Program Overview

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a non-invasive imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to produce a dynamic visual image of the internal organs or tissues in the body. This includes abdominal organs, a developing fetus, male or female reproductive organs, and blood flow.

Program Overview

The program offers a two-year track leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates of this program will have a number of career options as technologists, supervisors, administrators, trainers, researchers, and sales representatives. Areas of employment include hospitals, clinics, private physicians' offices, and industry. Graduates may also choose to work as freelance sonographers for mobile services.

Administration

• Program Director: Hady Abdin, M.D., RPVI, RDMS, RVT
• Executive Advisor: Aurelio Matamoros, M.D., Professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Accreditation

All programs in the School of Health Professions are regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS). Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for examination and certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Clinical Affiliations

The program has developed affiliations with medical institutions in Texas, providing students with expertise in a variety of settings and the breadth of opportunity available to a certified sonographer. Clinical affiliations include:

• University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center (CHI St. Luke's Health)
• Houston Methodist Hospital
  • Texas Medical Center
  • West (Katy)
• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
• Texas Children's Hospital
• University of Texas Medical Branch, Regional Maternal & Child Health Program Clinics
  • Galveston
  • Katy
  • Pearland
  • Sugar Land

Outcome Measures-Effectiveness Data

Credentialing Examination

The five-year average credentialing examination pass rate of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam is not less than 80% at first attempt within twelve months of graduation.

• Year | Pass Rate | Number of Students
  • 2019 | 100% | 12 of 12 passed
  • 2020 | 100% | 12 of 12 passed
  • 2021 | 100% | 13 of 13 passed
  • 2022 | 90% | 9 of 10 passed
  • 2023 | 100% | 14 of 14 passed
• 5-Year Average: 98.4% (60 of 61)

Program Completion

The program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the clinical phase of the program within 150% of the stated program length.

• Year | Completion Rate | Number of Students
  • 2019 | 100% | 12 admitted; 12 graduated
  • 2020 | 100% | 12 admitted; 12 graduated
  • 2021 | 100% | 13 admitted; 13 graduated
  • 2022 | 100% | 10 admitted; 10 graduated
  • 2023 | 100% | 14 admitted; 14 graduated
• 5-Year Average: 100% (61 of 61)

Job Placement

The five-year average job placement rate is not less than 75% within twelve months of graduation.

• Year | Placement Rate | Number of Students
  • 2019 | 100% | 12 of 12 employed
  • 2020 | 100% | 12 of 12 employed
  • 2021 | 92% | 12 of 13 employed
  • 2022 | 100% | 10 of 10 employed
  • 2023 | 79% | 11 of 14 employed
• 5-Year Average: 93.4% (57 of 61)

Resources

• American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)