Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in a healthcare setting as a general sonographer.

Sonography, or ultrasound, is an imaging specialty that uses sound waves. Sonographers operate specialized equipment that transmits high frequency sound waves into a patient's body. Structures within the body reflect the sound to form cross-sectional images. These images are interpreted by physicians, most commonly radiologists. Examples of examinations performed by general sonographers include: abdominal, gynecological, fetal, and vascular.

Program Information

The DMS program is two years long, six consecutive semesters, and awards an Associate of Applied Science degree. All of the first year classes are on the Anchorage campus, and the second year consists of working full-time at clinical training sites around the state. The DMS program expects to admit 10 students each application period.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Admission to the DMS program is highly competitive. The prerequisites are:

1. Meet one or both of the following:

   a. Have an Associate degree, or higher, in a healthcare, treatment, or therapy/rehabilitation
   centered profession.
   b. Have a national certification/license in a healthcare, treatment, or therapy/rehabilitation
   centered profession.

2. Worked in a healthcare, treatment, or therapy/rehabilitation centered profession within the last five years.

3. Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of C:

   - BIOL A111 with Lab
   - BIOL A112 with Lab
   - PHYS A123 (without Lab) [RADT A151 satisfies this requirement]

4. Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of C, or placement in a higher level course:

- ENGL A111
- MATH A105

5. Have current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers with AED certification.

6. Show proof of immunizations (for a complete list, refer to DMS in the UAA Catalog).

For complete information about admission to the program and its prerequisites, review the current academic catalog.

Students are encouraged to meet with a student success coordinator to ensure admission requirements and course prerequisites have been met. Specific questions can be directed to one of the individuals listed below.

Application Information

Applying to the DMS program is a two-part process, an application and a panel interview. Applicants selected for interview are encouraged to interview in-person at the Anchorage campus; however, distance interviews may be conducted via video conferencing as needed.

*The next application period will be January 6, 2014 to May 5, 2014 for the Fall 2014 class, and interviews will be conducted between May 12, 2014 and May 16, 2014.