Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Topics:
• General Questions
• Application & Admissions Questions
• Observation
• Career and Job Outlook
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For a faster response including general and admission questions or to speak with
our program advisor, please email us first before attempting to call our department.
Email us at: studyradsci@llu.edu.
What is the difference between the Bachelor's DMS program at the cardiac certificate program?
The Bachelor’s degree is a 27-months program focuses on small organs and the vascular system. The Bachelor's degree has general education and JRCDMS prerequisites. The cardiac sonography emphasis is a certificate and is a 12-month program only focused on sonography for the heart (also known as echocardiography).
How long are the programs?
• Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography - 27 months
• Certificate in Cardiac Sonography - 12 months
Will I be prepared to take the national board exams for Sonography when I
complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the LLU sonography programs, our graduates are
able to sit for the national board exams. Passing the ARDMS national board examinations
will result in the receipt of one or more specialty credentials: Registered
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac
Sonographer (RDCS), or Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVT) depending on
the track.
Is your Diagnostic Medical Sonography program accredited?
Refer to Program Accreditation
Can applicants apply to both the BS in DMS and Cardiac Certificate?
No. Applicants can only apply to one at a time either the BS in DMS or Certificate in Cardiac Sonography program during the same application year.
Is there a dress code in the program or at the university?
Yes, there is a dress code in the program, and professional attire is expected as a
student at Loma Linda University. All tattoos must be covered during clinical or
didactic hours, and body piercings are limited to one in each ear. Students accepted
into the program will be given more information about professional attire during
the programs orientation.
Do you offer weekend or night classes for Sonography?
No. This program is a full-time day-time program, Monday to Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with 30-60 minute lunch. You will also be assigned homework to
complete. Classroom sessions cover general and cardiac content during the week
for 4 to 5 hours. Clinical training is 32-35 hours per week, Monday through
Friday. The general program includes rotations to 19 different hospitals for
additional clinical training. Three affiliates are available for the cardiac track.
Do you offer online courses for Sonography?
No. Our courses are offered with hands-on learning within the classroom and
clinical settings not easily replicated through online learning.
Am I required to provide my own transportation to school and to clinical
sites?
Yes. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from
school and clinical sites. Some clinical sites may be located as much as an hour
away from the Loma Linda campus.
Can I work full-time or part-time while taking this program?
The sonography tracks are very comprehensive and intense professional programs.
We do not recommend that you attempt to work full-time during this program to
assure your optimal success. You cannot work full-time during this program and
achieve success.
Can I apply to the Cardiac Sonography emphasis after I complete the
Bachelor’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, general/vascular
emphasis?
Yes, however, most medical facilities only hire into one specialty. It is the small
hospital in a rural area that would more likely need a diagnostic sonographer or an
echocardiographer.
If I have a math/accounting degree and have had a first career in accounting,
do I have to take college algebra within five years of entering the program?
Contact the diagnostic medical sonography program director for more clarification.
Do I have to take all of the prerequisites to enter Track I or Track II if I am
already an RDMS and currently working in the sonography field?
No, if you are currently employed as a diagnostic medical sonographer and you are
planning to enter Track II, you do not have to retake the prerequisites. Final
approval of this waiver must be made by the director of admissions and the
diagnostic medical sonography program director.
Where is Loma Linda University?
Loma Linda University is located in Southern California within the Inland Empire
near San Bernardino California, in the city of Loma Linda. Loma Linda is about
an hour east of Los Angeles and about an hour west of Palm Springs off Interstate 10.
Do I have to be a Seventh-day Adventist to attend Loma Linda University?
No, Loma Linda University accepts students from all faiths.
Are religion classes required at Loma Linda University?
Yes. Four religion classes are required during the 27-month Bachelor of Science
in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
What is the process for applying to the program?
• Refer to the Applicant Checklist that is linked from the program website.
How do I apply for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?
You may apply online. There is a $60.00 online application fee upon submission. This fee can be waived if you attend a free online information session.
What is LLU looking for in a prospective student who applies to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?
• An individual knowledgeable about sonography, either from reading or observing, who knows why she/he wants to enter the profession.
• An enthusiastic, motivated individual who desires to maintain high standards for didactic and clinical performance.
• Strong references from the applicant's prior work supervisors, instructors, or health care professionals knowledgeable about the applicant.
• A person whose transcripts reflect academic excellence in science classes as well as related courses.
• A person who is motivated to take initiative, be a leader, and maintain high standards.
What physical and mental abilities must I possess to be accepted in the program?
Entrance and completion of this program signifies that the candidate is prepared to practice in the sonography profession. The candidate must be prepared to work in
the standing position, do frequent walking, lift and transfer patients, communicate effectively, perform with both hands, and discriminate in color, depth, and
temperature.
What academic standards do you require to enter and stay in the program?
Students must have a minimum of 2.5 average GPA in science prerequisites and a 2.5 overall GPA in prerequisites. A GPA of 3.0 is preferred, and will be given
preference during the acceptance process. Students must maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA to remain in the program.
Is there a waiting list to get into your Sonography program?
We do not have a waiting list for our sonography programs; however, the program is competitive. We usually receive 35-45 applicants for general/vascular, and 12-
14 applicants for Cardiac. We accept 12-14 applicants for general/vascular and 6 cardiac applicants into our programs each year. We recommend that you do submit your application early during the open enrollment period.
How many applicants do you accept each year?
• 14 applicants per year – general/vascular Bachelor’s degree
• 6 applicants per year - cardiac certificate
What is the deadline for applications?
The application window for the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs is June 1 to December 15, for the 2018 school year. It is
recommended you apply early on in the enrollment process! The application window for the certificate in cardiac sonography is October 1 to February 1 for the 2018 school year.
When does the program start?
The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program begins in June, which is the Summer Quarter of each year.
Do I need to apply to Loma Linda University, as well as to the Sonography
program?
You need only to apply with one application.
What must I do if I have studied outside of the United States?
Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluation center from the list below. Email our Admissions office if you have any questions regarding foreign transcripts. Please note: there are additional University requirements and fees for international students. Please contact our student services for more information. All international transcripts must be evaluated from one of the foreign evaluation services that LLU accepts.
There are only four that are accepted.
1. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc Website : http://www.ece.org
2. American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Website: http://www.aacrao.org
3. World Education Services, Website : https://www.wes.org
4. American Education Research Corporation, Website: http://www.aerc-eval.com
OBSERVATION
Can I observe both sonography and cardiac before making a decision to apply?
No. Observation can only be scheduled for applicants applying in the specialty they choose (bachelor's or cardiac certificate).
How many hours of observation are required?
Eight hours are required. It is preferred that some observation is done at LLUMC, if distance allows.
Who do I contact to set up my career observation at Loma Linda University Medical Center?
Email the program director for further information.
Where do I get the sonography observation form?
From the program webpage.
If I live out of the area, can I do my career observation time at another facility?
Yes, but it is highly recommended you do some of your observation at LLUMC to
experience what the program has to offer and to meet our sonography professionals
and faculty.
What do I wear to career observation appointments?
Refer to the Sonography Observation Process document.
CAREER & JOB OUTLOOK
What is the salary range for Sonographers?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn an average of $64,440 or $30.95 an hour
and is dependent on geographic area, experience and specialty. Those with more
on the job experience and higher job positions can earn up to $88,490 yearly.
Refer to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics for more information.
What is the job outlook for Sonographers?
The medical professions in general are experiencing challenges due to changes in
health care. Our students have a very high success rate in obtaining positions
before or soon after graduation.
Contact us
Department of Radiation Technology
Nichol Hall, A829
studyradsci@llu.edu