While the college does not require a COVID-19 vaccination at this time, Health Sciences programs are required by the state of Florida and national accrediting bodies to provide instruction in clinical healthcare settings. These clinical facilities set the compliance rules (i.e immunizations, drug screenings, and fitness for duty) that students must meet to be eligible for instruction at these sites. At this time, If you decide not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (or any other required immunization or screening), you will not be able to complete a Health Science Program. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak to your admissions counselor.
Be a Valued Member of a Health Care Team
Diagnostic medical sonography, more commonly referred to as ultrasound, is a growing area of the health care sector with excellent job prospects. Sonographers are skilled clinicians who perform ultrasound studies as ordered by physicians for their patients. The images created by sonographers are then used to determine a medical diagnosis. Broward College offers:
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program prepares individuals meeting certain qualifications to work with medical practitioners in the management, control, and care of patients referred for ultrasound studies.
Broward College offers an affordable educational experience for anyone interested in a career as an ultrasound clinician. See how our program is structured and what it can do for your future.
Program Courses must be completed with a “C” grade or better
Program Number:2176
Campus Offered:North
Begins in June
APPLICATION PERIOD:November 1 to March 15
2021-2022 Application Criteria
Program Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C”
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
Completion of all general education courses (ENC1101, BSC2085, BSC2085L, BSC2086, BSC2086L, PHY1001 OR RTE2385, SPC1017 OR SPC1608, MAC1105 OR MAC1105C (only) HUMANITIES ELECTIVE, SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE)
MAC1105 or MAC1105c CANNOT be substituted for any other math class per accreditation standards for the DMS Program. Students must take this course.
Preference given to students who have completed a 2-year Radiography program.
Points will be awarded in several categories including completion of general education courses, GPA, and previous education experience.
All courses must have a grade of “C” or better. GPA must meet the minimum required to apply.
2021-2022 Admissions Selection Criteria
Max Points: 59
Overall GPA (max: 4 points)
Overall GPA Points
Overall GPA
Points
4.0 to 3.75
4
3.74 to 3.50
3
3.49 to 3.0
2
2.99 to 2.5
1
General Education Courses (max: 30 points)
General Education Courses Points
Course
A
B
C
PHY1001 or RTE2385
3
2
1
MAC1105 or MAC1105C ONLY
3
2
1
ENC1101
3
2
1
SPC1017 OR SPC1608
3
2
1
BSC2085
3
2
1
BSC2085L
3
2
1
BSC2086
3
2
1
BSC2086L
3
2
1
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE
3
2
1
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE
3
2
1
Prior Education Experience (max: 20 points)
Prior Education Experience Points
Degree
Points
Radiography (AS)
20
AS in Health Science (Leads to Licensure with patient care)
17
MA/MS or higher
15
BA/BS Degree
10
AA/AS Degree
5
Please note:To receive 17 points for an AS degree in a health science field, the degree must have led to licensure with patient care (AS in Nursing, AS in Nuclear Medicine, AS in Radiation Therapy, AS in Vision Care, etc.)
AS degrees in Health Science (such as the AS in Health Navigator) that do not lead to licensure with patient care will be awarded 5 points.
Military Service-Points awarded to applicants who are active Duty or Honorably Discharged Veterans of the US Armed Forces.
Military Service-Points
Applicant
Points
Military Service
5
In the event of a point tie, overall GPA will be used as the tiebreaker.
Additional Information:
Number of Accepted Students:
June 2021:
15 accepted
Accepted students earned between 38 and 48 total points. Students with 38 points had overall GPAs between 3.25 and 3.83.
Alternate students earned 38 points and had overall GPAs between 2.8 and 3.08.
Required admissions criteria courses shown in the application criteria MAY NOT becovered by Financial Aid.
For more information on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AS) program, please visitDMS Program Website
Prior to admission, each student is required to successfully complete a drug screening. Please be advised that certain over-the-counter supplements and alternative medicinal products, including but not limited to CBD, THC, Cannabinoid, and Cannabinoid Oil may trigger a positive result, and consequently, the student will not be able to be admitted to the Health Science program. A second drug tested sample is not allowed per Broward College Admissions Procedure A6Hx2-5.01. The links are provided below. Admissions Policy | Admissions Procedure
A complete, supplemental application must be received to be considered for a health science program. The application can be found on theHealth Science Admissions Homepage, under step 3.
Updated: July 2021
2021 Outcomes
Attrition: 0%
Job Placement: 80%
Credential Success Rates
Abdomen - 100%
OBGYN - 100%
Cardiac - 85%
Sonographers create images of various structures inside the human body using specialized equipment. As a student in the diagnostic medical sonography program here at Broward College, you will learn:
Physics as it applies to sonography
Communication skills for health care professionals
Sonography scanning techniques related to the abdomen, pelvis, fetus, and heart
All semesters are taught in the classroom and at clinical affiliates. Classes are capped at 18 to 20 students thereby offering more one-on-one time with your didactic and clinical instructors. Clinical education courses allow the experience of hands-on sonography training in local hospitals and clinics.
Our faculty will work closely with you to ensure your success in the program by offering constructive critique as you apply what you learn.
The U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by almost 14 percent through 2018-2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the aging population will only increase the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers.
As a student in our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, and later as a professional working in the field, a number of personal qualities will be vital to your success. These include:
Being a compassionate and caring individual
Having keen problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Being able to offer independent judgment when needed
Your experience in the field after you graduate will include:
Performing clinical exams using discretion and independent judgment
Assisting physicians in medical diagnosis by acquiring, evaluating, and providing preliminary technical interpretations of ultrasound images and related diagnostic procedures
Health Science Admissions Video
Faculty and instructors consist of sonographers who have more than 35 years of combined experience in the health care and sonography fields. One faculty member is a graduate of this program. The faculty's many years of real-world experience facilitates learning for all Broward College Diagnostic Medical Sonography students.
In just 24 months, or six semesters (for a total of 77 credits), you could earn your AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Courses are only available at the North Campus, with General Education courses available at all campus locations. When you enroll in this program, your courses will include:
Didactic (lecture) courses
Hands-on training at area clinical affiliates
General (abdomen and OBGYN) and cardiac instruction
A typical semester involves two full days of class and three eight-hour clinic days. This is a full-time program that requires approximately 34 hours per week of your time (not evenings or weekends). You must complete courses in the sonography track with a grade of "C" or better, and a grade of "S" (Satisfactory) in all Clinical Education courses. A grade of 2.0 or above is required for graduation.
Program Description
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program prepares individuals meeting certain qualifications to work with medical practitioners in the management, control, and care of patients referred for ultrasound studies. The Broward College 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).
CAAHEP JRC-DMS
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709 6021 University Blvd., Suite 500
Clinical education is performed in local clinics/hospitals and is offered concurrently with the didactic courses. On completion of the 24-month program, students will be eligible to apply to sit for the exams of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Applicants should access admission information online or call 954-201-2892. Applicants may call the Program Manager at 954-201-2089 for all specific program admissions-related questions.
All didactic courses are taught in Building 41, Broward College, North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Boulevard, Coconut Creek Florida. Clinical affiliation sites are located throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties.
To qualify for admissions to the Associate of Science (AS) degree program. applicants must meet the following requirements:
All applicants must fulfill the general requirements for admission to Health Science Programs
Applicants who are first-time BC students must complete an application to the College, in addition to completion of a Health Science Limited Access Application. To apply for admission to the College, go to the College home page and click on "Future Student" then go to "Admissions". The Health Science Limited Access application is available to download on the program's website.
If an applicant completed a two-year health science degree program, then they must submit an official and original document that indicates completion of a minimum of a two-year course of study in a health science field that is patient-care related, and which leads to Registry, Certification, or Licensure or for completion of an AS, AA, BA or BS degree.
For all applicants, a minimum of a 2.5-grade point average (GPA) is required. The GPA used will be attained from the documentation submitted from a prior two-year health science education, bachelor's degree, or higher education. The GPA should appear on submitted documentation.
Admission of an applicant is based on the point system. (Note: point preference is given to Radiologic Technologists)
To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations:
Abdominal sonography – Extended
Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
Adult cardiac sonography
This program is designed to develop a sonographer who:
Contributes to the physical and psychological comfort of the patient. The obligations assumed by those who are entrusted with the care of patients transcend mere technical expertise. Therefore, in addition to academic competence, the sonographer who graduates from this program is prepared for and is expected to demonstrate, those qualities of professional conduct to include integrity, morality, discipline, and compassion.
Works with the health care team to improve the quality of health care in the hospital and community.
Understands the importance of membership in professional organizations.
Keeps abreast of the changes in the ultrasound field.
Mission Statement
Transforming students' lives and enriching our diverse community through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities.
The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to prepare competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive entry-level sonographers who are dedicated to lifelong self-directed learning. The program is committed to preparing sonographers who are capable of functioning in a dynamic and ever-changing area of health care delivery. The Sonography Program exists to provide technical and professional education to benefit all segments of the community. The Sonography Program is committed to quality instruction delivered by dedicated faculty who are engaged in continued professional development.
The program is committed to accomplishing its mission through the use of effective and diverse instructional methods that encompass both traditional and technology-based strategies. The program's goal is to prepare competent entry-level general and cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program is offered on a full-time basis only with classes and clinical education held during the day. All Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes are taught at Broward College's North Campus. Clinical Education is provided through various clinical affiliates in Broward County.
In order to successfully progress through the Sonography Program, students must achieve all cognitive, affective, and psychomotor objectives. This requires that a grade of "C" or above be earned in all didactic courses and an "S" (satisfactory) grade be earned in all clinical courses. This requirement is in addition to maintaining an overall degree GPA of at least 2.0. All courses in the program are sequential. Each course must be passed with a grade of "C" or better to progress to the next scheduled course.
Please read on to find out more about the ways our program can help you to meet your academic and career goals. Our goal is to help you succeed.
Technical Performance Standards
The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer utilizes high-frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Diagnostic Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care.
In the professional courses that are required, as well as in the career field of sonography, the student and sonographer must have the ability to:
Lift and move patients and accessories
Coordinate movement of equipment, such as portable machines and accessories
Utilize the skills needed to perform procedures with "universal precautions" when working with all types of patients
Give instructions to patients, peers, and healthcare personnel
Hear audible cues and warnings of imaging and Doppler equipment and life support devices
Utilize the sense of touch in order to provide patient care and position patients for sonographic examinations
Exhibit the dexterity to manipulate the transducer in the necessary maneuvers to achieve the optimum examination and to operate the controls of the equipment
Evaluate images, distinguishing between black, white, and shades of gray tones, and recognize and evaluate shades of color in images and color flow Doppler
Utilize interpersonal skills to professionally and sensitively interact with patients who are experiencing physical or emotional trauma
Utilize oral and written communications to assess clinical records, comprehend and employ appropriate medical terminology and interact with the referring and/or attending physician with oral and written impressions regarding sonographic data as permitted by employer policy and procedure
Exercise professional judgment and discretion to identify a life-threatening situation and implement emergency care
Perform within the SCOPE OF PRACTICE (detailed below).
Protect the patient's rights and privacy and adhere to the Professional Code of Conduct.
Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional
Preamble:
The purpose of this document is to define the Scope of Practice for Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals and to specify their roles as members of the health care team, acting in the best interest of the patient. This scope of practice is a "living" document that will evolve as the technology expands.
Definition of the Profession:
The Diagnostic Ultrasound Profession is a multi-specialty field comprised of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (with subspecialties in abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, and ophthalmic ultrasound), Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (with subspecialties in adult and pediatric echocardiography), Vascular Technology, and other emerging fields. These diverse specialties are distinguished by their use of diagnostic medical ultrasound as a primary technology in their daily work. Certification1 is considered the standard of practice in ultrasound. Individuals who are not yet certified should reference the Scope as a professional model and strive to become certified.
Scope of Practice of the Profession:
The Diagnostic Sonographer is a highly skilled individual qualified by academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient services using ultrasound and related diagnostic techniques. The Diagnostic Sonographer is responsible for producing the best diagnostic information possible with the available resources. Diagnostic Sonographer acquires and evaluates data while exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of the clinical examination. The Diagnostic Sonographer is able to:
Obtain, review, and bring together pertinent patient history, physical examination, and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic results.
Perform diagnostic procedures by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis.
Provide interpreting physicians with an oral or written summary of technical findings.
Provide patient and public education and promote principles of good health.
1 An example of credentials: RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographer), RDCS (registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer), RVT (registered vascular technologist); awarded by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers®, a certifying body with NCCA Category "A" membership. 2 Credentials should be awarded by an agency certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Broward College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Broward College.
Additional Program Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program offered by Broward College is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of the Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) (9355 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775) upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). (25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, Fl 33763)
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