Overview
Application and Virtual Career Shadowing Instructions
Career Assessment Form
DMS Student Handbook
Essential Functions of a Sonographer
Program Effectiveness Data
Schedule ABD/OBGYN Track
Schedule ABD/Vascular Track
Schedule Cardiac Track
Schedule Vascular Track
Narrative
With America's growing and aging population, the healthcare sector continues to offer growth in employment opportunities. Sonography is a key part of today's advanced medical practices, and qualified sonography graduates from Northampton find good-paying, flexible and rewarding positions throughout the country.
Students choose between four Sonography tracks offered at NCC: Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN concentrations, Abdomen-Extended & Vascular concentrations, Vascular concentration and Adult Cardiac concentration. Completion of the program requirements of NCC’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with the Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN concentrations allows the graduate the opportunity to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer's (ARDMS) Abdominal and OB/GYN examinations. Completion of the program requirements of NCC’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with the Abdomen-Extended & Vascular concentrations allows the graduate the opportunity to sit for the ARDMS Abdominal and Vascular Technology examinations. Completion of the program requirements of NCC’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with the Vascular concentration allows the graduate the opportunity to sit for the ARDMS Vascular Technology examination. Completion of the program requirements of NCC’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with the Adult Cardiac concentration allows the graduate the opportunity to sit for the ARDMS Adult Cardiac examination.
NCC's sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)” for the Abdomen-Extended and OB/GYN concentrations.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355- 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
www.caahep.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Blvd, Suite 500
Ellicott, MD 21043
Phone: (443) 973-3251
Fax: (866) 738-3444
www.jrcdms.org
magat@jrcdms.org
Mission Statement
The mission of Northampton's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to provide a quality and comprehensive education in sonography in a learner-centered environment. The graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed to perform quality sonograms. The graduates will serve as integral members of the health care team by contributing to the diagnosis of the patient's illness. The program will instill in its graduates an understanding of diversity and cultural differences, empathy, and good communication skills. The graduates will be able to critically think and problem solve in order to meet the required examination protocol and technical needs on atypical patients. The graduates will embrace the concept that learning is a life-long experience in order to maintain currency in the dynamic field of sonography.
Program Goals
To prepare graduates:
- Who are competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular and adult cardiac sonography concentrations
- With a broad knowledge base that enables them to embrace life-long learning
- Who are able to adapt to ever-changing technology in the health care industry
- Who are competent to pass the certification examination
- Who meet or exceed the needs of their employers
Upon Acceptance into the Sonography Program
The Admissions Office will mail to each student, accepted into the program, a form to be completed for criminal background clearance, and a health form for a complete physical examination. The program will ask for written verification that the essential functions/technical standards can be met.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
This program is designed for the individual without an Allied Health background.
Features
The Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs at NCC begin in the fall semester of each year. The Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN concentration and the Abdomen-Extended & Vascular concentration are 24-month competency-based programs. The Vascular and Adult Cardiac concentrations are 21-month competency-based programs. The programs are designed for the individual without an Allied Health background. Practice in scanning and instrumentation is done in the lab facilities on NCC's campus. The clinical education component of the program is conducted at various clinical affiliates in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, Bucks County, and New Jersey. Students in each concentration complete 1560 hours of clinical education.
Career Potential: Sonographer (RDMS), Vascular Technologist (RVT), Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
Transfer Potential: Thomas Jefferson University, Misercordia University and Adventist University of Health Sciences.
Admission Requirements
*Please note that we are launching a new, more efficient application system on October 18 to simplify the process of applying to NCC. If you have already begun an application in the current system, we recommend completing it before October 18 to avoid having to start over. Additionally, our Fall 2025 application will also open on October 18.*
Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. The minimum admission requirements to the program include:
- Completion of high school or GED equivalent
- Completion of high school biology with a lab component with a grade of B or better OR NCC’s BIOS115 *
- Completion of 2 units of high school algebra (Algebra I and II) with grades of “C” or better OR MATH022 and MATH026 OR MATH028 with grades of “C” or better or exemption through placement testing.*
- Submission of an application
- Submission of all official transcripts
- Completion of a Career Assessment Form (CAF)
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
*High school courses must be college preparatory level. Equivalents from other colleges may satisfy requirements.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the Sonography Program. Primary consideration will be given to applicants who have completed:
- College Algebra, Human Anatomy I & II with a B or better the first time a course is taken
- The general education courses that apply to the program
Deadlines
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a fall-start program. Students may apply to the clinical program starting October 1. Applications must be completed by February 1. Students will not be able to apply to the clinical program after February 1.
After February 1, students who wish to take general education courses toward the Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree may apply to the Health Sciences program of study.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
Progression
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all DMSG courses.
Academic Dismissal from Health Sciences Selective Admission Programs
Any student who does not successfully complete* one (1) course that carries the prefix of the student's Health Sciences major will be dismissed from the program. This policy applies to courses in these programs: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMSG), Radiography (RADT), Nursing (NURS) and Funeral Services (FUNS).
Any student who does not successfully complete* two (2) courses (either two different courses or the same course twice), that carry the prefix of the student's Health Sciences major will be dismissed from the program. This policy applies to courses in these programs: Dental Hygiene (DENH), Medical Assistant (MDAS), Veterinary Technician (VETC), and Respiratory Care (RESP).
Students may apply again for possible readmission, which includes testing of previous core course material. Readmission is on a space available basis, and priority is given to students entering the program for the first time and to those students who have successfully completed the core courses and have maintained continuous enrollment.
If the student is readmitted and again does not successfully complete one (1) course that carries the prefix of the student's Health Sciences program, they will be dismissed from the program and will not be eligible to reapply.
*Unsuccessful course completion is defined as a final course grade of F or W.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. To prepare graduates who are competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular and adult cardiac sonography concentrations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Cognitive Domain:
- Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and ultrasound principles specific to abdominal sonography, small parts, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular, and/or adult cardiac sonography.
Psychomotor and Affective Domains:
- Students will proficiently perform ultrasound examinations following prescribed protocols.
- Students will demonstrate professional behavior, communication, and patient care skills at their clinical education sites.
2. To prepare graduates with a broad knowledge base that enables them to embrace life-long learning.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply sonography concepts to solve complex clinical problems in case studies.
- Students will stay updated with evolving technologies and practices in the field by completing journal article reviews and a research paper.
3. To prepare graduates who are able to adapt to ever-changing technology in the health care industry.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and integrate new ultrasound technologies in lab class practice and practicals.
- Students will exhibit proficiency in the clinical setting by completing sonographic competencies.
4. To prepare graduates who are competent to pass the certification examination.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will engage in review sessions provided by the program and pass mock exams with an 80% or higher success rate.
- Students will successfully pass the ARDMS exams required for certification for their area of specialty in their first attempt.
5. To prepare graduates who meet or exceed the needs of their employers.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will engage with their community by participating in one or more volunteer activities each year.
- Students will mentor a new student entering the DMS program.
Abdomen Extended and Vascular Track
Abdomen Extended and Vascular Track
First Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| BIOS204 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits |
| DMSG101 | Essentials of Patient Care | 2 credits |
| DMSG102 | Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 1 credits |
| DMSG103 | Introduction to Acoustical Physics | 2 credits |
| DMSG104 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 1 credits |
| DMSG106 | Vascular Technology - Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I | 4 credits |
| MATH140 | College Algebra | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Second Semester
| BIOS254 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits |
| DMSG105 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation I | 3 credits |
| DMSG110 | Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I | 4 credits |
| DMSG123 | Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education I | 2 credits |
| DMSG125 | Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers | 1 credits |
| DMSG237 | Vascular Technology- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II | 4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Third Semester
| DMSG173 | Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education II | 2 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| Elective | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Fourth Semester
| COMM101 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| DMSG107 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 2 credits |
| DMSG155 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation II | 2 credits |
| DMSG160 | Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II | 4 credits |
| DMSG223 | Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education III | 2 credits |
| DMSG241 | Vascular Pathophysiology | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fifth Semester
| DMSG215G | Small Parts and Special Topics | 2 credits |
| DMSG233 | Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education IV | 3 credits |
| DMSG239 | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics | 3 credits |
| ENGL151L | English II | 3 credits |
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
| Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT) | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Sixth Session
| DMSG243 | Abdominal & Vascular Clinical Education V | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 80
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I is substituted for one of the Human Knowledge courses.
- Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.
Cardiac Track
Fall Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| BIOS204 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits |
| MATH140 | College Algebra | 3 credits |
| DMSG101 | Essentials of Patient Care | 2 credits |
| DMSG103 | Introduction to Acoustical Physics | 2 credits |
| DMSG109 | Introduction to the Cardiovascular System | 3 credits |
| DMSG111 | Cardiac Pharmacology | 1 credit |
| DMSG113 | Non-Invasive Cardiac Testing/ECG | 3 credits |
| DMSG117 | Cardiac Procedures Clinical Education | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
Winter Session
| DMSG121 | Cardiac Clinical Education I | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Spring Semester
| BIOS254 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits |
| DMSG105 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation I | 3 credits |
| DMSG119 | Cardiac Pathophysiology I | 3 credits |
| DMSG127 | Cardiac Procedures I | 4 credits |
| DMSG125 | Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers | 1 credits |
| DMSG175 | Cardiac Clinical Education II | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Summer Session
| DMSG225 | Cardiac Clinical Education III | 3 credits |
| DMSG251 | Cardiac Pathophysiology II | 3 credits |
| Elective | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Fall Semester
| COMM101 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| DMSG129 | Intravenous Insertion Techniques | 1 credit |
| DMSG155 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation II | 2 credits |
| DMSG257 | Cardiac Clinical Education IV | 3 credits |
| DMSG253 | Cardiac Procedures II | 4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring Semester
| ENGL151L | English II | 3 credits |
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
| Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT) | 3 credits |
| DMSG255G | Echocardiography Seminar and Capstone Project | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Total Credit Hours: 77
-
Human Anatomy and Physiology I is substituted for one of the Human Knowledge courses.
-
Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.
-
DMSG courses must be passed with a C grade or better.
OBGYN Track
Abdomen Extended and OBGYN Track
First Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| BIOS204 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits |
| DMSG101 | Essentials of Patient Care | 2 credits |
| DMSG102 | Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 1 credits |
| DMSG103 | Introduction to Acoustical Physics | 2 credits |
| DMSG104 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 1 credits |
| DMSG114 | Gynecological Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging and Critique | 4 credits |
| MATH140 | College Algebra | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Second Semester
| BIOS254 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits |
| DMSG105 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation I | 3 credits |
| DMSG110 | Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I | 4 credits |
| DMSG115 | Obstetrical Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging and Critique I | 3 credits |
| DMSG124 | Clinical Education I | 2 credits |
| DMSG125 | Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers | 1 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Third Semester
| DMSG174 | Clinical Education II | 2 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| Elective | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Fourth Semester
| COMM101 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| DMSG155 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation II | 2 credits |
| DMSG160 | Abdominal Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II | 4 credits |
| DMSG265 | Obstetrical Sonography- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging and Critique II | 4 credits |
| DMSG224 | Clinical Education III | 2 credits |
| ENGL151L | English II | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Fifth Semester
| DMSG263 | Advanced Techniques in Obstetrical Scanning | 1 credits |
| DMSG215G | Small Parts and Special Topics | 2 credits |
| DMSG234 | Clinical Education IV | 3 credits |
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
| Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT) | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Sixth Semester
| DMSG244 | Clinical Education V | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 76
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I is substituted for one of the Human Knowledge courses.
- Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.
Vascular Track
Courses
First Semester-Fall
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| BIOS204 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits |
| DMSG101 | Essentials of Patient Care | 2 credits |
| DMSG102 | Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 1 credits |
| DMSG103 | Introduction to Acoustical Physics | 2 credits |
| DMSG104 | Introduction to Clinical Education | 1 credits |
| DMSG106 | Vascular Technology - Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique I | 4 credits |
| MATH140 | College Algebra | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Second Semester-Winter
| DMSG122 | Vascular Clinical Education I | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Third Semester-Spring
| BIOS254 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| DMSG105 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation I | 3 credits |
| DMSG125 | Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers | 1 credits |
| DMSG237 | Vascular Technology- Anatomy, Physiology, Imaging & Critique II | 4 credits |
| DMSG172 | Vascular Clinical Education II | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Fourth Semester-Summer
| DMSG182 | Vascular Clinical Education III | 4 credits |
| ENGL151L | English II | 3 credits |
| Elective | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Fifth Semester-Fall
| COMM101 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| DMSG107 | Principles of Cardiovascular Technology | 2 credits |
| DMSG155 | Acoustic Physics & Instrumentation II | 2 credits |
| DMSG232 | Vascular Clinical Education IV | 3 credits |
| DMSG241 | Vascular Pathophysiology | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Sixth Semester-Spring
| DMSG242 | Vascular Clinical Education V | 3 credits |
| DMSG239G | Vascular Ultrasound Special Topics | 3 credits |
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
| Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT) | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Total Credit Hours: 71
-
BIOS 204 is substituted for one of the Knowledge of Arts and Cultures courses.
-
Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.