Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Do I need to be a student at Valencia to apply?

Yes. You must complete the admission process to the college before you submit a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program application. You can apply online or email enrollment@valenciacollege.edu if you have any questions.

Are the prerequisite courses offered online?

Yes, some are offered online, however the lab science courses have limited offerings and may not be available every term.

Do I have to take all the prerequisites at a particular campus?

No, you may take the prerequisite courses at any Valencia campus location. However, if accepted, Diagnostic Medical Sonography courses are only offered on the West campus.

Will my courses from other colleges transfer to Valencia?

Once you have applied to Valencia, you will need to request official transcripts sent from your previous institution. Transfer courses may need to be reviewed by an Advisor for potential course substitution or equivalency.  Transfer courses may not be equivalent to Valencia Allied Health Program course requirement.  NOTE: Course substitution or equivalency must be on your Valencia record before submitting the program application.

Do I need to take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before I apply?

Yes, you must complete the ATI TEAS. The examination fee is your responsibility. More information on the TEAS is available at Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Can I use ATI TEAS scores from another institution?

Yes. Students who complete the ATI TEAS at another institution must request an official score report from ATI as a paper copy is not accepted. Requests can be made online via www.atitesting.com.  Score report must be available on your Valencia record before submitting the program application.

How many students are accepted into the program?

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program accepts 12 students each Fall term.

What is the dress code policy for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program?

From the program Handbook:

• Required: Program Scrubs
• Lab coat or white short scrub jacket must be taken off with direct patient care
• Scrub attire: Junior students Teal Blue program scrubs; Seniors students Sapphire Blue program scrubs; It is strongly suggested that an undershirt be worn under your top but must not extend beyond the hem of your top. Appropriate undergarments must be worn under the uniform. Undergarments should not be visible through uniforms.
• Shoes: Should be enclosed heels and toes, slip-proof and enable you to stand for long periods of time. Clean all white or all black nursing-type or athletic shoes with socks.
• Hair: Clean, neat, and moderately styled. Should be restrained from face; if long, secured behind shoulders in a washable, basic hair restraint(s). No hats, caps or hoodies. Head coverings for religious or cultural reasons are permitted.
• Fingernails: May not extend beyond fingertips; no nail polish; no artificial nails
• Jewelry: None
• Tattoos: If visible, must be covered
• Perfume/Cologne: Strong perfumes and colognes are not permitted
• Badge: Valencia College name tag and hospital issued badge: To be worn on the left front of the lab coat. ID's should be clearly visible at all times. No other badges, pins, buttons, or stickers may be worn unless issued and approved by the hospital and/or VC DMS faculty.

*The hospital affiliate dress code, if more stringent than this, must be followed completely. Dress code is subject to change.

What is the schedule like if I am accepted into the program?

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a daytime program located on the West campus; the time commitment should be considered the equivalent of a full-time job. In addition to lecture, lab and clinicals, students are expected to study between 15-25 hours a week - if a student chooses to work while in the program, a maximum of 15 hours a week is recommended due to the demands of the program. Time management is crucial to successful program completion! The specific schedule can vary from term to term and from year to year.

Can students accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program be exposed to blood borne pathogens?

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program may have clinical experiences that expose the student to blood borne pathogens via contact with bodily fluids such as blood and saliva. Students accepted into the program will be expected to adhere to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for the use of Standard Precautions. The CDC defines standard precautions as "a set of precautions designed to prevent the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), other blood borne pathogens when providing first aid or health care.” Under standard precautions, blood and certain body fluids are considered potentially infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood borne pathogens. Students will be expected to adhere to hand hygiene protocols and consistent use of personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and eyewear.

What are the body art policies for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?

All must be covered when at clinical sites.

How many clinical hours are in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and what credential would I be eligible to sit for upon successful completion?

Clinical Practicum hours total to approximately 1488 hours including labs. Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program are eligible to sit for the OB/GYN and Abdomen registry exams.

How successful are your Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates in finding employment?

The five year average Licensure Rate for Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates is 100% and the five year average Placement Rate for Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates is 96%.