Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AASDMS) is for students interested in becoming a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). This degree is a full-time and in-person program that prepares graduates to work as entry-level ultrasound technologists.

Students should expect to be engaged in class, clinical, or lab 4-5 days per week, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

To view the full curriculum and program information, click here.

Length of Program: 4 semesters (approximately 15 months)

Start Term: Spring (January)

Application Deadline

Spring Admission Deadline: August 1 (application opens mid-February)

Application Checklist

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete all of the following by the application deadline:

• Online application and a $75.00 non-refundable application fee (paid online after submission)
• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must provide appropriate immigration or citizenship documentation. Please note: the College does not issue student visas. Applicants must be eligible to study in the United States prior to applying
• Graduation from an accredited high school, completion of a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or attainment of a higher level of education
• Submission of official transcripts from ALL schools attended, including high school or GED and any Dual Enrollment coursework
• Completion of required prerequisite/general education coursework with a "C" grade or better, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher - see required courses below
• Submission of Proof of Direct Patient Care Experience

Direct Patient Care Experience

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an advanced modality that requires prior experience interacting directly with patients in a healthcare setting.

Applicants must have direct patient care experience prior to applying. This requirement can be satisfied by submitting one of the following:

• A copy of certification or licensure in an approved Human Health Career Program (uploaded to the online application after application submission) 
  
  OR
   
• Verification of 600 direct patient care hours, completed by a direct supervisor, using the required form: Verification of Direct Patient Care Hours (uploaded to the online application after submission).

Applicants who submit both an approved Human Health Career certification/licensure and verification of at least 600 direct patient care hours completed post licensure may receive stronger consideration during the competitive selection process.

Approved Human Health Career Programs

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Dental Assistant
• Certified Medical Assistant
• Nuclear Medicine
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Radiologic Technology
• Respiratory Therapy
• Surgical Technology

General Education Requirements

In addition to meeting the minimum educational eligibility requirements outlined in the Application Checklist above, applicants must meet the following general education requirements.

Applicants must complete 17 general education credits (5 classes) with a "C" grade or better in each required college course at another institution prior to applying. The prerequisite/general education GPA is recalculated by the College based solely on the required courses listed below and must be 2.5 or higher.

• English I (3 credits)
• College Math or Statistics (3 credits)
• General Psychology or Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
• College Physics or Radiologic Physics (4 credits)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I or II (4 credits)

For more information on transfer credit, refer to policy ADM 3.10 or click here for Transfer Credit Guidelines. 

Admission Interview

A limited number of qualified applicants are selected for interviews based on a holistic review of:

• Prerequisite/general education coursework GPA
• Individual course grades
• Proof of Human Health Career program completion and/or direct patient care experience 

Not all qualified applicants are invited to interview. Applicants will be notified via email if an interview is required.

Admission Decision
 

Final admission decisions are communicated via email 6 to 8 weeks following the application deadline.

Online Application

Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application at least one month prior to the deadline to ensure sufficient time for transcript receipt and document review. 

Application materials may be accepted for up to three (3) days following the published deadline. Applicants with missing or late materials beyond this grace period will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered for admission.

Applications are valid only for the designated application cycle. Applicants unable to submit all required materials by the deadline should apply during the next application period.

Click here to apply: Online Application

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required from ALL schools attended, including:

• High school or GED programs
• Colleges or universities (including courses in progress)

Foreign high school or college transcripts must be evaluated by a credentialing service. Applicants may search for approved agencies through NACES. 

If you completed: Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, we must receive an official transcript from the appropriate host in addition to your high school transcript: 

• AP - College Board
• DE - Designated College
• IB - International Baccalaureate

Admissions does not accept official transcripts directly from applicants. Official transcripts may be sent electronically to admissions@bshsi.org but must be received directly from the educational institution. Mailed transcripts must be sealed and unopened and sent to the address below:

Southside College of Health Sciences
Attn: Admissions
430 Clairmont, Suite 200
Colonial Heights, 23834

Frequently Asked Questions - Application & Eligibility

Q: How competitive is the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?
A: The program admits a limited cohort each year and typically receives many more qualified applicants than can be interviewed or admitted.

Q: Can I apply if I am still completing my general education courses?
A: No. All required general education coursework must be completed by the application deadline.

Q: How is the prerequisite/general education GPA calculated?
A: The College recalculates the GPA based only on the required general education courses after official transcripts are received and evaluated. 

Q: Does submitting both licensure and direct patient care hours improve my application?
A: Applicants who submit both may receive stronger consideration during the competitive selection process.

Q: Is an admission interview required for all applicants?
A: No. Interviews are conducted only for a limited number of qualified applicants.

Other Resources
 

• Sample Curriculum Plan: DMS Curriculum Plan
• Information Sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the program: Virtual and In-Person Information Sessions

Incentives for Bon Secours Employees
 

Bon Secours Mercy Health offers tuition benefits for eligible employees. For more information, visit: Bon Secours Mercy Health Employees

Have Questions?
 

Submit a Request for Information form, email admissions@bshsi.org or call (804) 627-5300