Sonography

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a limited access program?
A limited access program means that each year a limited, set number of students are admitted into the program. At SJR State College students are selected for Allied Health programs based on a point system as indicated in the program’s catalog description.

Why is Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology a limited access program?
Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program will spend many hours at hospitals and outpatient facilities performing sonographic exams under the supervision of registered sonographers. Each health care facility has a limited number of positions for students, and our program cannot take more students than the number of clinical spots we have available.

Are uniforms required for the program?
Yes. Uniforms are required in the clinical setting and on campus while attending class and scan lab. Students must abide by the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology Program dress code.

When and where are program courses held?
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program lecture and lab courses are held at the Orange Park campus during the day currently. This is subject to change, and some courses could be held in the evening. Some online work will be required. Clinical education courses require students to travel to various area hospitals and imaging centers, and will include some evening and/or weekend rotations.

Can I take the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology Core courses part time?
No. While the pre-requisite courses may be taken over any period of time that you desire, this program requires a full-time commitment for 5 full semesters. Students who are accepted into the program will complete courses in a specific order. Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program core courses begin with SON and then the course number. The program schedule can be found on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program main webpage under the Program Details tab, Program Plan-Course Rotation.

Can I continue to work full-time and complete the program?
This program, as with most Allied Health programs, requires many hours of class, clinical experience, and studying. Clinical hours alone are 16 hours a week during the third term, 24 hours a week in the fourth term, and 32 hours a week in the fifth term. Along with the lecture/lab courses and study time these five semesters require about as much time as most full-time jobs. To be successful most students find that full-time work outside the program is not possible.

Will I be able to choose where I attend my clinical courses?
No. While we may ask students their preferred clinical locations the final decision for clinical site locations rests entirely with program faculty. Students should expect to travel some distance at times for their clinical rotations. Students are responsible for their own travel to clinical locations.

Do I need to take a test after graduation?
Yes. After graduation, you will need to take a national certification examination to become a registered sonographer. Most graduates choose to sit for the ARDMS exams, which typically include the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam as well as the Abdomen and Vascular specialty exams. Our program is designed to prepare you for these credentials through your didactic coursework, lab practice, and clinical rotations. While the College does not schedule or administer the exams, faculty will provide information on how and when to apply, recommended timelines for testing after graduation, and available exam review resources.

Where do I take the test after graduation?
Upon graduation students may be eligible to take the national certification sonography examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as well as The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examination.