Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

About Us

Sonography is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses the echoes of high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to construct an image (sonogram) of internal organs or body structures.

In sonography, a transmitting device (the transducer) sends out high-frequency ultrasound waves. Harmless sound waves, which contain no radiation, bounce off the surfaces of the object they hit. The reflected sound forms an echo that is visualized on the screen.

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images (sonograms) of structures inside the human body. Physicians interpret the images to make a medical diagnosis.

The professional responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer include, but are not limited, to:

• Obtaining and recording an accurate patient history.
• Performing diagnostic procedures and obtaining diagnostic images.
• Analyzing technical information.
• Using independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to the diagnostic findings.
• Providing an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diagnosis.
• Providing quality patient care.
• Collaborating with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

Because they are often dealing with people in physical and/or emotional pain, diagnostic medical sonographers must be sensitive to the needs of their patients. In addition, they must be detail-oriented team players and able to follow doctors’ directions explicitly. Documentation and maintenance of patients' records is also a requirement of the diagnostic medical sonography profession. Operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity, while long periods of standing and lifting patients requires physical stamina.

The field of sonography offers several areas of specialization, including:

• Abdomen (AB) – evaluation of all the soft tissues, blood vessels and organs of the abdominal cavities (for example, liver, spleen, urinary tract and pancreas).
• Breast (BR) – evaluation of breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography.
• Cardiac (adult echocardiography (AE), pediatric echocardiography (PE) and fetal echocardiography (FE)) – evaluation of the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels.
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) – assess bones, muscles, tendons, ligament tears and nerve and soft tissue pathology. Assist with ultrasound-guided procedures.
• Pediatric Sonography (PS) – evaluation of the head, spine, chest, hips/joints, and the male and female genitourinary system of the pediatric patient.
• Obstetrics (OB)/Gynecology – evaluation of the female reproductive system.
• Vascular Technology (VT) – evaluation and analysis of the hemodynamics (blood flow) of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels.

Professional certification disclosure

Upon completion of an accredited program, a diagnostic medical sonographer is required to take the Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination along with a specialty area examination (see list above) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Cleveland Clinic requires a minimum of one certification from the ARDMS in (Abdominal (AB), Obstetrics (OB)/gynecology or Vascular (VT)) prior to hire, with all three specialties being required within the first year of hire.

Employers, insurers, accreditation organizations and professional organizations in the sonography community are increasingly seeking demonstration of competence through sonographer certification/credentialing in each specialty area in which the sonographer practices.

Please note: Taking the Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation examination after successful completion of the Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation course is strongly recommended, but not required.

Accreditation

State approval  

The Cleveland Clinic Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3332 (School Registration No. 2165). For questions related to the State Board approval, please contact Cleveland Clinic Center for Health Profession Education, 9500 Euclid Ave./JJ21., Cleveland OH 44195, 216.444.5678 option 4.

• Using this link here, scroll to the “Center for Health Professions Education (Cleveland)” to find our registered programs.

Liability insurance and background check

Cleveland Clinic provides liability insurance and background checks free of charge to all students accepted in the School of Diagnostic Imaging.

Admissions

Individuals applying to the School of Diagnostic Imaging:

• Shall possess a high school diploma or have earned a certificate of equivalent education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Must provide a current e-mail address with their application. This is needed to contact you for clinical observation and for access to the program learning management system. No application will be processed without a valid and current email address.
• Must participate in a behavior-based interview with program officials.
• Must complete the college credit course prerequisites. The program is not able to offer placement tests for the prerequisite courses.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program does not accept advanced placement, transfer students or transfer credits from any college or sonography program.

Admissions process

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program uses a selective process to determine which students will be accepted into the program. Acceptance into the program is based on a point system that includes scores from a behavior-based interview, high school and college GPAs, and the number of additional science and math classes with a grade of "C" or better. The higher the grade on the science and math courses, the more points awarded.

The program accepts between five and 10 students each year based upon clinical site availability. Acceptance letters will be emailed approximately one month after the interview process has been completed. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program starts each year in August.

To be considered for acceptance, please complete and remain aware of the following steps:

• Complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography application.
• Send the application form to the school with the non-refundable $20 application fee. Please do not send cash. We accept checks and credit card payments. Checks should be made payable to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic. For credit card payments, call Halley Majersky at 216.212.0484.
• Send your official high school and college transcripts to the school.
• Behavior-based interviews will be scheduled in February/March for applicants who have met the previous qualifications. The purpose of the behavior-based interview is to assess communication and critical thinking skills.

Technical standards

• Candidates must have good eyesight either naturally or through correction. They must be able to see the printed words in a sonography textbook and be able to read and accurately interpret the numbers on charts and diagrams.
• Candidates must have the ability to hear instructions and be able to respond to verbal requests by patients.
• Candidates must be able to life a minimum of 30 pounds and possess the ability to support up to 175 pounds. Sonographers must assist, support and move patients from wheelchairs and carts onto examination tables, which requires the use of their back and muscles.
• Sonographers work while standing, sometimes for hours. Candidates must be able to move around and stand for long periods of time.
• Sonographers must verbally instruct patients and be able to express concern and empathy for them. Candidates must possess good verbal and nonverbal communication skills as evidenced from the application and interview process. Sonographers must perform data entry with dexterity and accuracy.
• Candidates must be physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the objectives of the sonography program. The school will make reasonable accommodations to assist a student with a disability to advance through the program. Candidates must have sensory function adequate for patient assessment and care. They must possess the physical status needed to provide all aspects of care in a safe manner. (Please see Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy.)

Pre-requisites

Candidates are encouraged to submit the pre-requisites by Feb. 1 or until the program has sufficient applications that meet the requirements. All courses must have a traditional letter grade. Candidates who meet most of the requirements may be considered if there is evidence that they will meet the requirements prior to the beginning of the program.

The School of Diagnostic Imaging does not accept the pass/no pass grading option. Credit(s) earned at other institutions or programs will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee using transfer.org to determine if they meet the program requirements.  

Applicants must have completed the following college credit prerequisites with a grade of "C" or better:

• Medical Terminology.
• Anatomy & Physiology I, completed within the last 10 years.
• Anatomy and Physiology II, completed within the last 10 years.
• Math (approved by program manager).
• Physics (approved by program manager).
• Communications (approved by program manager).

Please note: If you have completed Anatomy & Physiology I and are registered for Anatomy & Physiology II for the current semester for which you are applying, you may still apply to the program to be interviewed, but you must then complete the Anatomy & Physiology II successfully in that semester to be eligible for acceptance into the program.

Application

The deadline for applications for the August class is Feb. 1. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or by requesting from the contacts below. Submit your completed form to the Program Director with a non-refundable $20 application fee. Please do not send cash. We accept checks and credit card payments. Checks should be made payable to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic. For credit/debit card payments, please call Halley Majersky at 216.212.0484. Students must have their official high school and college transcripts mailed directly to the school.

Questions? Contact Angela Perry at 216.769.2452 or perrya@ccf.org, or Halley Majersky at 216.212.0484 or majersh@ccf.org.  

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Student Application

Non-discrimination policy

Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.  

Criminal background check

All students accepted into the School of Diagnostic Imaging must complete a criminal background check. Students with a criminal record may not be eligible to participate in a clinical rotation, receive a professional licensure/registration or obtain employment in the health field. Cleveland Clinic covers the cost of the background check.  

Basic life support for healthcare providers

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers must be completed prior to starting the program. Training through only two providers are accepted: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross.

Health Requirements including vaccinations are located on the Program Health Requirements page.

Curriculum

Course sequence

Course descriptions

DMS 101 – Introduction to Sonography & Patient Care

This course introduces the student to the world of diagnostic medical sonography and patient care. Topics will include the history and development of ultrasound, professional ethics specific to ultrasound, legal considerations, industry standards and OSHA guidelines, HIPPA, medical records, methods of infection control, proper scanning techniques, and ergonomics including sonographer best practices to reduce injury. In addition, it will cover patient assessment including age-related care and cultural competency, proper transport and transfer of patients with and without support equipment, taking vital signs, patient comfort and modesty, professional roles both in and out of the sonography department, and how to appropriately communicate with patients and department staff. There will be discussion of proper sterile techniques and procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and reporting and documenting incidents and/or adverse medication reactions, as well as discussion on hospital and departmental organization, and hospital and program affiliation.

Clock Hours: 4.0
Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

DMS 111 - Abdominal Imaging I
DMSL 111 - Introduction to Sonography Scanning Lab I

This course will introduce the internal organs to the student. Topics such as anatomy, physiology, embryology, pathology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and anatomical variants of the lymphatic system, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenal glands, kidneys, urinary bladder, spleen, aorta, inferior vena cava, thyroid, and neck are covered. Introduction to sonographic terminology, cross-sectional imaging, and the importance of sonographic image acquisition of normal and abnormal findings in conjunction with correlating between other modalities to confirm findings will also be discussed.

*There is a corresponding sonography scan lab with this course.
Clock Hours/Lecture: 4.5
Clock Hours/Scan Lab: 4.0
Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

DPHY 100 - Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation

This course is designed to present the physical and mathematical principles of diagnostic medical sonography to the students. Topics will include understanding the physical attributes of sound waves and how images are generated, attenuation, transducer construction and function, ultrasound instrumentation, multi-hertz frequency capabilities, dynamic range, signal processing, bioeffects, display modes, resolution, artifacts, hemodynamics, harmonics and contrast agents, emerging technology, research design, statistics, quality assurance, and Doppler principles. 

Clock Hours: 4.0
Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

DCL 100 - Introduction to Clinical Experience

This course introduces the student to the clinical rotation experience. The student will be directly supervised and orientated to the clinical site they will attend in the upcoming spring semester. They will learn the workflow of the department and put into practice the skills they have learned in class. The student will get real world exposure to scenarios that were covered in the first half of the semester and the opportunity to observe examinations with a registered technologist to see how knobology and scanning techniques are used to acquire optimal images. The students will also learn the day-to-day tasks that are needed to run the department and assist with patient care, cleaning and stocking scan rooms, preparation for the following day, and other items asked of them by the technologist(s).

Clinicals: 6 weeks, 1 day/week. (8 hours/daily)
Clock Hours: 48.0
Prerequisite: Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

DMS 112 - Abdomen II
DMSL 112 - Sonography Scanning Lab II

This course details the anatomy, physiology, embryology, pathophysiology, pathology, pharmacology, and anatomical variants of the male reproductive system, adrenal glands, peritoneal/retroperitoneal, pleural spaces, breast, musculoskeletal, sonographic procedures, and neonatal sonography to include the hips, spine, and head. Discussion of the sonographer’s role in procedures, including documentation and sterile setup, contrast imaging, elastography (ARFI), shear wave imaging, and the importance of correlation between modalities will be included.

*There is a corresponding sonography scanning lab with this course.
Clock Hours/Lecture: 4.0
Clock Hours/Scanning Lab: 3.0
Prerequisite: DMS 111/DMSL 111

DMS 102 – Gynecology & First Trimester Pregnancy
DMSL 102 – Sonography Scanning Lab III

The course details the anatomy, physiology, embryology, pathophysiology, pathology, pharmacology, and anatomical variants during all stages of the female reproductive system, including gynecological disease processes, infertility monitoring, and the developing fetus throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Medical and surgical interventions, procedures, and the importance of comparative imaging with other modalities will all so be considered. This course will explain the technique of transabdominal versus transvaginal imaging and discuss the ethical standards of practice of when to perform an internal ultrasound.

*There is a corresponding scanning lab with this course.
Clock Hours/Lecture: 4.5
Clock Hours/Scanning Lab: 3.0
Prerequisite: Admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program & DMSL 111

DCL 101 – Clinical Experience I

Direct, supervised sessions in the clinical setting that will emphasize development of the practical application of direct and indirect patient care, department workflow and sonographic scanning, as taught in the scanning lab. These applications will have emphasis on knobology, equipment orientation, proper scanning positions and planes, and general patient care. Introductory scanning on patients will include the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, adrenal glands, spleen, aorta, inferior vena cava, thyroid, and neck. Students will need to successfully complete all the assigned clinical competency examinations while supervised by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer at the assigned clinical site.

Clinicals: 16 weeks, 3 days/week (8 hours/daily)
Clock Hours: 360.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Term 1

ETH 101 – Healthcare Ethics and Law

This course is designed to provide the student with a fundamental background in healthcare ethics and law. The historical and philosophical basis of ethics as well as the elements of ethical behavior are also discussed. The student will examine a variety of ethical issues and dilemmas that may occur in clinical practice. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts and principles of law will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, unintentional and intentional torts, HIPPA standards and compliance, legal and professional standards, the ASRT/ARDMS scope of practice. The importance of proper documentation and informed consent will be emphasized.

Clock Hours: 2.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Term 2

DMS 103 – Second & Third Trimester
DMSL 103 – Sonography Scanning Lab IV

This course details the anatomy, physiology, embryology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and anatomical variants of normal and common pathologic conditions of the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Topics will include fetal development and biometry, fetal weight and age assessment, fetal abnormalities, multiple gestations, and maternal disease processes and how they can affect pregnancy. Correlation with ultrasound guided perinatal procedures, genetic testing, and medical and surgical interventions are also included.

*There is a corresponding sonography scan lab with this course.
Clock Hours/Lecture: 4.5
Clock Hours/Scanning Lab:3.0
Prerequisite: DMS 102/DMSL 102

DCL 102 – Clinical Experience II

Direct, supervised sessions of sonographic scanning with emphasis on the development of the practical application and scanning techniques of obtaining sonographic images of the organs of the male and female reproductive systems, gastrointestinal tract, peritoneal/retroperitoneal and pleural spaces with continued proficiency on the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, adrenal glands, spleen, aorta, inferior vena cava, thyroid, and neck. Students will need to successfully complete all the assigned clinical competency examinations while supervised by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Clinicals: 12 weeks, 3 days/week (8 hours/daily)
Clock Hours: 288.0
Prerequisite: DCL 101

DMS 200 – Registry Review: Sonographic Principles & Instrumentation

This course will prepare the students for the Sonographic Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination. The course material will follow the current ARDMS Exam Content Outline. The course will review the physical and mathematical principles of diagnostic medical sonography. Knowledge of the physical attributes of sound waves and how images are generated, attenuation, transducer construction and function, ultrasound instrumentation, multi-hertz frequency capabilities, dynamic range, signal processing, bioeffects, display modes, resolution, artifacts, hemodynamics, harmonics and contrast agents, statistics, emerging technology, quality assurance, and Doppler principles will be tested.

Clock Hours: 2.0
Prerequisite: DPHY 100

DMS 223 - Introduction to Vascular
DMSL 223 – Sonography Scanning Lab V

This eight-week course involves a specialized study of the anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, pharmacology, clinical signs and symptoms, and pathologies of the cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial, and deep venous systems. Correlation with other modalities, medical and surgical procedures, scanning techniques, direct/indirect testing methods, gold-standards regarding testing and statistics will also be included.

*There is a corresponding sonography scanning lab with this course.
Clock Hours/Lecture: 2.0
Clock Hours/Scanning Lab: 3.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Term 3

DCL 201 - Clinical Experience III

Indirect, supervised clinical time that continues to emphasize the development of critical thinking skills and exam knowledge on a more independent level. Development of imaging skills in obstetrics and gynecology, male reproductive system, and continued proficiency in sonographic scanning techniques of the aorta, inferior vena cava, pleural space, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, and the organs of the abdomen to include the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and the urinary system as taught in the scanning lab. Students need to complete all the assigned clinical competency examinations while supervised by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Clinicals: 16 weeks, 4 days/week (8 hours daily)
Clock Hours: 512.0
Prerequisite: DCL 102

DMS 226 - Registry Review-Abdomen

This eight-week course will prepare the students for their final clinical rotation and the abdominal registry examination. The course material will follow the current ARDMS Exam Content Outline. The review will include the abdomen with emphasis on sonographic abnormalities of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, spleen, and aorta. The course will also review sonographic abnormalities of the abdominal wall, breast, pleural space, structures of the neck, peritoneum, retroperitoneum, prostate, scrotum, and superficial structures. Image identification, mock exams, and procedural scenarios will be covered to evaluate knowledge from previous courses.

Clock Hours: 2.0
Prerequisite: DMS 111/DMSL 111

DCL 202 - Clinical Experience IV

Indirect, supervised clinical time that continues to emphasize the development of critical thinking skills and exam knowledge on a more independent level. Continued proficiency in sonographic scanning techniques of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, urinary tract, aorta, inferior vena cava, non-cardiac chest, gastrointestinal tract, male reproductive, thyroid, gynecology, and obstetrics will be evaluated and tested. Students need to complete all the assigned clinical competency examinations while supervised by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Clinicals: 16 weeks, 4 days/week (8 hours daily)
Clock Hours: 512.0
Prerequisite: DCL 201

DMS 230 – Capstone

This eight-week course will be utilized for the student to demonstrate the skills and knowledge mastered during the diagnostic medical sonography program both in lecture and at clinicals. Preparation for the employment interview process and presentation of qualifications through a resume and cover letter will be included. Importance of credentialing, professional involvement, career advancement, and continuing education will be stressed. Students will present one interesting case that they performed in the clinical setting to a community of their peers in a formal presentation.

Clock Hours: 2.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Term 4

DMS 227 - Registry Review – Obstetrics & Gynecology

This eight-week course will help challenge the students for their final clinical rotation and prepare them for the obstetrics/gynecology specialty registry examination. The course material will follow the current ARDMS Exam Content Outline. The course will review the female reproductive system with emphasis on the sonographic appearance of normal and abnormal appearances of the uterus and ovaries and will include obstetrics with the emphasis on fetal biometric measurements and developmental abnormalities, genetic testing, and maternal abnormalities.

Clock Hours: 2.0
Prerequisite: DMS 102/DMSL 102

Textbook information

All diagnostic medical sonography students must purchase the required textbooks listed on the program textbook list, which is available by contacting the program manager, Angela Perry, at 216.769.2452.

Please note: Students must purchase the current edition of each textbook.

Grading scale

The following grading scale is used:

Academic grading policy

Students must maintain a 75% or better grade point average in each course of the program. Students not satisfying the minimal academic requirements will be counseled and may be subject to academic probation and/or dismissal from the program.

Attendance, semester breaks, personal time off and holidays

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. During clinical rotation, students are required to report on time for their assignment and complete their eight-hour clinical day. Students are allowed 21 hours of personal time off each semester. The program consists of five semesters, with a two-week break between each semester. Students have two additional break weeks each year, one in the spring semester and one in the fall semester. Students do not have class or clinicals on all Cleveland Clinic-recognized holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and the day after Thanksgiving), and Christmas Day.

Clinical obligation/experience

All clinical assignments and all academic courses and labs are held Monday through Friday, clinical hours are 8-4:30 and class hours are 8-3:30.

Students rotate to two Cleveland Clinic hospitals and at least one Cleveland Clinic family health center (FHC) throughout their clinical experience. All hospital assignments are chosen using a lottery system. 

The following is the list of hospitals at which a student may be assigned:

• Akron General.
• Cleveland Clinic main campus.
• Euclid Hospital.
• Fairview Hospital.
• Hillcrest Hospital.
• Lutheran Hospital.
• Medina Hospital.
• South Pointe Hospital.
• Marymount Hospital. 
• Union Hospital. 

The following is the list of outpatient centers at which a student may be assigned:

• Beachwood FHC.
• Brunswick FHC.
• Elyria FHC.
• Lakewood FHC.
• Lorain FHC.
• Solon FHC.
• Strongsville FHC.
• Twinsburg FHC.
• Willoughby Hills FHC.
• Akron Health & Wellness Center – Bath.
• Akron Health & Wellness Center – Stow.
• Akron Health & Wellness Center – Tallmadge.
• Akron Health & Wellness Center – Green.

FAQ

How long is the program? 

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is 21 months in length (five semesters).

When does the program begin?

The program begins in late August each year.

What are the program prerequisites?

The prerequisites are college credit: Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II (taken within the last 10 years), Math (program manager discretion), Physics (program manager discretion) and Communications.

How do you select the clinical sites a student will be attending?

Each student attends two hospital clinical sites, which are chosen by a lottery.  

Do students attend Family Health Centers for clinical rotations?

Students also rotate through Family Health Center outpatient imaging departments.

What is the deadline for application?

The program application, application fee and all college transcripts must be submitted by Feb. 1 of each year for the program beginning the following August.

What is the acceptance process?

Prospective students participate in a behavior-based interview used to assess communication and critical thinking skills. This interview is evaluated by a point system. Total points assigned to a student include points from the interview, high school and college GPA, and science and math courses taken with a grade of C or better. The students with the highest scores are accepted into the program.

Do I need a college degree to get accepted into the program?

No, you do not.

Do your classes transfer to other colleges for my degree?

No, they do not.

What is the time commitment for successful completion of the program?

Students should expect a full schedule, attending either class (8 a.m. -3:30 p.m.) or clinical experience (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday plus drive time.

Do you have a weekend or evening program?

No, we do not.

Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the following criteria for graduation. Students graduate from the School of Diagnostic Imaging with a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography after completing 5 semesters of education.

• Satisfactory completion of all program courses.
• All competencies must be completed as outlined in the Competency Examination Policy.
• All required JRC-DMS mandatory & elective competencies must be completed.
• All required JRC-DMS general patient care procedures must be completed.
• All regular and make-up hours must be completed.
• Tuition payment and fees must be paid in full.
• All reference books or other material must be returned, including any resources from the CC Library.
• ID badge must be returned. A fee will be charged for missing ID badge. All fees must be paid prior to graduation.
• Graduation survey must be completed.
• Employer release form must be signed.
• Satisfactorily complete capstone project.

Mission & Goals

Mission

To develop exceptional imaging professionals whose expertise will meet the needs of the community they serve, and whose academic education and clinical experience will provide a foundation for lifelong learning.

Program goal statement

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations.

Program goals & outcomes

Goal #1: The student/graduate will be clinically competent.

Outcomes:

• Student will provide appropriate patient care.
• Student will demonstrate clinical competency appropriate to their level of experience.
• Student will perform exams safely.
• Student will produce quality diagnostic images.

Goal #2: The student/graduate will demonstrate professionalism.

Outcomes:

• Student will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of professionalism.
• Student will demonstrate professional behavior.
• Student will demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality (HIPAA).

Goal #3: The student/graduate will demonstrate effective critical thinking.

Outcomes:

• Student will be able to modify routine procedures for non-routine patients.
• Student will effectively critique images to determine if corrective action is required.
• Student will acquire critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that enhance their clinical experience.

Goal #4: The student/graduate will demonstrate effective communication.

Outcomes:

• Student will demonstrate effective written communication.
• Student will develop professional verbal communication in the healthcare environment.

Diversity statement

The Center for Health Professions Education and Cleveland Clinic are committed to valuing all people throughout our organization, regardless of background or culture. A diverse and inclusive environment for students and staff and culturally appropriate care for our patients are essential to fulfilling our vision to be the best place for care anywhere and the best place to work in healthcare. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Program Effectiveness Data

The performance of the School of Diagnostic Imaging’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is reflected through program effectiveness data as defined by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS).

This data includes the program's completion rate, credentialing examination pass rate and job placement rate. The explanation of these measures and program data that corresponds with the annual report will be posted on the website after completion of the first cohort.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s annual report to the JRCDMS will reflect the following:

Program completion rate

This is an annual measurement of the number of students that began the program divided by the number of students that completed the program.

Credentialing examination first time pass rate

This is the number of students that pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medial Sonography (ARDMS) certification examination on the first attempt within six months of graduation from the program. The figure reflects an average over five years.

Job placement rate

This is the number of students who become employed in diagnostic medical sonography within 12 months of graduation versus the number that graduate and are actively seeking employment. The figure reflects an average over five years.

All of the above information and more can be found in our Program Policy & Procedure Manual, which is made available to all prospective and current students, and on the program website. This information is also available in hard copy upon request. To obtain a copy, please contact our financial aid office at 216.448.3110.

Program Health Requirements

The Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Imaging recognizes that personal health maintenance is important, and it is the responsibility of the individual students to follow the required process to ensure that they are medically cleared to participate in the clinical experience. The School of Diagnostic Imaging follows the CDC Guidelines for Adult Immunization. Students are responsible for submitting required paperwork to the program officials by the specified deadlines. They will not be permitted to attend clinical experience until the requirements are met. Students are further responsible for any cost incurred to become medically cleared for clinical experience.  

Listed below are the medical clearance requirements:

• Physical exam form signed by a physician (MD), certified nurse practitioner (CNP) or physician’s assistant (PA) performed within the last six months.
• Documented immunity status for the following childhood diseases:
  • Rubella.
  • Rubeola.
  • Varicella.
• Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
• Tuberculosis testing within three months of program start date, then annually thereafter.
• Annual influenza vaccine.
• A completed MRI screening form (this is done at the school).

Please note: Hepatitis B vaccine is not required, but highly suggested due to the possible exposure to blood and body fluids. Tetanus Diphtheria booster is recommended if it has been more than seven years since the student was vaccinated. For more information please see the Health Requirements Policy in the DMS Program Policy & Procedure Manual. 

Resources

Policy manuals

• 2024-2025 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Policy & Procedure Manual. 
• 2022-2024 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Policy & Procedure Manual.

Forms

• Program Application.
• Request for Official Transcript.
• Financial Aid Consumer Information Handbook.
• Student Request for a Letter of Recommendation or Verbal Reference.

Academic calendars

• 2024-2025

Library access

• How can students request library access?

Tuition & Financial Aid

There is a $300 non-refundable acceptance tuition deposit which is applicable toward first semester tuition. The tuition and fees are subject to change upon due notice to the student.

Please note: If you pay with a check your payment is presented electronically and the transaction will present as an ACH transaction – not a check.

*There is no charge for parking, liability/malpractice insurance, or background screening.

Refund policy

If the student is not accepted into the training program, all monies paid by the student shall be refunded. Refunds for books, supplies, and consumable fees shall be made in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code section 3332-1-10.1. Refunds for tuition and refundable fees shall be made in accordance with following provisions as established by Ohio Administrative Code section 3332-1-10: 

1.  A student who withdraws before the first class and after the 5-day cancellation period shall be obligated for the registration fee. 
2. A student who starts class and withdraws before the academic term is 15% completed will be obligated for 25% of the tuition and refundable fees plus the registration fee. 
3. A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 15% but before the academic term is 25% completed will be obligated for 50% of the tuition and refundable fees plus the registration fee. 
4. A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 25% complete but before the academic term is 40% completed will be obligated for 75% of the tuition and refundable fees plus the registration fee. 
5. A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 40% completed will not be entitled to a refund of the tuition and fees. 

The school shall make the appropriate refund within thirty days of the date the school is able to determine that a student has withdrawn or has been terminated from a program. Refunds shall be based upon the last date of the student's attendance or participation in an academic school activity. 

Financial assistance

The tuition and fee schedule is subject to change by the action of the Administration and Director of the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic.

Tuition assistance opportunities:

• Cleveland Foundation Scholarships.
• College Now Greater Cleveland.
• Navient Student Loan Service.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill^®.
• Robert Kruse Scholarship through Health Professions Education yearly in March.
• Sallie Mae.

Net price calculator

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Imaging has posted a net price calculator to provide estimated net price information to prospective students based on a student's individual circumstances. Click on the link below to access the net price calculator.

• Access the net price calculator.