Sonography Program Guide

This document will help guide you through the prerequisites and application process for the Lake Michigan College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. But if you still need help...

Contact Health Sciences

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to set an appointment with an academic advisor before starting any prerequisite testing and coursework. Contact the OneStop to make an appointment with an academic advisor by calling Student Services at (269) 927-8128.

Contact the Health Sciences Office for more information about the Sonography Program using the button above or find them at:

Health Sciences Office
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
(269) 927-8768

Why Study Sonography at LMC?

Sonography Career Opportunities

The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) is a medical imaging professional trained in Anatomy, Physiology, Patient care and safety and the physical principles of high-frequency soundwaves and their medical applications

The use of high-frequency soundwaves to locate and define organs within the body has been an increasingly important tool in the field of diagnostic imaging. Sonographers, also called ultrasound technologists, are highly-skilled professionals who operate sophisticated equipment to create diagnostic images of many areas of the body.

Ultrasound imaging enables recording and observing the dynamic nature of blood flow, heart motion and fetal activity. Diagnostic sonography exams are conducted without the use of ionizing radiation and often require little or no patient preparation or discomfort.

Qualified sonographers apply their education to provide medical imaging services at hospitals, physicians' offices, imaging centers and mobile sonographic imaging companies for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Sonographers can serve in other capacities such as:

• Departmental Managers
• Technical Advisors and Application Specialists
• Sales and Service for Manufacturers
• Educators

Employment Outlook

• Employment is expected to grow 14% through 2030, faster than average for all occupations.
• The median salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is $75,920.*
• As the population ages, more sophisticated medical care is needed to meet their needs.
• Hospitals will remain the principal employer. Employment in offices, outpatient imaging centers and mobile companies will rise. Replacements for retiring professionals will rise.

* SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics – bls.gov, accessed November 2021

Prerequisites

Entrance Requirements Checklist

*Science coursework MUST be completed within 10 years of application deadline.

**If MATH course is over 5 years old by application deadline, students must complete the APRO with a score of 75 or higher.

Course Sequence – Before Admission

Application

A student will receive an email acknowledgement upon receipt of their Sonography application. All prerequisites must be completed before an applicant can be considered for the Sonography program. All eligible applicants’ academic records are evaluated by using a numerical point system. Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive and based on total points. Students who are not accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will be required to submit another Sonography Application if they want to be reconsidered for the Sonography program for the next academic year.

Students should keep their contact information up to date in WaveLink, and should inform the Health Sciences Office of any changes. If the Health Science Office is unable to contact a student related to placement into the Sonography program, a student may have to forgo placement that year after reasonable attempts have been made to contact the student.

Selection for Admission into the Sonography Program

All eligible students will be ranked via a point system and selected based upon a competitive process ranking them according to their GPA in the prerequisite courses: MATH 122/123, BIOL 110, PHSC 101, ENGL 101, HEAL 103/READ 110 and PSYC 201. The students cumulative GPA will also be ranked using a point system. Should two individuals qualify for the same seat, the cumulative GPA will determine the ranking.

Admission process is nondiscriminatory in regards to age, color, height, weight, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, or gender identity or expression.

Course Sequence - Program

*The majority of clinical hours are during 1st shift, but some assignments may require some early evening or weekend shifts. The Sonography program schedule may not follow LMC’s Academic Calendar or holiday schedule.

Upon completion of the Sonography program, students will:

• Demonstrate an entry-level working knowledge in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
• Employ professional values, critical thinking and communication skills as responsible members of the healthcare community.
• The students will exhibit an understanding of professional values and the importance of life-long learning and professional development.
• Graduates will be employable and meet the needs of the healthcare community.

Cost Estimates

Tuition and Fees

See the LMC class schedule for current tuition rates. Total tuition and fees (Beginning Fall 2019) are as follows. Please note that the table below does NOT include prerequisite courses. These rates are subject to change without notice. Please always refer to the Lake Michigan College website Tuition and Fees page for current tuition costs per contact hour. Specific DMSO course fees are included in the costs below.

Drug Screen and Background Check

Approximately $101.

Health Insurance

All Diagnostic Medical Sonography students are required to have personal health insurance.

Sonography Books/Lab Packs

Approximately $800 first semester (most books purchased in the first semester are used throughout the program), less each following semester.

Uniforms

Approximately $300.

Navy blue scrubs are required to be worn at all times during clinical and lab. Must include LMC ID badge, white shoes and socks, and LMC patch on right left sleeve.

Additional Expenses

Please note that, except for tuition, the above costs are only those related to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. There are also books and supplies to purchase for general education courses. Students may have additional expenses, such as the cost to take the ARDMS exam. Travel costs are not included. Tuition, fees, and other expenses subject to change without notice.

Eligibility

Physical Exam & Immunization Requirements

If admitted to the program, all Sonography students are required to have a physical exam completed prior to beginning Sonography Program classes. Students must obtain approval and signature from a physician on a Lake Michigan College Health Certification form as part of this physical. It is not an annual physical exam, but rather a review and verification that students meet the programs technical standards, and are able to participate in the program safely.

As part of this physical exam, it is essential to provide proof of freedom from communicable diseases. Specific vaccinations must be completed or proof of antibody titer immunity provided for the following:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Varicella*
• Hepatitis B vaccination (Injection series)
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Proof of freedom from Tuberculosis (TB)**
• Flu vaccination**

*History of disease (chickenpox as a child) is NOT valid. Students must provide proof of vaccination, or titer test results showing immunity.
**Must be renewed annually

Criminal Background Requirements

All Sonography students are required to pass a criminal background check and a 10-panel urine drug screen for admission into the program. Students are responsible for paying the non-refundable cost of the background check and drug screen. If a positive drug test result is returned, students will be required to forfeit their seat in the Nursing program.

Any applicant that has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor must pre-apply to ARRT for determination of eligibility to sit for national certification examination. If you have questions about your situation, please contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 1255 Northland Dr., St. Paul, Minnesota, 55120-1155, phone 651-687-0048 or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 51 Monroe St, Plaza East One, Rockville, Maryland, 20850-2400, phone 301-738-8401.

Requirements for CPR Certification

CPR certification/recertification (BLS Provider through American Heart Association or CPR for Professional Rescuer through Red Cross) is required for all admitted Sonography students, and must be obtained BEFORE starting first semester Sonography program classes.  

It is strongly encouraged that students complete or renew their CPR certification in the spring months AFTER acceptance to the program to ensure that their certification does not expire while in the program. Lapse of certification will result in inability to attend clinical. Details on CPR certification will be detailed in students’ acceptance letters upon admission.

CPR classes may be taken at Lake Michigan College. Available class days and times are located on the website.