The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program offered by Iowa Central Community College is a rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the necessary expertise to excel in conducting sonography exams and associated duties. Through hands-on clinical practice, students gain invaluable experience in imaging departments across healthcare facilities in Northwest and Northcentral Iowa. The program ensures that students acquire entry-level proficiency aligned with career prospects across the country.

Program Mission Statement: The Iowa Central Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is committed to preparing competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s), general diagnostic medical sonographer. 

Program Requirements: To successfully complete the DMS program, students are required to fulfill the prerequisite requirements and achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all program courses. Additionally, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program. All DMS-specific courses must be finished within a two-year timeframe.

Student Responsibilities: Students gain hands-on clinical exposure across various clinical environments. Before participating in clinical activities, students must fulfill requirements such as completing a medical health form, obtaining basic cardiac life support certification, and meeting immunization criteria. Transportation to clinical sites is the responsibility of the student. Additionally, students are required to purchase and wear uniforms during clinical sessions. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the ARDMS SPI physics exam, abdominal exam, and obstetrics and gynecology exam conducted by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), leading to becoming a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). As part of the admission process, all DMS students must undergo a Criminal Record/Child and Adult Abuse Check. Students with past felony or misdemeanor convictions should inform the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) before program enrollment to verify eligibility for the Registry’s Examination.

Admission Requirements: This program operates on a selective, limited enrollment basis. Prospective students seeking admission must complete an additional application packet. Furthermore, applicants must be currently enrolled in, or have already completed, any prerequisites of the program with a grade of “C” or higher. They should also be enrolled in or have completed an allied health program and successfully passed its registry. Proof of enrollment or completion must be submitted before the application deadline. Applicants must meet the following criteria: possess a minimum of a high school diploma (with a GPA of 2.5) or its equivalent (GED score of 550 or HiSET score of 15); achieve minimum Asset scores of 40 in writing and reading, or minimum ACT scores of 18 in reading and English, or Accuplacer Next Generation scores of ≥ 250 (reading) and WritePlacer score of ≥ 5; attain an ALEKS score of 30. Additionally, completion of high school Biology, Algebra, English, and Chemistry is highly recommended.

Programs:

• Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(RT)
• Radiation Therapist (MRT)(T)
• Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Physical Therapist (PT)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Not limited to the allied health programs above, contact the program coordinator for further questions.

Enrollment Date: Fall Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 67.5
Campus: Fort Dodge
Department: Health Science
Articulation Agreements: 
CIP#: 51.0910