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Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS, Upcoming

Pathway: Health Sciences

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Why Choose Diagnostic Medical Sonography at PPSC?

Diagnostic Medical Sonography at PPSC prepares you to be career-ready in the fast‑growing field of medical imaging. This selective Associate of Applied Science degree program combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience to help you develop the technical skills, critical thinking, and professional judgment required in healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for entry-level sonography positions in hospitals and clinics and gain foundational preparation for national registry exams, while learning from experienced faculty who emphasize patient-centered care, ethical practice, and safety.

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What Do PPSC Sonography Students Study?

As a PPSC Diagnostic Medical Sonography student, you’ll train alongside experienced instructors and healthcare professionals to master the skills and knowledge needed in real-world imaging environments. This hands-on, patient-focused program includes classroom learning and clinical rotations where you'll explore topics such as:

  • Operation of diagnostic ultrasound equipment in clinical settings
  • Anatomy, physiology, and cross-sectional imaging
  • Sonographic procedures for abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and vascular exams
  • Image analysis to distinguish normal and abnormal findings
  • Patient care techniques and professional communication
  • Medical terminology and documentation
  • Preparation for ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) exams
  • Ethical standards and decision-making in diagnostic healthcare
This program is conducted in-person and spans four consecutive semesters per cohort.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program at Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) prepares students for professional practice in ultrasound imaging. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Sonography and are eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) credentialing examinations in:
    1. Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI)
    2. Abdomen (AB)
    3. Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN)
    4. Vascular Technology (VT)
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Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Handbook

The DMS student handbook serves as an important guide throughout your time in the DMS program. It outlines departmental policies, program requirements, and resources that apply to your education.  You are responsible for becoming familiar with its contents and referring to it throughout your program.
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  • Application window:  May 5 – May 22
  • Interviews conducted in June
  • Classes begin in August
Apply to the DMS program

  • Application window:  October 12 -October 31
  • Interviews conducted in November
  • Classes begin in January

Apply to the DMS program

For more information, please contact Chadwick Meisner at chadwick.meisner@pikespeak.edu.

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If you haven't already done so, you need to apply to be a Pikes Peak State student. Start by submitting your admission application. 

Before applying, you must:

  • Hold an Associate degree in a direct patient-care related field or a Bachelor’s degree in any field
  • Complete all required prerequisite courses
  • Earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (C) in prerequisite coursework
  • Currently be in the last semester of all prerequisite coursework

Required prerequisites include:

  • ENG 1021 English Composition
  • MAT 1140 Career Math
  • PSY 2440 Human Growth & Development
    or PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology
    or SOC 1001 Introduction to Sociology
  • BIO 2101 Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIO 2102 Anatomy & Physiology II
  • HPR 1038 Medical Terminology (or approved equivalent)
  • DMS 1001 Introduction to Sonography
  • RTE 2055 Multi-Planer Sectional Imaging

Equivalent or higher-level coursework may be accepted with Director approval prior to applying.

Submit the completed DMS application packet and required materials via email to the Director of Medical Imaging.

Required materials include:

  • Completed Supplemental DMS Application
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Essay explaining why you want to become a sonographer
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • 2 professional
    • 1 character
  • Job shadowing documentation (recommended, not required)

Supplemental materials include: 

  • Work Verification Letter Form
    • The employment verification form must be filled out completely and submitted with the application along with a job description.

Be sure to record your responses carefully when you submit your application! You will not be able to make edits. 

Submit your application

All accepted students must complete:

  • Annual criminal background check
  • Annual drug screening

Students must create a Castle Branch account. Estimated cost is approximately $90.50 plus service fee. Students are responsible for all associated costs.

Completed applications are reviewed after each window closes, typically at the end of May for Fall and the beginning of November for Spring. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the DMS Admissions Committee.

Interviews are typically held in June for the Fall cohort and in November for the Spring cohort.
Please refer to the Application Timeline for application window dates.

If accepted into the program, students must:

  • Meet all clinical health and immunization requirements
  • Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Adhere to attendance, professionalism, and ethical standards
  • Meet all functional ability requirements of a sonographer

Failure to meet program standards may result in dismissal.

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important enrollment requirements

Upon enrollment, students must complete a background check and drug screening ordered through CastleBranch. Directions for completing this process will be sent upon enrollment verification. Please note, students are required to meet the background check requirements outlined by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) to ensure eligibility for clinical placements. The specific disqualifying offenses can be found in the CCCS SP 4-10c Student Background Checks policy.

Immunization and Health Requirements:
Students must submit proof of the following immunizations (including but not limited to):

  • TB Test: Annually
  • Tdap: Every ten years
  • Hepatitis B: 2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine; titer required if there is no series documentation.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses; titer if there is no documentation
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses; titer if there is no documentation
  • Flu: Annually (2024-2025 flu series required by Oct 15)
  • COVID-19 Vaccine: Completed series required (boosters not required)
  • BLS/CPR (AHA Provider Level): Every two years
  • Background Check and Drug Test: Upon acceptance into the program (must redo if readmitted)

Note: Immunization requirements can change with or without notice, pending clinical affiliation agreements.

Program Orientation: 
Accepted students must attend a mandatory DMS orientation approximately two weeks before the program begins.

Clinical Education:
Clinical internships occur at healthcare facilities across the region and may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and summer semesters. Students must maintain complete schedule flexibility; personal or work schedule accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

 

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