Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the human body. Sonographers use state-of-the-art technology to scan patients and obtain images of the abdomen, pelvis, small parts, heart, blood vessels, and fetus to aid in the diagnosis of a disease. Sonography is a profession that requires a high degree of independence, judgment, knowledge, maturity, and stamina. The diagnostic medical sonographer is a skilled person qualified academically and clinically to perform ultrasound exams while working closely with a qualified Physician and/or Radiologist. To create an ultrasound image the sonographer must have an in-depth knowledge of physics, disease processes, human anatomy, and sonographic technique. Physicians depend on the sonographer's knowledge to evaluate normal and abnormal images of various organ tissues. To work successfully, the sonographer must be a sensitive, caring individual dedicated to helping others. The role of ultrasound in medicine is continually growing. New applications and imaging equipment are in a constant state of development. Its continued growth and development are dependent on highly qualified and well-trained medical sonographers. With a current shortage of skilled health care workers, demand is high for sonographers across the country. Starting salaries vary greatly from one location to the next. Experience, position title, formal education, specializations, and time on the job tend to increase the sonographer's income.
Program Description
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College is a two year Associate in Applied Science Degree program. A new DMS class is selected each year to begin the program in the fall semester. DMS program students continue the program for five consecutive semesters and graduate with a degree at the end of the spring semester the following academic year. As a CAAHEP accredited program, graduates may become registered through the ARDMS in Abdomen or OB/GYN as early as 60 days prior to graduation. This program of study is designed to provide didactic and clinical training in the field of general diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound). Sonographers, also known as Ultrasound Technologists, or Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, use state-of-the-art technology to obtain detailed images of the body using high frequency sounds waves. The student will receive training in the fields of acoustic principles and safety, abdominal, obstetrical, gynecologic, vascular, cardiac, pediatric, and small parts sonography.
Degree Plan - Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
(The deadline for program applications is June 1.)
Unconditional admission to the College
All pre-sonography courses must be complete prior to application deadline of June 1. The only exception is the physics course. It can be completed in the summer prior to admission to the program. Those who have completed the course by the application deadline will receive 1 point added to their ranking score.
Submit Diagnostic Medical Sonography program application packet by June 1st
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Application
Documentation of four (4) quality hours of observation signed by ARDMS/RT(S) registered sonographer
Unofficial copy of transcripts from allcolleges previously attended including LBWCC
Pre-Sonography courses, with the exception of physics, must be completed by the end of the spring term of the year applying.
Proof of ACT score of 19 or higher*
Handbook Verification Form
Three (3) letters of reference (signatures required)
Essay – (one page minimum) “Why I want to be a Sonographer”
Receive a composite score of 19 on the ACT exam. *
Complete all pre-sonography courses with a minimum of a “C” (Cumulative GPA of 2.5)**
Meet the essential functions or technical standards required for sonography.
Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is competitive and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
*Applicants that have successfully completed an AAS or AS Degree in a related healthcare field such as Nursing, Radiological Technology, etc. or applicants that possess a Bachelor or Master’s Degree in any career field will be considered for admittance on a case by case basis and may be exempt from the ACT requirement. If exempt these applicants will receive a maximum of 19 points for this application category.
**If the student has a Radiographic Physics (3 or 4 credit) that has been taken, this may possibly substitute for PHY 112 with staff approval.
SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION
The DMS Program admits a beginning class annually fall semester.
Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. The Selection Committee considers all aspects of each applicant's record and offers admission to the best-qualified individuals.
Acceptance into the program will be determined upon completion of entrance requirements and as space is available. This notification will be made by mail approximately four to six weeks before the beginning of the term of admission.
Applicants are selected for admission using the following information:
Completed application:
Program Application
Clinical Observation Form
Unofficial Academic Transcripts
ACT scores
Signed Handbook Verification Form
3 Letters of Reference
Evidence of Previous Health Sciences Degree (if available)
Essay
Interview (Interviews will be scheduled upon receipt of completed applications)
Each category in the selection process is assigned a score. A cumulative score is calculated by combining the scores from each category.
Applicants are ranked in order of their cumulative score.
Applicants with the highest ranking cumulative scores are offered admission based on the current enrollment of the program.
Additional applicants are selected as alternates. An alternate is an applicant to whom admission may be offered in the event that one of the prospective students declines admission.
Notification of the outcome of each application will be mailed to the student by July 15th at the address provided on the application along with date of mandatory orientation. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond in writing, confirming their intent to enroll within 10 days after the postmarked date of their acceptance letter. A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class.
- Twenty application points will be deducted if applicant was previously enrolled in a DMS program and failed to meet course requirements including, but not limited to the following: course failure, course withdrawal, misconduct, or dismissal from a clinical site.
Attention Diagnostic Medical Sonography Applicants!
Applications for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are available through the "Program Application" drop-down on this webpage. Applicants should use the “Application Checklist” to ensure that all required documents are submitted with applications. Completed applications must be mailed and post marked by June 1, 2024. All prerequisites must be met by the end of Spring Semester 2024 to apply (PHY112 can be completed Summer Term as the only exception). For more information please contact Olivia Bush or Sierra Brown.
Applications should be mailed:
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
MacArthur Campus
Attn: Olivia Bush
1708 North Main Street
P.O. Box 910 Opp, AL 36467
Seeking OB Ultrasound Volunteers!
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program will be scheduling FREE NON-DIAGNOSTIC OB ULTRASOUNDS for spring semester 2024 on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday mornings (March 6th– April 25th). Ultrasounds are performed by students in the presence of an ARDMS certified OB sonographer. Appointments are first come, first serve, and all participants must have had at least one well baby ultrasound, their doctor's approval, and a signed LBW Doctor Consent Form prior to the appointment. If you are interested please email Mrs. Sierra Brown. Consent Forms may be available upon request at your doctor's office or printed from this web page.
Request Additional Information
Please contact Mrs. Olivia Bush, DMS Program Director, on the MacArthur Campus for more information on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
Email: obush@lbwcc.edu
Phone: 334-493-5345
Please contact Mrs. Sierra Brown, DMS Clinical Coordinator, on the MacArthur Campus for more information on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
Email: sbrown@lbwcc.edu
Phone: 334-493-5389
Program Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at LBW Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350 www.caahep.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043 www.jrcdms.org
Map of Clinical Sites
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Program Application
Applications for the DMS program are accepted between May 1st and June 1st each year.
Click the following link to view and print the DMS Program Application Packet:
