Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Available in State College
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)
Three-Year AST Degree Program
(Applicants with little to no post-secondary education)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus (DPP)
Two-year Diploma Program
(Applicants with prior degree)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional (DMP)
Fifteen-month Diploma Program
(Applicants with imaging background, RT certification)
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 state of the art, 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.
In addition to our three-year program, the South Hills DMS program also offers the following:
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) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Commission for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
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 .Visit www.pct.edu for more information.
Complete Course Lists
This program information appears in the 2017-18 school catalog. Click here to download all course descriptions.
g = general, c = cardiac, v = vascular
| Code | Course | Credits | Clock Hours |
| FIRST TERM | |||
| MD102 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD103 | Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 0.5 | 10 |
| GE117 | Applied Algebra | 4.0 | 60 |
| MD108 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.0 | 166 | |
| SECOND TERM | |||
| MD106 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD107 | Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 0.5 | 10 |
| GE230 | Applied Algebra II | 4.0 | 60 |
| MD109 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.0 | 166 | |
| THIRD TERM | |||
| HI102 | Pathophysiology | 5.5 | 60 |
| GE213 | Oral Business Communications | 2.0 | 24 |
| DS251 | Applied Physics for DMS | 4.5 | 60 |
| DS255 | Applied Physics for DMS Lab | 0.5 | 10 |
| GE260 | Statistical Applications | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 15.5 | 190 | |
| FOURTH TERM | |||
| GE207 | Applied Psychology in Health Care | 3.0 | 36 |
| DM208 | Introduction to Medical Imaging | 2.5 | 36 |
| DM209 | Patient Care | 2.5 | 36 |
| GE186 | Business English Essentials | 4.0 | 60 |
| MG119 | Management Essentials | 2.0 | 30 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 14.0 | 198 | |
| FIFTH TERM | |||
| DM211 | Cross Sectional Anatomy for Sonography | 1.5 | 24 |
| DM212 | Embryology for the Sonographer | 2.5 | 36 |
| DM213 | Law and Ethics in Sonography | 2.5 | 36 |
| DM214 | Principles of Sonography | 2.5 | 36 |
| DM210 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I | 3.5 | 48 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 12.5 | 180 | |
| SIXTH TERM | |||
| DS228 | Abdominal Ultrasound I | 3.0 | 36 |
| DM219 | Abdominal Ultrasound I Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| DM215 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II | 3.5 | 48 |
| Cardiac/General/Vascular Elective Grouping | 11.0 | 148 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 18.5 | 252 | |
| Cardiac Elective Grouping | |||
| c DS275 | Echocardiography I | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DM226 | Echocardiography I Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| c DS257 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DM228 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| cv DM230 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 11.0 | 148 | |
| General Elective Grouping | |||
| g DS283 | Gynecologic Ultrasound | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DM216 | Gynecologic Ultrasound Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| g DS290 | Obstetric Ultrasound | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DM217 | Obstetric Ultrasound Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| g DM218 | Clinical Obstetrics | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 11.0 | 148 | |
| Vascular Elective Grouping | |||
| v DS268 | Vascular Pathophysiology | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DM229 | Vascular Pathophysiology Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| v DS282 | Vascular Technology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DM227 | Vascular Technology I Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| cv DM230 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 11.0 | 148 | |
| SEVENTH TERM | |||
| Cardiac/General/Vascular Elective Grouping | 17.5 | 244 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 17.5 | 244 | |
| Cardiac Elective Grouping | |||
| c DM246 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DM231 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| c DM247 | Echocardiography II | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DM233 | Echocardiography II Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| cg DM249 | Principles of Vascular Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| cg DM220 | Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab | 2.0 | 36 |
| c DM235 | Echocardiography Special Topics | 4.5 | 60 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 17.5 | 244 | |
| General Elective Grouping | |||
| gv DM245 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| gvDM223 | Abdominal Ultrasound II Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| g DM248 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DM221 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| cg DM249 | Principles of Vascular Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| cg DM220 | Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab | 2.0 | 36 |
| gv DM222 | Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Superficial Structures | 4.5 | 60 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 17.5 | 244 | |
| Vascular Elective Grouping | |||
| gv DM245 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| gvDM223 | Abdominal Ultrasound II Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| v DM251 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DM232 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics Lab | 1.0 | 20 |
| v DM250 | Vascular Technology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DM234 | Vascular Technology II Lab | 2.0 | 36 |
| gv DM222 | Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Superficial Structures | 4.5 | 60 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 17.5 | 244 | |
| EIGHTH TERM | |||
| DM252 | Clinical Internship I | 14.5 | 435 |
| DM224 | Professional Development for the Sonographer I | 1.0 | 18 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 15.5 | 453 | |
| NINTH TERM | |||
| DM253 | Clinical Internship II | 14.5 | 435 |
| DM225 | Professional Development for the Sonographer II | 1.0 | 18 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 15.5 | 453 | |
This program information appears in the 2017-18 school catalog. Click here to download all course descriptions.
g = general, c = cardiac, v = vascular
| Code | Course | Credits | Clock Hours |
| FIRST TERM | |||
| MD102 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD103 | Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 0.5 | 10 |
| DS251 | Applied Physics for DMS | 4.5 | 60 |
| DS255 | Applied Physics for DMS Lab | 0.5 | 10 |
| DS285 | Introduction to Medical Imaging | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD108 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS292 | Patient Care | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 22.5 | 272 | |
| SECOND TERM | |||
| MD106 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 5.5 | 60 |
| MD107 | Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 0.5 | 10 |
| DS281 | Embryology for the Sonographer | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS328 | Law and Ethics in Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| MD109 | Medical Terminology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS222 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I | 4.0 | 48 |
| DS104 | Principles of Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS273 | Cross Sectional Anatomy for Sonography | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 24.0 | 286 | |
| THIRD TERM | |||
| DS228 | Abdominal Ultrasound I | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS238 | Abdominal Ultrasound I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| DS103 | First Aid & CPR-AHA | 0.5 | 10 |
| DS242 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II | 4.0 | 48 |
| Cardiac/General/Vascular Elective Grouping | 13.5 | 156 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 23.0 | 274 | |
| Cardiac Elective Grouping | |||
| c DS275 | Echocardiography I | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS276 | Echocardiography I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| c DS257 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS267 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| cv DS293 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 3.5 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.5 | 156 | |
| General Elective Grouping | |||
| g DS283 | Gynecologic Ultrasound | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DS284 | Gynecologic Ultrasound Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| g DS271 | Clinical Obstetrics | 3.5 | 36 |
| g DS290 | Obstetric Ultrasound | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DS291 | Obstetric Ultrasound Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.5 | 156 | |
| Vascular Elective Grouping | |||
| v DS268 | Vascular Pathophysiology | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS272 | Vascular Pathophysiology Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| v DS282 | Vascular Technology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS239 | Vascular Technology I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| cv DS293 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 3.5 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.5 | 156 | |
| FOURTH TERM | |||
| CD210 | Job Search Preparation I | 1.0 | 10 |
| Cardiac/General/Vascular Elective Grouping | 21.0 | 252 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 22.0 | 262 | |
| Cardiac Elective Grouping | |||
| cg DS318 | Principles of Vascular Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| cg DS319 | Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS313 | Echocardiography II | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS314 | Echocardiography II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| c DS329 | Echocardiography Special Topics | 5.0 | 60 |
| c DS306 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS311 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21.0 | 252 | |
| General Elective Grouping | |||
| g DS316 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DS317 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| gv DS322 | Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Superficial Structures | 5.0 | 60 |
| gv DS304 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| gv DS305 | Abdominal Ultrasound II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| cg DS318 | Principles of Vascular Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| cg DS319 | Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21.0 | 252 | |
| Vascular Elective Grouping | |||
| v DS326 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS327 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| v DS323 | Vascular Technology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS324 | Vascular Technology II Lab | 3.0 | 36 |
| gv DS322 | Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Superficial Structures | 5.0 | 60 |
| gv DS304 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| gv DS305 | Abdominal Ultrasound II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21.0 | 252 | |
| FIFTH TERM | |||
| DS605 | Clinical Internship I | 14.5 | 435 |
| CD213 | Job Search Preparation II | 1.0 | 10 |
| DS320 | Professional Development for the Sonographer I | 2.0 | 21 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 17.5 | 466 | |
| SIXTH TERM | |||
| DS606 | Clinical Internship II | 14.5 | 435 |
| DS321 | Professional Development for the Sonographer II | 2.0 | 21 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 16.5 | 456 | |
This program information appears in the 2017-18 school catalog. Click here to download all course descriptions.
g = general, c = cardiac, v = vascular
| Code | Course | Credits | Clock Hours |
| FIRST TERM | |||
| MD110 | Conversational Spanish for Healthcare Professionals | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS281 | Embryology for the Sonographer | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS328 | Law and Ethics in Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS292 | Patient Care | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS104 | Principles of Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS222 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I | 4.0 | 48 |
| DS273 | Cross Sectional Anatomy for Sonography | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21 | 252 | |
| SECOND TERM | |||
| DS228 | Abdominal Ultrasound I | 3.0 | 36 |
| DS238 | Abdominal Ultrasound I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| DS103 | First Aid & CPR-AHA | 0.5 | 10 |
| DS242 | Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II | 4.0 | 48 |
| Cardiac/General/Vascular Elective Grouping | 13.5 | 156 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 23.0 | 274 | |
| Cardiac Elective Grouping | |||
| c DS275 | Echocardiography I | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS276 | Echocardiography I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| c DS257 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS267 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| cv DS293 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 3.5 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.5 | 156 | |
| General Elective Grouping | |||
| g DS283 | Gynecologic Ultrasound | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DS284 | Gynecologic Ultrasound Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| g DS271 | Clinical Obstetrics | 3.5 | 36 |
| g DS290 | Obstetric Ultrasound | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DS291 | Obstetric Ultrasound Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.5 | 156 | |
| Vascular Elective Grouping | |||
| v DS268 | Vascular Pathophysiology | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS272 | Vascular Pathophysiology Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| v DS282 | Vascular Technology I | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS239 | Vascular Technology I Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| cv DS293 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 3.5 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 13.5 | 156 | |
| THIRD TERM | |||
| CD210 | Job Search Preparation I | 1.0 | 10 |
| Cardiac/General/Vascular Elective Grouping | 21.0 | 252 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 22.0 | 262 | |
| Cardiac Elective Grouping | |||
| cg DS318 | Principles of Vascular Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| cg DS319 | Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS313 | Echocardiography II | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS314 | Echocardiography II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| c DS329 | Echocardiography Special Topics | 5.0 | 60 |
| c DS306 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| c DS311 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21.0 | 252 | |
| General Elective Grouping | |||
| g DS316 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| g DS317 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| gv DS322 | Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Superficial Structures | 5.0 | 60 |
| gv DS304 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| gv DS305 | Abdominal Ultrasound II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| cg DS318 | Principles of Vascular Sonography | 3.0 | 36 |
| cg DS319 | Principles of Vascular Sonography Lab | 3.0 | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21.0 | 252 | |
| Vascular Elective Grouping | |||
| v DS326 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS327 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| v DS323 | Vascular Technology II | 3.0 | 36 |
| v DS324 | Vascular Technology II Lab | 3.0 | 36 |
| gv DS322 | Ultrasound of the Thyroid, Breast, & Superficial Structures | 5.0 | 60 |
| gv DS304 | Abdominal Ultrasound II | 3.0 | 36 |
| gv DS305 | Abdominal Ultrasound II Lab | 2.0 | 24 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 21.0 | 252 | |
| FOURTH TERM | |||
| DS605 | Clinical Internship I | 14.5 | 435 |
| CD213 | Job Search Preparation II | 1.0 | 10 |
| DS320 | Professional Development for the Sonographer I | 2.0 | 21 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 17.5 | 466 | |
| FIFTH TERM | |||
| DS606 | Clinical Internship II | 14.5 | 435 |
| DS321 | Professional Development for the Sonographer II | 2.0 | 21 |
| TOTAL CREDITS / CLOCK HOURS | 16.5 | 456 | |
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
- John Hopkins Hospital
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- Lock Haven Hospital
- Mount Nittany Medical Center
- University Surgical Associates
- UPMC
Tricia Turner, BS, RDMS, RVT
Program Director
State College Main Campus
Tricia received her BS Degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Penn State in 1996, and is a 1999 graduate of the South Hills Sonography program. After working in a clinical environment, Trish joined the South Hills faculty in 2002. She teaches obstetrics, gynecology, abdomen, and vascular sonography and 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 Wilson has been at South Hills School since 2005.
Stephanie Wilson received her Sonography degree from South Hills in the late 1990’s and her BS 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
A 1983 graduate of Penn State University, Beth 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 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
DMS Faculty Instructor
State College Main Campus
Greg 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.
Program Advisory Committee
| Member Name | Job Title | Company |
| Medical Advisors | ||
| Dr. Anthony Cardell | Cardiologist | Mt. Nittany Physician’s Group |
| Dr. Jason Fragin | Cardiologist | Penn State Hershey Medical Group |
| Dr. Jacob Alexander | Radiologist | Mt. Nittany Medical Center |
| Dr. Gregory Weimer | Radiologist/Instructor | Penn State Hershey |
| Dr. Robert Atnip | Vascular Surgeon | The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center |
| Community Members | ||
| Amanda Bornais, BS, RVT | Clinical Program Coordinator | The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center |
| Sal LaRusso, MEd. | Chief Sonographer/Senior Instructor Radiology | The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center |
| Robin Calderwood, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | Sonographer | Mt. Nittany Physician’s Group |
| Jon Downs, PhD | Director of Educational Alternatives | State College Area School District |
| Aubrey Rybyinski | Sonographer | Navix Diagnostix |
| South Hills Alumni | ||
| Adam Wood, RDMS | Lead Research Echo Technologist | Pinnacle Health |
| Renee Orlandi, RVT | Vascular Sonographer | Pinnacle Health |
| Pam Keebler, RDCS | Cardiac Sonographer | Carillion Clinic Roanoke Virginia |
| Susan Albright, RDMS | General Sonographer | Conemaugh Health System |
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please view the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Disclosures, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus Disclosures, or Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Disclosures pages on our website.
CAAHEP Annual Survey
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Outcome Statistics — Graduates of 2017
| 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 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.
