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Department of Radiology

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Sonography/Ultrasound

 
The DMS program of Denver provides the clinical and didactic education needed to pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exams in obstetrics, gynecological, abdominal and superficial structure ultrasound.
 
The program curriculum will encompass classroom instruction, laboratory training, and hands-on scanning experience. This is twelve month program, with the academic year running from September through August. All instruction is conducted at the University of Colorado Hospital.
 

 Housing is the responsibility of the student. The University of Colorado Denver student housing office may be able to assist with housing needs.

All instruction is performed at the University of Colorado Hospital. The program provides four clinical and one didactic day of instruction each week, Monday – Friday, from 8:00AM to 4:30PM.

Courses covered include ultrasound physics, abdominal, superficial structure, obstetrics, gynecologic, vascular and neurosonographic imaging.

Graduation requirements for this program include satisfactory completion of required clinical competencies, a grade above 70% in all subject areas and payment of all fees.

Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a certificate, making them eligible to take the ARDMS registry examinations in OB-GYN, abdomen/superficial structure imaging and ultrasound physics. Passing the national board examinations will result in the receipt of the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.

Medical Director
Elizabeth Stamm, MD, Associate Professor

Program Director
Emily Downs BS RDMS RVT RDCS RT
Phone: 720-848-1872
Email: emily.downs@uch.edu

Program Mailing Address
Emily Downs
Department of Ultrasound
University of Colorado Hospital, F-720
1635 Aurora Court
Aurora, CO 80045
This program is accredited through the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org

 

 

 

 

 

Prerequisites                                                                             

Because the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is a 12 month program, a substantial pre-existing knowledge of science and medicine is required. Therefore, prerequisites for application to the program include either of the following:
A. An Associates Degree or certificate from a two-year accredited allied health program, such as Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, or Nursing.
Program must offer a national registry/certification exam, which must be successfully passed by candidate.
Coursework must include:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Physics (General or Radiation)
  • College Algebra or above
  • Communications (Basic English, speech or composition will fulfill this requirement)
 
B. A Bachelor’s Degree in a science or medically related field.
Coursework must include:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Physics (General or Radiation)
  • College Algebra or above
  • Communications (Basic English, speech or composition will fulfill the requirement)
 
It is recommended that an associated lab is taken with Human Anatomy and Physiology.  Algebra based Physics is also recommended.
A grade of C or above must be obtained in all required courses. All required coursework must be completed PRIOR to the application deadline, with the terminal degree or certification being obtained prior to the program start date.
 
***Suggestions to be considered a competitive applicant***
  • Grade point average above 3.0 (4.0 grade scale)
  • Direct patient care experience
  • Documented observation hours within ultrasound
  • Knowledgeable about the field of sonography
 
International Degrees                                                        
Applicants must meet one of the two program prerequisites listed above. Those who have academic credentials from foreign institutions must submit those credentials to the World Education Services (WES) or the educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE) for a course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation will take approximately four weeks to complete and its cost is the responsibility of the applicant. All documentation must be received by the application deadline.
 
English as a Second Language Applicants                  
Applicants whose first language is not English must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the Test of Written English (TWE) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE). Information about these tests can be found at www.toefl.org.

Minimally accepted scores are:
  • 80 Internet based
  • 550 Paper based
  • Minimum final score of 5.0 on the TWE
  • DI code for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program of Denver is #2606
TOEFL scores are valid for two years form the test date and all associated fees are the responsibility of the applicant.

Health Requirements                                                          
Applicants must present evidence of good health and be able to meet the physical requirements of the program including lifting and positioning of patients, and manipulating all ultrasound equipment. Health insurance is not available through the program. Students will be required to present proof of insurance coverage at orientation. Students must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rubella, hepatitis B and TB. Current CPR certification is required.
Acceptance into the program is very competitive and is based on academic and work experiences, GPA, and communication skills as determined during the application process.

Longer training programs in ultrasound are available nationwide for those individuals who do not meet the pre-requisites of this one-year program. Please see the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS) web site for further program information. 

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $30.00 (US currency) is due at the time of application. Checks should be made out to the Ultrasound Teaching Fund and  mailed to the program mailing address.

 

Tuition: The tuition for the 12-month program is $5,000.00. Four equal payments of $1,250.00 will be required, due the first week of each quarter. This fee does not include textbooks, uniforms, or supplies.



Financial Aid: The program is administered by the University of Colorado Hospital, Department of Ultrasound and is not affiliated with the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center; therefore, financial aid is not available through their Financial Aid Office. Students may be able to apply for loans or grants, other than Federal loans, through banks, private organizations, or the SDMS Educational Foundation

Applications will be accepted from qualified applicants (as outlined under "Admission Requirements") for the program beginning in the fall of that same year. All applications, required coursework, and supporting documentation must be postmarked by March 31st.  Due to the large number of qualified and interested applicants, late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and selected individuals chosen for an interview. Those chosen will be notified, within one month of the application deadline, of the date and time of their interview. All interviews will be conducted at University of Colorado Hospital and last approximately one hour. The final decisions regarding program acceptance will be made following all interviews. All applicants will be notified by mail of the final decision regarding their application by the end of May. No acceptance information will be given by telephone.

An application must include the following to be considered:

  1. Completion of the program application.
  2. Copy of official transcripts from all college or allied health programs attended. Transcripts must be sent directly to the program mailing address by the educational institution.  International transcripts must include a translation from an educational credentialing agency.
  3. Resume outlining all work experience. Inclusion of a photograph is optional but preferred.
  4. Three (3) professional letters of recommendation. These must be sent directly to the program mailing address by the author of the letter, in a sealed envelope.
  5. The non-refundable application fee.
  6. Completion of TOEFL exam if applicable

Will I be prepared to take the ARDMS board exams for sonography when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of Denver (DMSPD), our graduates are eligible to sit for the ARDMS registry examinations in OB-Gyn, abdomen/superficial structure imaging and ultrasound physics.  Passing the national board examinations will result in the receipt of the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.


Is the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of Denver accredited?
Yes, The DMSPD has been fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in general sonography.

 

What physical and mental abilities must I posses?
Applicants must present evidence of good health and be able to meet the physical requirements of the program including:

  • Lifting and positioning patients
  • Ability to push and pull all ultrasound equipment
  • Ability to hear spectral Doppler
  • Ability to distinguish variations in color utilized in color Doppler
  • Ability to work standing greater than 75% of the time 

 

What grade point average is required to apply for the program?
A GPA of 3.0 in all required coursework, as well as an overall GPA of 3.0 is preferred.

 

Is there a waiting list to get into your sonography program?
We do not have a waiting list for our sonography program; however, the program is competitive. We usually receive 60-80 applications per year, and accept 4-5 into the program. 

 

Do you accept transfer students from outside Sonography programs?
No.

 

What is the approximate cost of the program?
Tuition for the program is $5,000 per year.  This does not include text books, other school fees, living or transportation expenses. There is an application fee of $30 dollars.

 

What is the deadline for applications?
Applications, required coursework, and supporting documentations MUST be completed and postmarked by March 31st.

 

When does the program start?
The program is 12 months in length, beginning the first Thursday in September and ending the following August.

 

What is the entry level salary range for sonographers?
In 2012, sonographers earned an average of $50,000-$80,000 per year.


What must I do if I have studied outside of the United States?
Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluation center such as the Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., or World Education Services. Students whose first language is not English must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the Test of Written English (TWE) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE).  Information about these tests can be found at www.toefl.org.   Minimally accepted scores are:

  • 80   Internet based
  • 550 Paper based
  • Minimum final score of 5.0 on the TWE
  • DI code for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of Denver is #2606

 

Is financial aid available or are there student loans available?
Financial aid is not available through the DMSP because it is a post graduate hospital based program, not affiliated with the University of Colorado at Denver.  However, government based programs such as the Colorado’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and private institution loans may provide assistance.

 

Do you offer weekend or night classes for sonography?
No, we do not. This program is full-time. Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Classroom sessions are held on Thursdays.

 

Do you offer online courses for sonography?
No, we do not. Our courses are offered with hands-on learning within the classroom and clinical settings not easily replicated through online learning.

 

Can I work full-time or part-time while taking this program?
We do not recommend that you attempt to work full-time during this program to assure optimal success.    

 

What is the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of Denver looking for in potential applicants and how can I be a competitive applicant?

  • Individuals who are excited and motivated to excel in both didactic and clinical settings

  • Strong professional references from the applicant's prior work supervisors, instructors, or health care professionals

  • Transcripts which reflect academic excellence and include the required coursework

  • Strong leadership and communication skills, and a desire for providing quality work

  • Grade point average above 3.0 (4.0 grade scale)

  • Previous direct patient care experience

  • Documented observation hours within ultrasound

  • Knowledgeable about the field of sonography