As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you’ll work directly with patients to ensure they receive proper care based on the images you take through ultrasound technology. This role requires a combination of technical and communication skills. Sonographers use high frequency sound waves and their returning echoes to capture clear images that help physicians correctly diagnose patients.
Program Overview
Our unique partnership program combines the personalized attention, caring community
and rigorous academic preparation of Carroll University with the professional expertise
and technology of local hospital-based educational programs. You’ll earn a Bachelor
of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and a national registry certificate,
providing you with additional employment opportunities.
First Two Years: Carroll Phase
During the first two years, students complete the Pioneer Core, Carroll’s general education requirement, along with hospital prerequisites before
applying for placement with one of our hospital partners. This allows students to
explore classes in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and includes a
cross-cultural component in which you learn about people and cultures different from you. At Carroll, you will build real-world skills like communication, problem- solving
and innovative thinking, helping you become a well-rounded healthcare provider.
Final Two Years: Hospital Phase
During their hospital placement, students take sonography-specific coursework and
rotate through diverse clinical placements with a small cohort of classmates.
Students choose from two distinct learning tracks:
- Abdominal sonography – extended/obstetrics & gynecology + vascular technology
- Adult echocardiography + vascular technology
Admissions/Requirements
Students can enter the DMS program in one of two ways: direct admission or competitive
admission.
Direct Admission Option: Direct admission entry provides select incoming, full-time, first-time freshmen matriculating directly
out of high school an opportunity to enter directly into the pre-professional phase
of the program and receive a guaranteed hospital seat, provided progression standards
and cohort requirements are met. These seats are limited and available with specific,
participating hospital partners.
Competitive Admission Option: Students not securing a direct admission seat can apply to the professional phase
of the DMS program as a competitive admission candidate. Most DMS majors are competitive
admission students.
Admission requirements are determined by each hospital partner and include both academic
and non-academic factors. Acceptance into the hospital phase is determined solely
by the admissions committee at each partner’s independent School of Diagnostic Medical
Sonography. This is a competitive program, and meeting the minimum requirements does
not guarantee acceptance. Preference is given to applicants with strong science and
math grades and GPA, high number of patient care hours as a Certified Nursing Assistant
(CNA), understanding of the sonography profession and solid interpersonal skills.
As a DMS major, you will receive support and guidance from Carroll’s Health and Medical
Sciences Advisor on the application and interview process. A detailed list of hospital
admission requirements can be found in our academic catalog.
Partners
Regulatory Information
Each of Carroll University’s cooperating hospitals maintains accreditation upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Nearing successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take national certification examinations conducted through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). In the state of Wisconsin this is a requirement to enter the workforce.
While many students complete their registry exams while in the program, they must seek licensure (if required) individually. Currently, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon are the only states with approved legislation mandating the licensure of sonographers. Licensure is not required in Wisconsin.
The program assumes no responsibility for the success of its students in obtaining professional certification or other types of professional licensure.
More Resources
Faculty
Faculty information is being updated.