Diagnostic Medical Sonography | South Hills School of Business & Technology

Diagnostic Medical Sonography


CAAHEP Accredited* Programs
Available at the State College Main Campus

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)
3-Year Associate in Specialized Technology Degree Program
(Applicants with little to no post-secondary education)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus (DPP)
2-year Diploma Program
(Applicants with prior degree)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional (DMP)
15-month Diploma Program
(Applicants with imaging background, RT certification)

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The CAAHEP accredited* Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at South Hills will launch you in a career working closely with radiologists, cardiologists, and other medical professionals. You will learn to use high-tech equipment utilizing ultrasound to assess human body. South Hills offers 3 pathways to enroll in sonography based on an individual’s background. Within each program, a student may choose between three specializations: General Sonography (OB/GYN, Abdominal), Cardiac Sonography (echocardiography/heart), and Vascular Sonography.

Our DMS graduates hold titles including Cardiac Sonographer, Vascular Sonographer, General/Abdominal Sonographer, OB/Gyn Sonographer, Ultrasound Department Manager, Imaging Services Manager, and Applications Specialist.

 
 

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program (DMS) is a three-year program in which graduates earn an associate’s degree in specialized technology. This program is for those individuals that either do not have any post-secondary education or those that have minimal college credits earned.

Successful students in this program are dedicated and enthusiastic about learning, practice good time management skills, and have good communication skills.


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Program Info Sheet

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In addition to our three-year associate in specialized technology (AST) program, the South Hills DMS program also offers the following diploma programs for individuals with previous education or credentials:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus (DPP)

This CAAHEP accredited* two-year (6 terms) diploma program is designed for applicants who already have a previous Bachelor’s degree in a field other than medical imaging. It includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional (DMP)

This CAAHEP accredited* 1.5-year (5 terms) diploma program is designed for applicants who already have a previous 2-year or 4-year degree in a medical imaging specialty such as radiologic technology or nuclear medicine technology. It requires a strong background in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences.

* The DMS, DPP, & DMP programs for General, Cardiac, and Vascular Sonography are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, 25400 US Hwy 19 N. Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, 727-210-2350, mail@caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Commission for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Complete Course Lists

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Course List

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Course List for 2019-20

This program information appears in the 2019-20 school catalog. Click here for all course descriptions.
TermCourse #Course NameCreditsClock Hours 
Term 1MD102Anatomy & Physiology I5.560
MD103Anatomy & Physiology I Lab0.510
GE117Applied Algebra4.060
MD108Medical Terminology I3.036
Totals:13.0166
Term 2MD106Anatomy & Physiology II5.560
MD107Anatomy & Physiology II Lab0.510
GE230Applied Algebra II4.060
MD109Medical Terminology II3.036
Totals:13.0166
Term 3HI102Pathophysiology5.560
GE213Oral Business Communications2.024
DS251Applied Physics for DMS4.560
DS255Applied Physics for DMS Lab0.510
GE260Statistical Applications3.036
Totals:15.5190
Term 4GE207Applied Psychology in Health Care3.036
DM208Introduction to Medical Imaging2.536
DM209Patient Care2.536
GE186Business English Essentials4.060
MG119Management Essentials2.030
Totals:14.0198
Term 5DM211Cross Sectional Anatomy for Sonography1.524
DM212Embryology for the Sonographer2.536
DM213Law and Ethics in Sonography2.536
DM214Principles of Sonography2.536
DM210Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I3.548
Totals:12.5180
Term 6DM236Abdominal Pathophysiology I3.036
DM237Abdominal Pathophysiology I Lab1.020
DM215Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II3.548
Cardiac, General, or Vascular Elective Grouping11.0148
Totals:18.5252
Term 6 Cardiac Elective Groupingc DS275Echocardiography I3.036
c DM226Echocardiography I Lab1.020
c DS257Cardiac Pathophysiology I3.036
c DM228Cardiac Pathophysiology I Lab1.020
cv DM230Principles of Cardiovascular Technology3.036
Totals:11.0148
Term 6 General Elective Groupingg DS283Gynecologic Ultrasound3.036
g DM216Gynecologic Ultrasound Lab1.020
g DS290Obstetric Ultrasound3.036
g DM217Obstetric Ultrasound Lab1.020
g DM218Clinical Obstetrics3.036
Totals:11.0148
Term 6 Vascular Elective Groupingv DS268Vascular Pathophysiology3.036
v DM229Vascular Pathophysiology Lab1.020
v DS282Vascular Technology I3.036
v DM227Vascular Technology I Lab1.020
cv DM230Principles of Cardiovascular Technology3.036
Totals:11.0148
Term 7Cardiac, General, or Vascular Elective Grouping17.5244
Totals:17.5244
Term 7 Cardiac Elective Groupingc DM246Cardiac Pathophysiology II3.036
c DM231Cardiac Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
c DM247Echocardiography II3.036
c DM233Echocardiography II Lab1.020
cg DM249Principles of Vascular Sonography3.036
cg DM220Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab2.036
c DM235Echocardiography Special Topics4.560
Totals:17.5244
Term 7 General Elective Groupinggv DM238Abdominal Pathophysiology II3.036
gv DM239Abdominal Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
g DM248Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II3.036
g DM221Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II Lab1.020
cg DM249Principles of Vascular Sonography3.036
cg DM220Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab2.036
gv DM222Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Super. Structures 4.560
Totals:17.5244
Term 7 Vascular Elective Groupinggv DM238Abdominal Pathophysiology II3.036
gv DM239Abdominal Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
v DM251Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics3.036
v DM232Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics Lab1.020
v DM250Vascular Technology II3.036
v DM234Vascular Technology II Lab2.036
gv DM222Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Super. Structures 4.560
Totals:17.5244
Term 8DM252Clinical Internship I14.5435
DM224Professional Development for the Sonographer I1.018
Totals:15.5453
Term 9DM253Clinical Internship II14.5435
DM225Professional Development for the Sonographer II1.018
Totals:15.5453
DMS PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITSDMS PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS
135.0 Credits2,302 Clock Hours
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus Course List

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus Course List for 2019-20

This program information appears in the 2019-20 school catalog. Click here for all course descriptions.
TermCourse #Course NameCreditsClock Hours
Term 1MD102Anatomy & Physiology I5.560
MD103Anatomy & Physiology I Lab0.510
DS251Applied Physics for DMS4.560
DS255Applied Physics for DMS Lab0.510
DM208Introduction to Medical Imaging2.536
MD108Medical Terminology I3.036
DM209Patient Care2.536
19.0248
Term 2MD106Anatomy & Physiology II5.560
MD107Anatomy & Physiology II Lab0.510
DM211Cross Sectional Anatomy for Sonography1.524
DM212Embryology for the Sonographer2.536
DM213Law and Ethics in Sonography2.536
MD109Medical Terminology II3.036
DM214Principles of Sonography2.536
DM210Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I3.548
21.5286
Term 3DM236Abdominal Pathophysiology I3.036
DM237Abdominal Pathophysiology I Lab1.020
DM215Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II3.548
Cardiac, General, or Vascular Elective Grouping11.0148
Totals:18.5252
Term 3 Cardiac Elective GroupingDS257Cardiac Pathophysiology I3.036
DM228Cardiac Pathophysiology I Lab1.020
DS275Echocardiography I3.036
DM226Echocardiography I Lab1.020
DM230Principles of Cardiovascular Technology3.036
11.0148
Term 3 General Elective GroupingDM218Clinical Obstetrics3.036
DS283Gynecologic Ultrasound3.036
DM216Gynecologic Ultrasound Lab1.020
DS290Obstetric Ultrasound3.036
DM217Obstetric Ultrasound Lab1.020
11.0148
Term 3 Vascular Elective GroupingDM230Principles of Cardiovascular Technology3.036
DS268Vascular Pathophysiology3.036
DM229Vascular Pathophysiology Lab1.020
DS282Vascular Technology I3.036
DM227Vascular Technology I Lab1.020
11.0148
Term 4Cardiac, General, or Vascular Elective Grouping17.5244
Totals:17.5244
Term 4 Cardiac Elective GroupingDM246Cardiac Pathophysiology II3.036
DM231Cardiac Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
DM247Echocardiography II3.036
DM233Echocardiography II Lab1.020
DM235Echocardiography Special Topics4.560
DM249Principles of Vascular Sonography3.036
DM220Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab2.036
17.5244
Term 4 General Elective GroupingDM238Abdominal Pathophysiology II3.036
DM239Abdominal Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
DM248Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II3.036
DM221Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II Lab1.020
DM249Principles of Vascular Sonography3.036
DM220Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab2.036
DM222Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Super. Structures4.560
17.5244
Term 4 Vascular Elective GroupingDM238Abdominal Pathophysiology II3.036
DM239Abdominal Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
DM222Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Super. Structures4.560
DM250Vascular Technology II3.036
DM234Vascular Technology II Lab2.036
DM251Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics3.036
DM232Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics Lab1.020
17.5244
Term 5DM252Clinical Internship I14.5435
DM224Professional Development for the Sonographer I1.018
Totals:15.5453
Term 6DM253Clinical Internship II14.5435
Spring 2020DM225Professional Development for the Sonographer II1.018
Totals:15.5453
DPP PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITSDPP PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS
107.5 Credits1,936 Clock Hours
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Course List

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Course List for 2019-20

This program information appears in the 2019-20 school catalog. Click here for all course descriptions.
TermCourse #Course NameCreditsClock Hours  
Term 1 (Winter 2019-20)DM211Cross Sectional Anatomy for Sonography1.524
DM212Embryology for the Sonographer2.536
DM213Law and Ethics in Sonography2.536
DM209Patient Care2.536
DM214Principles of Sonography2.536
DM210Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I3.548
15.0216
Term 2 (Spring 2020)DM236Abdominal Pathophysiology I3.036
DM237Abdominal Pathophysiology I Lab1.020
DM215Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II3.548
Cardiac, General, or Vascular Elective Grouping11.0148
Totals:18.5252
Term 2 Cardiac Elective GroupingDS257Cardiac Pathophysiology I3.036
DM228Cardiac Pathophysiology I Lab1.020
DS275Echocardiography I3.036
DM226Echocardiography I Lab1.020
DM230Principles of Cardiovascular Technology3.036
11.0148
Term 2 General Elective GroupingDM218Clinical Obstetrics3.036
DS283Gynecologic Ultrasound3.036
DM216Gynecologic Ultrasound Lab1.020
DS290Obstetric Ultrasound3.036
DM217Obstetric Ultrasound Lab1.020
11.0148
Term 2 Vascular Elective GroupingDM230Principles of Cardiovascular Technology3.036
DS268Vascular Pathophysiology3.036
DM229Vascular Pathophysiology Lab1.020
DS282Vascular Technology I3.036
DM227Vascular Technology I Lab1.020
11.0148
Term 3 (Fall 2020)Cardiac, General, or Vascular Elective Grouping17.5244
Totals:17.5244
Term 3 Cardiac Elective GroupingDM246Cardiac Pathophysiology II3.036
DM231Cardiac Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
DM247Echocardiography II3.036
DM233Echocardiography II Lab1.020
DM235Echocardiography Special Topics4.560
DM249Principles of Vascular Sonography3.036
DM220Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab2.036
17.5244
Term 3 General Elective GroupingDM238Abdominal Pathophysiology II3.036
DM239Abdominal Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
DM248Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II3.036
DM221Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II Lab1.020
DM249Principles of Vascular Sonography3.036
DM220Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab2.036
DM222Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Super. Structures4.560
17.5244
Term 3 Vascular Elective GroupingDM238Abdominal Pathophysiology II3.036
DM239Abdominal Pathophysiology II Lab1.020
DM222Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Super. Structures4.560
DM250Vascular Technology II3.036
DM234Vascular Technology II Lab2.036
DM251Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics3.036
DM232Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics Lab1.020
17.5244
Term 4 (Winter 2020-21)DM252Clinical Internship I14.5435
DM224Professional Development for the Sonographer I1.018
Totals:15.5453
Term 5 (Spring 2021)DM253Clinical Internship II14.5435
DM225Professional Development for the Sonographer II1.018
Totals:15.5453
DMP PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITSDMP PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS
82.0 Credits1,618 Clock Hours

Careers in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

With three years of hands-on training and strong skillsets, our graduates are prepared for a variety of career options, including:

  • Applications Specialist
  • Cardiac Sonographer
  • General/Abdominal Sonographer
  • Imaging Services Manager
  • OB/Gyn Sonographer
  • Ultrasound Department Manager
  • Vascular Sonographer

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography internship is completed during the final two terms of the program. The internship continues uninterrupted for 2 consecutive terms, thus allowing for a continuous 24-week internship experience. Clinical training begins in January of each year which occurs during the Winter and Spring terms at South Hills. We have placed interns at locations including:

  • Clearfield Hospital
  • Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
  • DuBois Regional Medical Center
  • Geisinger Health System Hospitals
  • Guthrie Clinic/Robert Packer Hospital
  • Hershey Medical Center
  • Holy Spirit Hospital
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital
  • Mount Nittany Medical Center
  • Pinnacle Health System
  • St. Luke’s Health Network
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hospitals

South Hills Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates are highly respected in the field and sought-after for their training, professional attitudes, and knowledge. Some of the many locations employing our graduates include:

  • Bloomsburg Hospital
  • Carilion Clinic, Roanoke VA
  • Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
  • Hershey Medical Center
  • Geisinger –Lewistown Hospital
  • Guthrie Clinic
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital
  • Lock Haven Hospital
  • Mount Nittany Medical Center
  • University Surgical Associates
  • UPMC

Meet the Faculty

Tricia Turner, BS, RDMS, RVT

Program Director
State College Main Campus

Tricia's Biography
Tricia Turner received her BS Degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Penn State in 1996 and is a 1999 graduate of the South Hills Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. After working in a clinical environment, Trish joined the South Hills faculty in 2002. She teaches obstetrics, gynecology, abdomen, and vascular sonography. Trish became the DMS Program Director in 2015.

Stephanie R. Wilson, BS, RDMS, RVT, FSVU

Assistant Program Director / Vascular Track Coordinator
State College Main Campus

Stephanie's Biography
Stephanie Wilson has been at South Hills School of Business & Technology since 2005. She received her Diagnostic Medical Sonography specialized associate degree from South Hills in the late 1990s and went on to earn her bachelor of science degree in Vascular Technology from the Oregon Institute of Technology. Stephanie served as a Senior Vascular Sonographer within the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute prior to joining the South Hills team. She has been on the board of Directors for the Society for Vascular Ultrasound since 2012 and on the executive committee since 2016. Stephanie has also been on the Joint Review Committee on Education for Cardiovascular Technology (JRCCVT) Board of Directors since 2014.

Beth Lampe, BS, RDMS, RDCS (AE, PE)

Cardiac Track Coordinator
State College Main Campus

Beth's Biography
A 1983 graduate of Penn State University, Beth Lampe received her Sonography training at the Maryland Institute of Ultrasound Technology in Baltimore, Maryland. Beth has been active in all aspects of Sonography for more than 30 years, focusing on adult and pediatric echo for the last 15 years.

Elizabeth Ladrido, BS, RDMS, RVT

General Track Coordinator
State College Main Campus

Liz's Biography
Liz Ladrido joined the South Hills team in 2009, after being employed as a clinical sonographer at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, and she received her sonography training at South Hills. Liz now teaches abdominal and vascular sonography and ultrasound physics.

Gregory Tressler, RT(R), RDMS

Instructor
State College Main Campus

Greg's Biography
Gregory Tressler has been in the medical imaging field since 1978. In addition to general sonography, Greg has experience in general radiography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance imaging. Greg brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and experience to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

DMS Graduates Can Earn a Bachelor’s Degree Online!

South Hills students graduating with the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography are eligible to articulate into the Bachelor of Science program in Applied Health Sciences at Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT). PCT is an accredited college offering Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in a variety of disciplines. All courses required for the degree completion are available online. Go to our Articulation Agreements page or visit www.pct.edu for more information.

CAAHEP Annual Survey — Diagnostic Medical Sonography Outcome Statistics

Specialty Track (includes DMS, DPP and DMP graduates): General (ABD, OB/GYN) Vascular Cardiac
* Retention * 93% * 100% * 100%
Job Placement 79% ** 33% 91%
Credential status (passing rates for board examination) Abdomen 77% | OB/GYN 100% 100% 80%

* As of 2019, reporting has changed from attrition to retention.

** Sample size less than 10 causing results to be statistically unreliable.

The CAAHEP Annual Survey outcome statistics are based on the students who graduated June 2017. The job placement rate includes graduates hired for jobs within their field and related fields, and were hired within 9 months of completion. The graduates are tracked via graduate and employer surveys.

Specialty Track (includes DMS, DPP and DMP graduates): General (ABD, OB/GYN) Vascular Cardiac
Attrition 0% * 33% 7%
Job Placement 85% 100% 77%
Credential status (passing rates for board examination) Abdomen 90% | OB/GYN 100% 100% 82%

* Sample size less than 10 causing results to be statistically unreliable.

The CAAHEP Annual Survey outcome statistics are based on the students who graduated June 2016. The job placement rate includes graduates hired for jobs within their field and related fields, and were hired within 9 months of completion. The graduates are tracked via graduate and employer surveys.

Specialty Track (includes DMS, DPP and DMP graduates): General (ABD, OB/GYN) Vascular Cardiac
Attrition 12% 38% 0%
Job Placement 93% 100% 90%
Credential status (passing rates for board examination) Abdomen 100% | OB/GYN 89% 100% 71%

The CAAHEP Annual Survey outcome statistics are based on the students who graduated June 2015. The job placement rate includes graduates hired for jobs within their field and related fields, and were hired within 9 months of completion. The graduates are tracked via graduate and employer surveys.

Specialty Track (includes DMS, DPP and DMP graduates): General (ABD, OB/GYN) Vascular Cardiac
Attrition 0% 14% 8%
Job Placement 87% 100% 100%
Credential status (passing rates for board examination) 94.5% 100% 100%

The CAAHEP Annual Survey outcome statistics are based on the students who graduated June 2014. The job placement rate includes graduates hired for jobs within their field and related fields, and were hired within 9 months of completion. The graduates are tracked via graduate and employer surveys.

Specialty Track (includes DMS, DPP and DMP graduates): General (ABD, OB/GYN) Vascular Cardiac
Attrition 30% 0% 33%
Job Placement 79% 100% 100%
Credential status (passing rates for board examination) Abdomen 100% | OB/GYN 100% 100% 100%

The CAAHEP Annual Survey outcome statistics are based on the students who graduated June 2013. The job placement rate includes graduates hired for jobs within their field and related fields, and were hired within 9 months of completion. The graduates are tracked via graduate and employer surveys.

Program Advisory Committee

State College Main Campus
Member NameJob TitleCompany
Medical Advisors
Dr. Anthony CardellCardiologistMt. Nittany Physician’s Group
Dr. Jason FraginCardiologistPenn State Hershey Medical Group
Dr. Jacob AlexanderRadiologistMt. Nittany Medical Center
Dr. Gregory WeimerRadiologist/InstructorPenn State Hershey
Dr. Robert AtnipVascular SurgeonThe Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
 
Community Members
Amanda Bornais, BS, RVTClinical Program CoordinatorThe Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Sal LaRusso, MEd.Chief Sonographer/Senior Instructor RadiologyThe Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Robin Calderwood, RDMS, RDCS, RVTSonographerMt. Nittany Physician’s Group
Jon Downs, PhDDirector of Educational AlternativesState College Area School District
Aubrey RybyinskiSonographer Navix Diagnostix
Katherine McNittNutritionistGraduate Student, Pennsylvania State University
Rich MeyersSenior Research AssociateApplied Research Laboratory Pennsylvania State University
 
South Hills Alumni
Adam Wood, RDMSLead Research Echo TechnologistPinnacle Health
Renee Orlandi, RVTVascular SonographerPinnacle Health
Pam Keebler, RDCSCardiac SonographerCarillion Clinic Roanoke Virginia
Susan Albright, RDMSGeneral SonographerConemaugh Health System

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