Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Admission Requirements

Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Admission Requirements

Eligibility Requirements  

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent
2. Allied Health Education in Radiologic Technology:

• Graduate of a nationally accredited Radiologic Technology program in the United States with a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Post-secondary course work in Physics, Human Anatomy or Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, Biomedical Ethics, and patient care must be documented. In addition two years of high school Algebra or MAT 099 must be documented.

NOTE: Students who are required to have Anatomy and Physiology I and II must complete both of these courses at the same institution in order to receive credit for these courses.

OR

Other Allied Health Education:

• Graduates of a nationally accredited 24-month patient care-related allied health program in the United States with a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Examples of eligible professionals include Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Associate Degree Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy.
• Post-secondary course work equivalent to General Physics (PHY 151 & 152), Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 211 & 212), Medical Terminology (MDT 100), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 103) & patient care must be documented. In addition two years of high school Algebra or MAT 099 must be documented. NOTE: Students who are required to have Anatomy and Physiology I and II must complete both of these courses at the same institution in order to receive credit for these courses.
• Proof of current professional registration, licensure, or certification is required.

OR

Baccalaureate Degree:

•  Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university, or equivalent as evaluated by a formal credentials evaluation mechanism with a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Post-secondary course work equivalent to General Physics (PHY 151 & 152), Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 211 & 212), Medical Terminology (MDT 100), and Biomedical Ethics (PHL 103) must be documented. In addition, two years of high school Algebra or MAT 099 and 100 hours of extensive, direct patient care must be documented. NOTE: Students who are required to have Anatomy and Physiology I and II must complete both of these courses at the same institution in order to receive credit for these courses.
• Sonography program curriculum does not include basic patient care course work due to the program length and concentrated sonography curriculum. Direct patient care experience is necessary to ensure a level of proficiency needed to be successful in the program. The didactic component of the program requires the candidate to focus specifically on sonography-related skills and, therefore, basic patient care skills are required upon admission.
• Patient care course requirements may be met by satisfactory completion of EMT.101.
• Clinical experience must involve recent (within 5 years) extensive direct patient contact of at least 100 hours. Submission of a Verification of Patient Care Experience form with your direct supervisor’s contact information is required for the application process.

Admission Requirements 

1. Complete a general application for admission to the College (available online).
2. Submit official transcripts from high school and all post-secondary educational institutions.
3. Complete HOBET, including the areas of Reading Skills and Math Skills. Testing must be within six months of the appropriate application deadline.
4. Attend a mandatory information meeting with program personnel to discuss the program format.
5. Submit verification of Patient Care Experience form (required from all candidates without an allied health background).
6. Complete an application for the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program. (Program applications are available from the program adviser). 

Program admission is competitive and fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. Class size is limited and is determined by the number of available clinical sites within each community-college district. Participating community college districts (in addition to Carl Sandburg College) include: Blackhawk, Heartland, Illinois Central, Illinois Valley, John Wood, Lincoln Land, Parkland, Richland, Sauk Valley, Scott (IA), Southeastern (IA), and Spoon River.

Student selection is based on course work, GPA, and HOBET scores. From the pool of applicants, those who are considered most qualified for the study and practice of sonography will be admitted. Candidates with allied health backgrounds will be given first priority on available classroom and clinical slots. Practicing sonographers seeking formal didactic instruction may seek enrollment in the classroom-only portions of the program, and may enroll with instructor permission without completing the formal application process.

Application forms and materials for Fall will be accepted February 15 through June 15 for review. Applications will be accepted from June 1 through October 1 for the Spring start in January. Applicants will be notified in writing within 2 weeks of the deadline of admission status. Students who are admitted to the DCS program must pay a $100 acceptance fee when notified of initial program admission status to guarantee a place in the program. For the student fully admitted to the program, the $100 will be applied towards the first semester tuition. Students who accept their seat and drop for any reason will forfeit their money.

Future program starting dates are:

• Spring 2015
• Fall 2016

NOTE: This program requires a criminal background check, health evaluation including proof of immunity, a 10-panel drug screen, and CPR certification prior to entering radiologic technology classes. Findings on the criminal background check, health evaluation and/or drug screen may prevent the applicant from entering the program.

Notice to Applicants of the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program:

Your personal history may affect your ability to be certified as a registered sonographer. The ARDMS reserves the right to take action against an applicant, candidate, or Registrant in case of conviction, plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime. If you are presently charged with, or been convicted or found guilty of or plead nolo contendere to any crime (felony and/or misdemeanor),other than a speeding or parking violation you may wish to seek clarification from the ARDMS as to how it pertains to your circumstances. In addition the application for ARDMS certification asks the following questions: 1. Have you ever been subject to revocation, suspension, or other disciplinary action by a: (1) state licensing board, (2) state or Federal agency, (3) national professional association? 2. Are you currently charged with or have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, to any crime? A response of “yes” to any of the above may result in a delay or denial of certification. Questions regarding eligibility for ARDMS certification may be directed to:

ARDMS
51 Monroe St.
Plaza East One
Rockville, MD 20850-2400
1-800-541-9754
www.ARDMS.org/legal