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Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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Why Pursue a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Major at North Central College?

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) combines a robust understanding of anatomy with technical knowledge of special imaging equipment to produce images of organs and internal tissues that are necessary for conducting tests and making diagnoses. Sonographers rely on transducers, which uses the echoes of high-energy sound waves to create detailed images of internal structures, such as ultrasounds during pregnancy. Other specialty areas include breast sonography to identify cysts and tumors in breast tissue, musculoskeletal sonography for use in injections or surgery, and echocardiography to examine the chambers and valves of the heart.

General tasks for a sonographer include briefing patients on the procedure, preparing exam rooms, operating and maintaining equipment, reviewing images, and analyzing results in order to summarize findings for physicians. This fast-growing field offers a range of work environments in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient care centers, where sonographers regularly collaborate with physicians and surgeons to deliver positive health outcomes for patients.

The North Central DMS major is a 3+1.5 program in partnership with the NM School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For the first three years of the program, students will complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (84 credits including general education requirements). Then, students will undergo 18 months (45 credit hours) of clinical training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Upon completion, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Central College and a certificate from Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Admission to the final year of the degree program is based upon successful application to the NM School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in January of their junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by the faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the degree program is not guaranteed.

Students intending to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography must meet with Arwen Lynch, Health Programs Advisor (aelynch2195@noctrl.edu) or Kristin Ann Paloncy-Patel, Program Director of Health Science (kapaloncypatel@noctrl.edu) for the most recent information. Prerequisite courses and other requirements are subject to change. 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, B.A.

North Central College's Degree programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will prepare students for a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. Sonographers work closely with physicians by providing diagnostic images and a summary of technical findings to aid in reaching a medical diagnosis.

The first option is a 3 + 1.5 program with Northwestern Memorial School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students will spend three years at North Central College where they will complete their general education curriculum along with pre-requisite math, health science and science courses. The preferred pathway for obtaining these requirements is to complete the B.A. or B.S. in Health Science program in the 3-year accelerated pathway plan. This will be followed by an 18-month, 45-credit hour program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital which includes both didactic and clinical instruction.

Upon successful completion, the student will earn a certificate of completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and will be eligible to be certified through examination by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen and OB/GYN examinations. Also, after successful completion, the student will transfer the 45-credit hour coursework back to North Central College which will fulfill the major coursework requirements for the student to graduate with a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. If they previously had successfully completed the preferred pathway with the health science program coursework, they would graduate with a double major in health science and diagnostic medical sonography.

Admission to the final 18-months of the program is based upon successful application to the program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the fall of their junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the program at Northwestern is not guaranteed.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

Requirements for Health Sciences Major

One of the following:

Note:

Another option for students is to complete a four-year BA or BS degree of choice at North Central College that also includes taking all pre-requisite coursework and then apply for admission to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for an 18-month certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Advanced Courses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Upper-level coursework is taken during an 18-month program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital including 45 credit hours of the following:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, B.S.

North Central College's Degree programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will prepare students for a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. Sonographers work closely with physicians by providing diagnostic images and a summary of technical findings to aid in reaching a medical diagnosis. The first option is a 3 + 1.5 program with Northwestern Memorial School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students will spend three years at North Central College where they will complete their general education curriculum along with pre-requisite math, health science and science courses. The preferred method for obtaining these requirements is to complete the B.A. or B.S. in Health Science program in the 3-year accelerated pathway plan. This will be followed by an
18-month, 45-credit hour program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital which includes both didactic and clinical instruction. Upon successful completion, the student will earn a certificate of completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and will be eligible to be certified through examination by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen and OB/GYN examinations. Also, after successful completion, the student will transfer the 45-credit hour coursework back to North Central College which will fulfill the major coursework requirements for the student to graduate with a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. If they previously had successfully completed the preferred pathway with the health science program coursework, they would graduate with a double major in health science and diagnostic medical
sonography. Admission to the final 18-months of the program is based upon successful application to the program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the fall of their junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the program at Northwestern is not guaranteed. Another option for students to complete a four-year BA or BS degree of choice at North Central College that also includes taking all pre-requisite coursework and then apply for admission to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for an 18-month certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Degrees offered: B.A. and B.S.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Health Sciences.

Requirements for Health Sciences Major

One of the following:

Note:

Another option for students is to complete a four-year BA or BS degree of choice at North Central College that also includes taking all pre-requisite coursework and then apply for admission to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for an 18-month certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Advanced Courses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Upper-level coursework is taken during an 18-month program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital including 45 credit hours of the following:

  • KINE 247 - Functional Anatomy
  • KINE 280 - Human Pathophysiology
  • A minimum of six credit hours of additional mathematics, life science or physical science course(s), beyond the courses used to fulfill general education requirements, and that count towards a major in a science discipline

Choosing the right diagnostic medical sonography school in Illinois is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team are here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family so you can begin your path to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.