Explore an exciting career in sonography.

Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology

Overview

When students think about a career in sonography, they often associate ultrasound with pregnancy. A career in sonography can do so much more. Sonography involves use of an ultrasound tool for diagnostic purposes for several different areas of the body. 

Students can choose one of three majors in the sonography program at COTC:

The special modalities major is only open to new students enrolling in the sonography program or to professionals who are registered sonographers and would like to cross-train into a different sonography specialty. Registered sonographers must hold active RDMS, RVT or RDCS credentials through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or RVS or RCS credentials through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

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Understand more about DMS majors

General Ultrasound

  • Abdominal organs: liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, etc.
  • Obstetrics and gynecology
  • Breast, thyroid, prostate, etc.
  • Musculoskeletal muscles and tendons
  • Neonatal brain and pediatrics

Cardiovascular Ultrasound

  • Adult heart
  • EKG
  • Cerebrovascular carotid arteries and brain
  • Peripheral blood flow of vessels in arms and legs
  • Abdominal arteries and veins
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COTC DMS/RAD Alumni Degree Completion

COTC DMS and radiologic science technology graduates now have the opportunity to complete an AS to BS completely online through a partnership with The Ohio State University. Students can continue their education, completely online, through coursework specializing in management principles and strategies, human resources for health care, administration and quality management.

Learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions

I applied to COTC. Is that the same as applying to the sonography program?

No. Sonography is a competitive, selective healthcare program. Students first apply to COTC (the college) and indicate interest in a health technologies program (or apply to a pre-health track). Then students complete a separate application to apply to the sonography program.

How do I learn about the application process for the sonography program?

Students interested in sonography must watch a video and register and attend an information meeting. 

What are the requirements to apply to the sonography program?

OBSERVATION HOURS HAVE BEEN WAIVED FOR THE MAY 2021 DEADLINE

A 2021 DMS Application Checklist can help students keep track of application requirements. 

Pre-requisite classes must be completed 

There are classes students must take, have taken or have been awarded transfer credit for before they can apply to the sonography program:

  • Math 140: College Algebra
  • BIO 130: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • PHYS 105: General Physics
  • ENGL 112 Composition I

Students who have completed the courses or receive transfer credit for the courses must have gotten a grade C or higher. 

Observation 

Students must complete 16 hours of observation within 12 months of applying to the sonography program. 2021 DMS Observation Instructions are available to help students understand observation requirements. 

A DMS Observation Form must be completed by the clinical site where observation hours occur. 

ATI TEAS

Students must complete an ATI TEAS exam before applying to the sonography program. Students must create an account to register. 

There is also a fee students must pay to take the ATI TEAS test, so we highly recommend students prepare for the exam and take advantage of TEAS test prep materials. Students can re-test if they choose. 

ATI TEAS exam scores are good for 12 months, and the most recent score will be the one considered as part of a student’s sonography application.

Background check

Students must get an FBI background check and it cannot be older than six months prior to the sonography program application deadline.

An FBI background check must be sent directly to COTC from a fingerprinting agency, or students can get an FBI background check at the Department of Public Safety located in the John L. and Christine Warner Library and Student Center on the Newark Campus.

Students who want to get their background check completed through COTC must pay online first and present their receipt to the Department of Public Safety.

When are applications for the sonography program available/due?

Applications are typically available in late March each year. The deadline to apply to the sonography program is May 15 each year. May 15, 2021 is a Saturday. Please make arrangements to meet with an Advisor for the application before close of business, 5 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021.

What classes will I take if I get accepted into the sonography program?

The courses students need to take to complete a certificate or degree are listed in a plan of study. 

Will I take classes online or face-to-face?

Students will be required to take classes on campus for the sonography program. Some general education courses may be available online, but students should plan to be on campus to use equipment and engage in hands-on learning.

Students majoring in general ultrasound or cardiovascular ultrasound begin classes in their major during fall semester. Classes are sequential — meaning they must be taken the semester they are offered. They are offered in the daytime only and held face-to-face.

What type of financial assistance is available to help me pay for college? 

COTC awards $1 million in scholarships to students each year!

Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. 

Students who complete a FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application. 

Connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.

How do I get started at COTC?

Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started.