Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 2024-2025
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Associate in Science
Bedford Campus - Day, Starts Fall Semester Only
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Program Description:
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate in Science degree program provides the knowledge and techniques required for specialization in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Students receive training in producing the ultrasound images used by physicians in the diagnosis of disease, injuries and other medical conditions. The curriculum has a general education component, with a concentration in relevant science courses. Students achieve proficiency in sonographic physics and instrumentation, obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal, vascular and pediatric sonography. There is an extensive clinical practicum, which may include rotations through several clinical sites. The clinical rotation enhances student-learning experiences. A great number of clinical affiliates are located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It will be the students’ responsibility for transportation and related travel expenses when assigned. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers certifying examination.
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee On Education In Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Career and Transfer Outlook:
Graduates of the program have a consistently high pass rate in the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers examination and, as a result, are certified for employment in ultrasound departments throughout the country.
Helpful Hints:
Applicants are encouraged to complete as many of the non-program specific courses (General Education courses) as possible while waiting to begin the program.
Special Requirements:
In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, all students will be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible to participate in such activities. The College is authorized by the Commonwealth’s Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 167-178B, to access CORI records. The College shall refer to regulations issued by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 101 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 15.00-15.16, as guidance when assessing student CORI records. Sex Offender checks shall be performed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P. For more information regarding the College’s CORI/SORI check process, please contact the Director of Compliance at 781-280-3620.
Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are prepared to:
- Demonstrate the academic and clinical competencies required for the national certification exams.
- Perform as an entry-level general sonographer with the didactic knowledge, technical and clinical skills to successfully function in a variety of health care settings.
- Demonstrate the effective use of oral and written communication skills during interactions with patients, families and members of the health care team.
- Provide compassionate care for a diverse patient population, ensuring safety and well-being while in the health care environment.
- Practice within the ethical and legal framework of the profession as defined by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s “Scope of Practice”.
Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Required Course Prerequisites
- Completion of college A&P I & II with labs
- Completion of college Physics
- Eligible for ENG 101: eligibility may be demonstrated through placement, course enrollment, previous college coursework, or high school transcripts
- Eligible for MAT 177; eligibility may be demonstrated through placement, course enrollment, previous college coursework, or high school transcripts
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Required Grade
B or better (83% or better) taken within the last 5 years
C or better (73% or better) taken within the last 5 years
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Required Testing
- Eligible for ENG 101; eligibility may be demonstrated through placement, current enrollment, or previous college coursework
- Eligible for MAT 177; eligibility may be demonstrated through placement, current enrollment, or previous college coursework
Required Documents
- A signed Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admission Requirement Certification Form.
- A completed Middlesex Community College Application.
- A completed Supplemental Admission Application.
- Official College Transcripts. (required from all colleges attended, except Middlesex Community College)
- Three health recommendation forms. It is recommended that at least two recommendations be requested from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s performance in a work or classroom setting; one recommendation must be from a faculty member.
Admission Notes
- Required attendance at a DMS Information Session to be offered by the program in the fall. (Information Session date(s) are available on the Admission’s website)
- The Admission Committee may consider other factors such as academic history and give preference to Massachusetts residents.
- Students applying to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA.
Deadline
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Requirements After Admission
- Students must submit required documentation of health status which includes a completed physical examination, a two-step Mantoux (TB/PPD) skin test or blood test (T-Spot or Quantiferon Gold) for tuberculosis, a color deficiency test, proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and one lifetime dose of TDAP. Directions on submission of the information is included in the admission package.
- Earn and submit a current certification in CPR at the Health Care Provider-level (offered monthly at MCC) which is valid for the entire academic year and renewed annually.
- Students will be asked to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) check. The results of the CORI/SORI check may impact the student’s ability to participate in clinical courses.
- Students enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance in clinical settings in order to remain in the program.
- Students accepted into Health Programs must be in compliance with the current immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Health Care Personnel (HCP) and in accordance with state law, MGL, Chapter 76, Section 15C and its regulations at 105 CMR 220.000-220.700 in order to participate in an externship placement or clinical experience. Students may also be required to meet additional requirements of the particular health program and/or clinical agency.
- In addition to tuition costs, students are responsible for fees that will likely include uniforms, equipment, and parking at clinical sites.
Standard/Technical Skills Notice:
To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/healthcareersdiv/) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.
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