The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program is designed to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior)
learning domains. This preparation is accomplished through didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction in the theoretical knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer.
The successful program graduate will be able to perform appropriate ultrasound scanning examinations and procedures, and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician. The graduate will also be able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results. In addition, the graduate will be prepared to exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic diagnostic services, provide appropriate and compassionate patient care for patients undergoing ultrasound examinations, demonstrate excellent communication skills with patients and other health care professionals, and act in an ethical and professional manner.
A graduate of the DMS Program will be qualified to work as an entry-level sonographer in a hospital or medical center, a medical clinic, a radiology imaging center, a physician’s office, or a mobile ultrasound service; as a free-lance sonographer; or as a traveling sonographer. It is not currently mandatory that graduates take any licensing or credentialing examination upon successful program completion. However, many employers prefer or require that DMS graduates be credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®). CCMCC DMS students WILL be eligible to take the SPI exam upon successful completion of the Physics portion of the DMS program. Graduates WILL be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) exam upon graduation. Once the graduate passes the ARRT® exam he/she may then sit for the ARDMS specialty exams including the OBGYN, Abdominal and Vascular Credentialing Exams.
Graduates from the CCMCC DMS program WILL NOT be eligible to sit for the CCI exam specializing in Cardiac Sonography unless the graduate successfully completes a 940-hour program concentrating on Cardiac Sonography.
The graduate of the CCMCC DMS program must pass all core theory and laboratory courses, and clinical externship courses with a grade of 80% or better to complete the program.
ARRT ® is a registered trademark owned by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist. Contra
Costa Medical Career College is not licensed by, endorsed by, or affiliated with The American Registry of
Radiologic Technologist.
The DMS program is offered each year in January (day classes) and June (evening classes)
You MUST have these to apply:
