Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 62 credit-hour program designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and competencies for a career in diagnostic ultrasound. The curriculum is based on the requirements of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Program Goals
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is dedicated to empowering students who aspire to build meaningful careers as diagnostic medical sonographers.
Core Competencies
- Competency Development: Prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor
(skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for:
- Abdominal-extended sonography
- Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
- Accreditation Standards: Meet or exceed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines.
- Exam Preparation: Training to challenge ARDMS exams in Physics, Abdomen, and OB/GYN.
- Skill Acquisition: Practical skills for entry-level positions.
The effectiveness of these goals is assessed through course completion rates, clinical competencies, national certification pass rates, and employment rates.
Program Outcomes
- Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and clinical data.
- Recognize the importance of patient care and comfort.
- Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data for the interpreting physician.
- Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in sonographic services.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical behavior.
- Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound.
Program Requirements
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in all credit hours to be used towards the degree.
- Complete the coursework listed in the Program of Study.
Application Process & Admission Criteria
The application is available on the BRCC website only during the fall semester. Admission is selective.
Prerequisite Courses
A grade of “C” or better is required in each course.
| Course Code | Course Title / Notes |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1013 | English Composition |
| MATH 1113/1213 | College Algebra |
| BIOL 2213/2211 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab Prereq: BIOL 1033 (C or better) OR ACT composite 22+ & MATH 1213 eligibility |
| BIOL 2223/2221 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture and Lab Prereq: Completion of BIOL 2213/2211 |
| PHYS 1013 | Introduction to Concepts in Physics |
| PSYC 2013 | Introduction to Psychology |
| HLSC 1103 | Medical Terminology |
| PHIL 2253 | Biomedical Ethics |
| Humanities | Any SACS accepted Humanities Course |
| SONO 1011 | Foundations of Sonography |
Entrance Exam Requirement
- A minimum score of 65% on the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is required for admission.
- The ATI TEAS exam may be taken up to two times per calendar year:
- One attempt before the application period.
- One attempt during the application period (September 2 - October 31).
- If you like your TEAS score you are not required to retake it. We will keep your score up to 3 years.
- This is the last year we will accept the online proctored TEAS exams.
Prepare early! Official ATI TEAS study materials and BRCC TEAS preparation sessions are strongly recommended. The TEAS score accounts for 30% of the applicant's admission score.
Application Information
- Applications are submitted electronically.
- Application period:
September 2 - October 31 - Applications are due by 11:59 PM on October 31.
Admission Scoring Formula
Applicants are ranked based on a composite admission score calculated to three decimal points:
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| GPA in Prerequisites | 60% |
| ATI TEAS Score | 30 % |
| SONO 1011 Course Grade | 10% |
Focus: SONO 1011 Foundations of Sonography
Course Description
This 1-credit hour lab course introduces students to the profession. Key topics include:
- Role of the Sonographer in clinical settings
- Safety, communication, and workplace expectations
- Ethical, legal, and professional considerations
- Basics of ultrasound equipment and medical terminology
Course Availability
Important Fall 2026 Application Cycle Update
We apologize for the recent changes to SONO 1011. Due to circumstances affecting course availability, five SONO 1011 sections were canceled for Fall 2026.
We understand that this may be concerning for students who planned to complete SONO 1011 in preparation for applying to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
For the Fall 2026 DMS application cycle only, if SONO 1011 is the only DMS prerequisite you have not completed, you may still apply to the DMS program during the application period. You will not be prevented from applying because you were unable to complete SONO 1011.
Students accepted into the DMS program through the Fall 2026 application cycle who have not previously completed SONO 1011 will be required to successfully complete the course during their first semester in the DMS program.
This exception applies only to the Fall 2026 DMS application cycle and does not change SONO 1011 prerequisite requirements for future application cycles.
Spring 2027 SONO 1011 Seat Request Process
Beginning Spring 2027, SONO 1011 will not be available for self-registration through LoLA. Students interested in taking the course must complete the SONO 1011 Seat Request Form.
The seat request form will become available on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography webpage when Spring 2027 registration opens on September 30.
To be eligible for consideration for a SONO 1011 seat, students must meet the following requirements:
- Cumulative College GPA: Minimum 3.5 overall cumulative GPA
- Prerequisite: A&P I must be successfully completed prior to enrollment
Submitting the seat request form does not guarantee enrollment in SONO 1011. The number of available seats is limited, and requests may exceed course capacity.
If the number of eligible students exceeds the number of available seats, priority will be given based on the number of completed DMS prerequisite courses, followed by cumulative college GPA.
Students who are selected for a seat will receive additional instructions regarding registration.
Resources & Requests
Mandatory Background Check & Drug Screen
Accepted students must submit to a criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen at their own cost. Applicants with certain criminal offenses may be denied the right to take ARDMS certification exams.
Concerned? Review the ARDMS Compliance Predetermination Application or contact the Program Manager at hidalgoc@mybrcc.edu.
Program of Study Curriculum
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ENGL 1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 1213 | College Algebra | 3 | |
| PSYC 2013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| BIOL 2213 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 | |
| BIOL 2211 | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 | |
| Humanities | General Education Humanities course | 3 | |
| First Semester Total Credits | 16 | ||
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Semester | BIOL 2223 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| BIOL 2221 | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 | |
| SONO 1011 | Foundations of Sonography | 1 | |
| PHYS 1013 | Introduction to Concepts in Physics | 3 | |
| HLSC 1103 | Medical Terminology | 3 | |
| PHIL 2253 | Biomedical Ethics | 3 | |
| Second Semester Total Credits | 14 | ||
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Semester | SONO 1102 | Physics and Instrumentation I | 2 |
| SONO 1143 | Ultrasound Learning Lab I | 3 | |
| SONO 1203 | Sonographic Sectional Anatomy | 3 | |
| Third Semester Total Credits | 8 | ||
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Semester | SONO 1122 | Abdominal Ultrasound I | 2 |
| SONO 1161 | Ultrasound Practicum I | 1 | |
| SONO 1182 | Ultrasound OB/GYN I | 2 | |
| SONO 2101 | Physics and Instrumentation II | 1 | |
| Fourth Semester Total Credits | 6 | ||
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Semester | SONO 2123 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3 |
| SONO 2163 | Ultrasound Practicum II | 3 | |
| SONO 2183 | Ultrasound OB/GYN II | 3 | |
| SONO 2201 | Physics and Instrumentation III | 1 | |
| Fifth Semester Total Credits | 10 | ||
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth Semester | SONO 2302 | Abdominal Ultrasound III | 2 |
| SONO 2403 | Ultrasound Practicum III | 3 | |
| SONO 2502 | Ultrasound OB/GYN III | 2 | |
| SONO 2601 | Comprehensive Seminar | 1 | |
| Sixth Semester Total Credits | 10 | ||
| Total Program Hours: | 62 | ||
| Year | Admitted | Graduated | Registry Exam Pass Rate | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 15 | 14 (93%) | 13/14 (93%) | 14/14 (100%) |
| 2023–24 | 15 | 15 (100%) | 13/15 (87%) | 13/15 (87%) |
| 2022–23 | 15 | 15 (100%) | 13/15 (87%) | 14/15 (93%) |
| 2021–22 | 15 | 15 (100%) | 13/15 (87%) | 12/15 (80%) |
| 2020–21 | 11 | 10 (91%) | 8/10 (80%) | 9/10 (90%) |
The Baton Rouge Community College Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
P.O. Box 2050
Ellicott City, MD 21041
Phone: (443) 973-3251
Website: www.jrcdms.org
9355 - 113th St. North, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Email: mail@caahep.org
Website: www.caahep.org