Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Abdominal Sonography-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography Specialization, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
Northern Virginia Community College

Purpose

To prepare competent entry-level abdominal sonographers and obstetrics and gynecology sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for Abdominal Sonography - Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography. This curriculum is designed to prepare students to produce diagnostic images of the human body using special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into different anatomic structures in a patientÕs body. The sonographer is a central member of the healthcare team and assists the radiologist in gathering diagnostic data for interpretation. NOVAÕs program emphasizes didactic and Òhands-onÓ practice of sonographic techniques in a well-equipped scanning laboratory at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield, Virginia. Clinical experience is acquired at numerous area hospitals and private medical affiliates.

Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program learn to perform an ultrasound of the Abdomen and Small Parts as well as Obstetric and Gynecologic sonography. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, the student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examination(s) leading to credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS¨).

Transfer Information

Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

Special Accreditation Status

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program maintains their status of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive. Applicants must do the following:

  • Comply with all general admission requirements for Allied Health Programs.
  • Review an online Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session https://www.nvcc.edu/medical/divisions/allied/sonography.html
  • Attend a mandatory DMS Prospective Student Workshop prior to application. Students must bring a copy of the DMS Prospective Student Workshop Form with them to the workshop.
  • Complete BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology Iand BIO 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology IIwith a 'B' or higher.
  • Complete ENG 111 College Composition Iwith a grade of 'B' or higher.
  • Complete MTH 154 Quantitative Reasoningor higher level math with a 'B' or higher.
  • Complete PHY 101 Introduction to Physics I with a 'B' or higher.
  • Complete SDV 101Orientation to Healthcare with a 'B' or higher.
  • Complete all courses used to satisfy the science requirements within 10 years of the semester in which verification of the DMS admission process is completed.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

Special Program Requirements: The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) applicants, candidates, and registrants are required to report their involvement in any incident that constitutes a violation of ARDMS discipline policies. First-time applicants must disclose information regarding all previous violations of ARDMS discipline policies to the ARDMS with their initial application for examination. Upon disclosing a violation of ARDMS discipline policies, all ARDMS applicants, candidates, and registrants are required to submit official documentation from the presiding court system or disciplinary body. Individuals must provide documentation that either verifies that all sentencing requirements were completed in full, or a letter from the presiding court system/disciplinary body verifying that this case is closed and all of the requirements have been satisfied.

AARDMS conducts a 'pre-application review' for individuals who wish to determine the impact of a previous violation of ARDMS discipline policies on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. The Pre-Application Review Process is recommended for individuals who are not yet ready to apply for an examination. Individuals may obtain additional information regarding the pre-application process along with the appropriate forms by visiting www.ardms.org.

Special Accreditation Status: The Diagnostic Medical Sonographyprogram maintains their status of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Completion Requirements: All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better before taking the next course in the sequence and to satisfy graduation requirements.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
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Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
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Number of Transfer Students
43891
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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This program could not be matched to any related careers. Please contact the institution for assistance with matching this program to careers.

Cost To Complete
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