Program Details
Associate of Applied Science - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Associate of Applied ScienceTidewater Community College
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) prepares individuals for careers as staff sonographers in radiology departments, hospital settings, private offices, outpatient clinics, military units, and the ultrasound industry. Program applications and the general admission application to the college must be submitted to the Virginia Beach Admissions Office no later than May 15.
Applicants must obtain CPR certification from the American Heart Association prior to admission. Applicants must also complete all benchmark courses with a "C" or better to be considered for admission into the DMS program. Students must submit an unofficial transcript along with their health professions application. They must also submit an official copy of their Allied Health Program transcripts and transcripts from other colleges attended to the Office of the College Registrar at Tidewater Community College prior to the application deadline. Applicants who meet all benchmarks will continue to the next stage of the application process and will be required to complete an assigned essay and interview with the program representative(s).
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in conjunction with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
CAAHEP: 9355 - 113th Street N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350, http://www.caahep.org/
JRC-DMS: 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043, (443) 973-3251, http://www.jrcdms.org/
Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the DMS program. If admitted, students must meet certain conditions for continuance. Students are financially responsible for their uniforms and travel. For further information, go to tcc.edu (search keywords "diagnostic medical sonography").
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Yes, if you:
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Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Admission to the diagnostic medical sonography program is very selective and requires a separate application in addition to general admission to the college. It is also strongly recommended that you attend the information session, which is held the third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. (except December) at the Regional Health Professions Center on the Virginia Beach Campus. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to this program. |
Doing More With Your Degree | An associate degree is all you need for a career in this growing field, as a staff sonographer in radiology departments, hospitals, private offices, and outpatient clinics. This program includes clinical rotations, and students often secure employment before they graduate. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Complete this program in as litle as 5 semesters (including pre-addmission semester) / 67 credits An associate degree is all you need for a career in this growing field, as a staff sonographer in radiology departments, hospitals, private offices, outpatient clinics, and military units. This program includes clinical rotations, and students often secure employment before they graduate. Almost every student is employed before completing the program. TCC?s program has a 100% pass rate in the last three years for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examination. TCC had 1 graduates in 2020-21, 13 graduates in 2019-20, 15 graduates in 2018-19, 12 graduates in 2017-18, and 15 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. |
Related Programs & Certifications

Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation. |
Credit for Prior Learning | TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.
For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer.
https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

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Careers Where This Degree Applies

Cost To Complete
