%
RVT 3/3 = 100%
Breast 2/2 = 100%
RDCS 2/2 = 100%
Class admitted 2022 / Graduated 2023
Abdomen Extended 9/8 = 89%
OB 7/7 = 100%
RVT 0/0
Breast 0/0
RDCS 0/0
Updated August 1, 2023
Each EFSC program involves assessment of student learning based on multiple learning outcomes that clearly express the anticipated skills, knowledge and competencies students are expected to develop throughout their program of study. View the Sonography A.S. degree learning outcomes.
Mission
The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required to function effectively as a sonographer in Abdomen-Extended and OB/GYN ultrasound.
Vision
The Vision of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to provide didactic, laboratory, and internship experiences in order to prepare students for success post-graduation.
Goals
The Goals of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains in the abdomen-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations.
- Providing an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis.
- Providing quality patient care.
- Collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team.
- Obtaining and recording an accurate patient history.
- Performing diagnostic procedures and obtaining diagnostic images
- Analyzing technical information.
- Using independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope to the procedure according to the diagnostic findings.
- Lift more than 50 pounds
- Push and pull routinely
- Bend and stoop routinely
- Have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders
- Distinguish audible sounds
- Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
- Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
- Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
- Assist patient on and off examining tables
- Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
- Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in proper sequence
- To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended concentration.
- To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the obstetrics and gynecology concentration.
- Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results
- Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician
- Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
- Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and or other diagnostic services
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues
- Act in a professional and ethical manner
- Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and or other diagnostic tests and promote principles of good health.
Minimum expectations for our graduates are:
- To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended concentration.
- To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the obstetrics and gynecology concentration.
All accepted Diagnostic Medical Sonography students are required to participate in clinical education. Students will be required to travel to various clinical facilities and their affiliates.
Students will be responsible for participating in clinical rotations each semester. Clinical rotations are normally scheduled on weekdays from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. However, students may be required to attend clinical rotations during evening or weekend shifts on occasion.
Travel to clinical sites is the responsibility of the student. The program will try to assign students to a clinical site closest to their geographical area.
The program's clinical coordinator is Dr. Dan Clancy available at clancyd@easternflorida.edu or 321-433-7312.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Eastern Florida State College does not offer advanced placement status regardless of previous experience or education. Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who hold the following registries may be eligible for credit toward an Associate in Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography based on articulated credit agreements:
Sonography Related Programs
After earning your associate degree, you can expand your career potential by adding Advanced Technical Certificates in Vascular or Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Sonography. The associate degree also prepares you to move on to EFSC’s Applied Health Sciences Bachelor of Applied Science - Medical Imaging Specialization, which includes a focus on either Vascular or Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Sonography, allowing you to add those skills while also earning an advanced degree that may be required for some management positions.