Sonographer performing ultrasound on patient

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.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program

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 
321-433-7575 

APPOINTMENTS & HOURS

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:

  1. Meet with a Health Sciences advisor. While optional, it is the best way to review program requirements and can lead to selection criteria points if completed prior to the annual May 15th application deadline.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

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 page to view student testimonials. You can also review program facts in the accordion below and on our frequently asked questions page.

Sonography Program Accreditation Details

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

Program Effectiveness Data

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

Learning Outcomes

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 Statement, Vision and Goals
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.

Professional Responsibilities
  • 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.
Technical Standards
  • 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
Minimum Program Expectations
  • 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.
Sonography Program Goals
  • 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.
Clinical Externship Information

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.

Advanced Placement Policy

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:

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Abdomen, and Obstetrics & Gynecology Designation (ARDMS/AB and OB/Gyn) Credential

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists/Registered Technologist in Sonography (ARRT, RT(S)) Credential

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.