Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the human body.  Sonographers use state-of-the-art technology to scan patients and obtain images of the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, and fetus to aid in the diagnosis of a disease.  Sonography is a profession that requires a high degree of independence, judgment, knowledge, maturity, and stamina.  

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a skilled person qualified academically and clinically to perform ultrasound exams while working in close teamwork with a qualified physician.  They have an in-depth knowledge of physics, disease processes, human anatomy, and sonographic technique necessary to create ultrasound images.  Physicians depend on the sonographer’s knowledge to evaluate normal and abnormal body parts.  To work successfully, the sonographer must be a sensitive, caring individual dedicated to helping others.  

The role of ultrasound in medicine is continually growing. New applications and imaging equipment are in a constant state of development.  Its continued growth and development are dependent on highly qualified and well-trained medical sonographers.  With a current shortage of skilled health care workers, demand is high for sonographers across the country.  Starting salaries vary greatly from one location to the next.  Experience, position title, formal education, specializations, and time on the job tend to increase the sonographer’s income.
 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Ultrasound Program at Trenholm State Technical College is to attract, train, and graduate qualified individuals into the profession of ultrasound under the standards and guidelines of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  Our program philosophy is based on the belief that the diagnostic medical sonographer is an integral part of the medical team and provides a vital service to the patient and the physician by accurately detecting disease. The success of our students in learning the skills of diagnostic ultrasound is dependent on a continuous process of hands-on training coupled with structured comprehensive instruction. The program, therefore, is committed to support the professional and personal development of each individual seeking this career. 

Occupational Choices

Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 19 percent through 2016—faster than the average for all occupations—as the population ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology.

Additional job growth is expected as sonography becomes an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods. Unlike most diagnostic imaging methods, sonography does not involve radiation, so harmful side effects and complications from repeated use are less likely for both the patient and the sonographer. Sonographic technology is expected to evolve rapidly and to spawn many new sonography procedures, such as 3D- and 4D-sonography for use in obstetric and ophthalmologic diagnosis. However, high costs and approval by the Federal Government may limit the rate at which some promising new technologies are adopted.

Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic medical sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers. Healthcare facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2016 because of the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.

Average Full-Time Wages

Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $57,160 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,890 and $67,670 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,520. Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2006 were $56,970 in offices of physicians and $56,850 in general medical and surgical hospitals.

Program Information

The Ultrasound Program offices and classroom are located at 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 in Building H. The library and classroom are equipped with modern audio-visual teaching aids, textbooks and journals, and anatomical charts and models. The scan laboratory is equipped with two (2) GE Logic 500 ultrasound system and a Siemens Sequoia is used in instructional scanning sessions with students before entering the clinical setting. 

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS).  

Upon completion of the program the student will receive an Associate of Applied Technology degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound.  The student receives didactic and clinical education in abdominal sonography, small parts, obstetrics and gynecology, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, and a brief introduction to vascular sonography.   

Classes begin in Fall Semester of each year and consist of a total of four (4) semesters of intensive, full-time study in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  The curriculum gives students the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this challenging field. 

Upon completion of the program the graduate may be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Awards Available

Associate Degree in Applied Technology in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Estimated Length & Cost*

Brandi Merrill
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Coordinator
Phone: 334-420-4358
Email:  bsmerrill(at)trenholmstate.edu

April Dozier
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Clinical Coordinator
Phone: 334-420-4358
Email: adozier(at)trenholmstate.edu

Application Packet

Ultrasound Application & Information Packet


The selection process for the Fall 2010 is now complete.

Applications for the next class (Fall 2011) should be submitted between January 1, 2011 - May 10, 2011.

Links to Related Sites:

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - www.sdms.org

American Registry for Diagnostics Medical Sonography - www.ardms.org

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography - www.jrcdms.org

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program - www.caahep.org

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine - www.aium.org

Sonoworld - www.sonoworld.com

The Fetus.net - www.thefetus.net