Program Information – DMS

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Currently, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®) does not accredit the associate degree diagnostic medical sonography. The college plans to obtain accreditation within the near future.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are key members of health-care provider teams. A diagnostic medical sonographer specializes in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, which depict the body’s organs and tissues. Sonography is often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected.

Sonographers work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images to assess and diagnose medical conditions. Sonographers can work in hospitals, offices of physicians, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient centers.

Jefferson State’s DMS program prepares students for entry into the field of imaging in four semesters at a reasonable tuition cost. The program consists of basic academic and DMS courses. DMS courses are taught on campus and include clinical experiences in several hospitals and clinics across the state and in the Birmingham, AL area.

Students may apply for admission to Jefferson State during any semester and register for general education requirements and prerequisites for the DMS program. However, it is best practice to complete all prerequisite courses prior to applying to the program.

Students admitted to the program are expected to have and maintain a satisfactory level of health, including freedom from chemical dependency and communicable diseases. All students must submit to drug and background checks. Proof of required immunizations will also be required. Students must show evidence of hospitalization insurance prior to clinical rotation. Students will also be required to purchase malpractice insurance coverage at entry into the program.

Program Contact Information

Dr. Vanessa LeBlanc
Associate Dean of Health-Related Programs
(205) 983-5995
[email protected]
Division Office (205) 983-5225

Admission to College & Program

Complete college admission application (AL 101)

Request all official transcripts from high school & colleges attended as indicated in college admission. These must be received and evaluated by application deadline.

Complete the application to the DMS program. Students are admitted to the DMS program each fall semester. Applications are accepted through June 18th for fall admission.

Students should have a grade on transcript for English 101, Biology 201, Humanities or Fine Arts Elective, Math 100 or higher-level math, Technical Physics 115, General Psychology 200, and Speech 106 or 107. Students still taking courses by the application deadline may be considered on a conditional basis if courses are in progress with the intent to complete by the end of Summer Semester and before the professional phase begins.

Maintain overall GPA of 2.5 or above on all coursework required of the degree to be considered for admission.

General Education Requirements
ENG 101 English Composition I-3 semester credits
Humanities & Fine Arts Elective-3 semester credits
BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I-4 semester credits
MTH 100 or higher (math elective) (Not acceptable: MTH 110, 116, 231, or 232) -3 semester credits
PHY 115 Technical Physics-3 semester credits
PSY 200 – General Psychology-3 semester credits
106 or 107 Speech-3 semester credits

DMS Coursework
DMS 202             Foundations of Sonography- 3 semester credits
DMS 204             Sectional Anatomy- 2 semester credits
DMS 205             Abdominal Sonography- 4 semester credits
DMS 216             Sonographic Principles & Instrumentation-3 semester credits
DMS 229             Sonography Preceptorship I-2 semester credits
DMS 207             Abdominal Pathology- (prerequisite DMS 229)-3 semester credits
DMS 220             Obstetrical Sonography I-3 semester credits
DMS 230             Sonography Preceptorship II- (prerequisite DMS 229)-3 semester credits
DMS 233             Sonography Lab I-1 semester credit
DMS 240             Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Seminar- (prerequisite DMS 216)-2 semester credits
DMS 206             Gynecologic Sonography-4 semester credits
DMS 221             Obstetrical Sonography II- (prerequisite DMS 220)-3 semester credits
DMS 225             Superficial Sonography- (prerequisite DMS 229 and DMS 207)-1 semester credit
DMS 231             Sonography Preceptorship III- (prerequisite DMS 230)-4 semester credits
DMS 241             Abdominal and Ob/Gyn Sonography Seminar- (prerequisite DMS 240)-3 semester credits
DMS 260             Intro to Vascular Sonography-3 semester credits
DMS 261             Vascular Sonography Techniques-3 semester credits
DMS 232             Sonography Preceptorship IV- (prerequisite DMS 231)-5 semester credits