Earn Your Associate's in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Aultman College
With an associate degree in sonography, Aultman College students are prepared for a great career in sonography, using ultrasound technologies to help diagnose and treat disease.
The mission of the Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is committed to providing quality education to prepare students as entry-level sonographers. The program advocates lifelong learning and professional growth so that the graduates will continue to impact the community positively.
AASDMS Program Application Deadline
Apply by June 30 for fall semester.
Note: This program has limited seats.
Program Effectiveness Data
No program effectiveness data to share.
Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Program Outcomes
Mission:
The mission of the associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is committed to providing quality education to prepare students as entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers. The program advocates lifelong learning and professional growth so that the graduates will continue to impact the community positively.
Philosophy:
The sonography program highlights the importance of Wellness, Active engagement, Vision, Excellence, and Support in the educational process (WAVES). It emphasizes a balanced approach that supports all aspects of a learner's development while promoting high standards and collaborative learning.
W: Wellness and Well-being
Holistic Development: Learning should nurture the overall well-being of individuals, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health
Supportive Environment: Creating a safe, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere where learners feel valued and empowered to take risks, ask questions, and grow.
A: Active Engagement
Interactive Learning: Active participation and hands-on experiences are vital for effective learning. Engaging learners through discussions, projects, and practical applications enhances understanding and retention.
V: Vision and Goals
Clear Objectives: Setting clear, achievable goals and having a vision for the future motivates learners to stay focused and dedicated. Knowing the purpose behind their learning drives commitment and perseverance.
Personal Growth: Encouraging learners to set personal and academic goals, fostering a sense of direction and purpose in their educational journey.
E: Excellence and Effort
High Standards: Striving for excellence by setting high expectations and encouraging learners to put forth their best effort. Excellence is not just about achieving high grades but also about developing a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality.
Resilience and Perseverance: Emphasizing the importance of effort, resilience, and perseverance. Learning is a process that involves challenges and failures and developing a growth mindset is essential for overcoming obstacles.
S: Support and Collaboration
Community and Teamwork: Learning is a collaborative effort that benefits from the support of peers, educators, and the wider community. Encouraging teamwork and shared learning experiences build strong, supportive relationships.
- that build character and professional attributes. Clinical skills are developed that instill appropriate attitudes and foster affective growth in providing care and responding to patient needs during imaging procedures.
- The associate's in diagnostic medical sonography program is designed to encourage success and develop lifelong learning patterns.
Program Outcomes:
Students will:
- Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate ideal diagnostic results.
- Exercise discretion, knowledge, and independent judgment in performing sonographic procedures, accessing medical information systems, and in seeking assistance.
- Record and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting primary care provider.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and members of the healthcare team in a professional manner that is recognized and ethical and legal.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform sonographic examinations of cardiac and vascular structures according to protocol guidelines established by national professionals. The program seeks to produce graduates who will function as competent, entry-level professionals who meet the healthcare needs of the community.
Clinical Obligations
Sonography Clinical Rotations
Hands-on clinical experience is an important component of a sonography degree from Aultman College. Students will rotate through various clinical sites throughout the course of the program and are responsible for their own transportation to and from their clinical assignments. Expectations for being on-campus and/or in clincals will be five days a week.
Rotation Locations
Students will rotate through Aultman Health System locations and other Northeast Ohio sites (approximately a 50-mile radius from the college).
Admission Criteria and Program Requirements
To be considered for the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, applicants must have the following:
First time attending college
GPA of 3.0+
OR
GED score of 660+
HiSET score of 75+
AND
ACT score of 20+
OR
SAT combined score of 1030+
OR
ACCUPLACER Next Gen scores: Reading 250+ and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics 263+
College transfer applicants
GPA of 2.00+
AND
6+ Credit Hours
of coursework based on the most recent college transcript
AND
An essay/statement of purpose on why you believe you would be successful in this program
If you meet these criteria, you are eligible to be considered for admission to the Sonography Program upon completion of all application requirements. This program has limited seats available.
Transfer Credits
Aultman College will evaluate each applicant’s earned credits from all official post-secondary transcripts to ensure that the earned credits meet an 80% content match and are consistent with Aultman College’s course levels. If the earned credits are consistent with the Aultman College course requirements, they will be reviewed on an individual basis.
See the transfer credit policy.
Aultman College Health Insurance Requirement
Aultman College requires all sonography students to have health insurance, as good health is essential to academic success. It is mandatory that all sonography students who do not have health insurance purchase their own policy.
Aultman College also requires certain immunizations for sonography degree students.
In order to graduate with an associate's degree in sonography from Aultman College, 41 credit hours must be completed at Aultman College.
Students entering the program have the following requirements:
A minimum of 65 credit hours.
30 general education credit hours.
Residency course requirements.
Clinical competency requirements.
Complete at least 6 hours of community service prior to graduation.
Sonography Program Curriculum
Click here for the sonography program curriculum, which shows the complete list of courses required for the program.
Performance Standards
Aultman College is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Performance standards are universal within all nursing and allied health programs at Aultman College. Performance standards require students to be in good physical and mental health. In order to provide a safe and effective care, the student must be able to demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the program curriculum.
Please read carefully Aultman College’s performance standards. Refer to the Student Success Center for accommodation advice
|
Functional Ability |
Performance Standards |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Gross Motor Skills |
Gross motor skills sufficient to provide the full range of safe and effective patient care activities |
• Exhibit sufficient manual dexterity to perform procedures • Raise objects from a low to high position, push, pull or transfer heavy objects between 25 and 50 or more lbs., walk for a prolonged period of time carrying up to 25lbs • Physical endurance • Move within confined spaces, such as exam room or operating suite • Assist in turning and lifting patients • Perform CPR |
|
Fine Motor Skills |
Fine motor skills sufficient to perform manual psychomotor skills |
• Demonstrate the ability to apply gloves, goggles, masks, and gowns • Pick up and grasp small objects with fingers
|
|
Cognitive Abilities |
Mathematical and critical thinking abilities to solve problems |
• Analyze and synthesize data to develop appropriate care • Collect data, prioritize needs, and anticipate reactions • Demonstrate the ability to anticipate the next step in the clinical environment (critical thinking)
|
|
Communication |
• Ability to speak, read, and write • Use English language effectively • Communicate clearly in interactions with others (verbally/non-verbally) • Computer literate |
• Accurately document patient histories • Accurately document appropriate information • Ability to effectively communicate with other healthcare providers • Convey information to patients and others to teach, direct, and counsel individuals in an accurate, timely manner • Educate patients about various healthcare procedures • Demonstrate ability to use proper punctuation, grammar, spelling; work is neat and legible • Demonstrate the ability to assimilate information from written sources (e.g., texts, journals, medical report, etc.) |
|
Hearing |
Use auditory sense |
• Hear patient when obtaining information from the patient • Hear faint or muffled sounds from a distance (e.g., during a surgical case while wearing a mask) • Hear auditory alarms (call light, fire alarms, overhead pages, patient monitoring devices, etc.) • Hear patient’s verbal call for help |
|
Visual |
Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for accurate observation and performance of patient care |
• See objects up to 20 feet away • Assess skin color • Ability to visualize ultrasonic images and evaluate differences in shades of gray on ultrasonic images • Sense changes in patient condition in order to gather objective and evaluative information |
|
Tactile |
Tactile ability sufficient to gather physical assessment information |
• Palpate bony landmarks • Feel vibrations (pulses) • Detect temperature changes |
|
Self-Care |
Maintain general good health and self-care |
• Maintain hygiene • Demonstrate safety habits and work area neatness |
|
Affective Learning Skills (Behavioral and Social Attitudes) |
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviors and attitude • Acknowledge and respect individual values and opinions |
• Demonstrate ability to sustain the mental and emotional rigors of a healthcare environment • Exhibit professional behavior in the clinical environment • Open to constructive criticism • Listen actively • Adopt modifications in behavior |
Associate's in Sonography Program Licensure Information
Graduates of Aultman College's 65-hour Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AASDMS) program are prepared to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Once they are certified, AASDMS graduates are eligible for employment in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) and/or a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). Passing the ARDMS is a requirement for receiving an Ohio diagnostic medical sonography license.
Graduates of the AASDMS program are eligible to take their licensure exam in Ohio. Passing the ARDMS is a requirement for receiving an Ohio diagnostic medical sonography license.
Admission Deadline for the Sonography Program
- June 30 for fall semester