Prospective students must be accepted for admission to USI before being considered for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Applicants must have graduated from high school and have completed all DMS program prerequisite courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale). DMS program application and accompanying required documents and transcripts must be received by September 15 of the year the student desires admission to the program. Applicants meeting academic requirements must be in good health, be eligible for ARDMS licensure, and be capable of fulfilling program technical standards.

It is required that applicants observe in a variety of sonography settings prior to September 15. The prospective DMS student will utilize observation time within general, vascular and cardiac sonography settings to become familiar with sonographic examinations, standards of practice and the sonographer’s role as a healthcare member. Within the required narrative, each applicant must indicate which area of study they prefer to pursue in the fourth year of the DMS program, Vascular Sonography or Cardiac Sonography.

The DMS program is limited in the number of students that may be accepted each year. USI, in collaboration with the clinical affiliates, reserves the right to determine the number of students enrolled in each beginning class. In addition, each specialty area of study, Vascular Sonography or Cardiac Sonography can accept only five students. Faculty will attempt to honor the student’s preference.

The DMS student selection process involves a review of all required documents and an interview by the DMS admission committee. This committee consists of the program faculty and clinical instructors from each clinical site. Applicants are informed when to schedule the interview via letter from the DMS program director. All interviews are conducted privately and by appointment only. The committee’s decision is conveyed by letter approximately two weeks after all interviews are completed.

Prior to beginning the DMS courses, admitted students must submit a medical history and results of a physical examination, drug screen, criminal check, immunization records, documentation of current tuberculosis test status, documentation of completion of Hepatitis B vaccination (3 part series) and a serologic response. CPR certification is required in DMS 301 and must be completed prior to clinical.