Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Ultrasound), BS

Prerequisites 

The prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (general/vascular and cardiac tracks) include completing JRCDMS prerequisites and fulfilling the GE domain requirements for a bachelor’s degree at LLU:

JRCDMS Course Prerequisites
All candidates must complete the following required JRCDMS course prerequisites within the last 5 years:
•Complete Anatomy and Physiology Sequence with Labs, two courses (each course with their own lab)
•Medical Terminology
• Intro or General Physics, no lab required
•College Algebra or Higher, statistics accepted

Observations for ultrasound program applicants are not required at this time; however, they are highly encouraged. We recommend reaching out to local ultrasound facilities to inquire about opportunities to observe. If you are unable to complete observation hours, please be sure to thoroughly research the profession and familiarize yourself with the daily responsibilities and work environment of a sonographer.

Domain Requirements
Applicants must complete the following subjects/courses at an accredited college or university prior to entering the program:

ARTS AND HUMANITIES (minimum 16 quarter/11 semester units)
Units must be selected from at least three of the following content areas: civilization/history, art/music, literature, language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities electives. A minimum of 3 quarter units in an area is required to meet a "content area."

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING (minimum 12 quarter/8 semester units)
Domain met with the JRCDMS course prerequisites listed above.

SOCIAL SCIENCES (minimum 12 quarter/8 semester units)
Select from two of the following content areas: psychology/lifespan development, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, and geography. Within the program, students will take RTCH 491 Portfolio I and RTCH 492 Portfolio II to fulfill the human diversity requirement (approved by the University GE Committee).

COMMUNICATION (minimum 9 quarter/6 semester units)
Coursework in communication must include a complete sequence in English composition or that which meets the baccalaureate degree requirements of a four-year college or university. Additional courses, if needed, may include computer information systems, critical thinking, and public speaking/communication.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS (minimum 3 quarter/2 semester units)
The applicant must have completed at least two separate physical activity (PE) courses totaling a minimum of one quarter unit or have military discharge papers (DD214) or a Joint Service Transcript to waive the PE requirement. A didactic course in health or nutrition (e.g., personal health, personal nutrition, population health, global health, community nutrition, etc.) is also required.

ELECTIVES
Complete electives to meet a minimum of 128 semester/192 quarter units for graduation, including the professional curriculum.
Please Note: C- grades or below are not transferable for credit. If you repeat a class, the latest grade is recognized. Courses for transfer credit must be completed at an accredited college or university that has been accredited by one of the following organizations:
• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Essential Job Functions 
The essential job functions of a sonographer require certain physical, mental, & emotional attributes.  Physical demands include lifting; carrying; bending; manipulation of equipment; patient assistance; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read; and the ability to communicate effectively.  Mental, emotional and affective demands include:

• Critical decision making
• Interaction with patients of different ages and health conditions
• Maintaining patient confidentiality
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to repeat previously learned information
• Interacting appropriately

Students must maintain essential job functions throughout the program.  A complete list of essential job functions will be made available during the interview process.

Eligibility for ARDMS Credential 
Eligibility for the ARDMS credentialing exam may be affected if the applicant has a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction. Prior to applying to this program the applicant should contact the ARDMS at 800-862-7367 to determine if eligibility will be granted.

Other Requirements 

• The program’s admission threshold is a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Competitive applicants typically present a GPA of at least 3.5.
• Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA to enter the program; however, a 3.0 GPA and above is preferred. Applicants are required to complete a background check and possess a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association. To remain in the program students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, pass a mock board exam, and adhere to the Program’s professional code of conduct. Students at some clinical sites may need a drug test.
• CPR - Students are required to have a current Health Care Provider CPR Card offered by the American Heart Association upon admission into the program. Students must maintain certification for the entire length of the program. CPR is offered through the Life Support Education Department. There is no need to take CPR until notification of acceptance.

Deadlines
All prerequisites and GE domain requirements must be completed by the end of May of the same year that you plan to start the program. Grades for prerequisite courses must be posted on transcripts prior to beginning the first class..

Important Dates

• Application Window: September 1 to January 10
• Priority Deadline: November 10
• Final Deadline: January 10

Attending the LLU Open House gives you eligibility to receive the $60 application fee waiver.

Program Resources

______ Read all the information on the LLU Sonography WEB page (llu.edu/sonography).  Should you have any questions after reviewing the information on the WEB page, please email the program director, Marissa Brooks ([email protected]).

______ Have your transcripts reviewed and an academic plan established with an academic counselor or advisor from the regionally accredited institution you are attending or plan to attend to complete the program prerequisites and requirements.

______ Plan to complete all prerequisite courses by the end of May of the year you would like to begin the program and have your course plan verified by LLU personnel.

______ Submit an application to the Sonography program online (llu.edu/apply) during the application window. There is an application fee. 

______ Order all OFFICIAL transcripts to be sent directly from all institutions to Admissions Processing as soon as the application has been submitted, even if you have courses in progress.  

______ Register for and attend the required Ultrasound Information Session.  After you have submitted an application, you will be sent a link for the mandatory Ultrasound Information Session, once the dates have been determined. Please note, the session is by invite only. However, it is mandatory to complete to be eligible for an interview. 

______ Schedule and attend an observation if you are able to find a clinic to allow you to observe. If unable to complete an observation, we ask that you complete extensive research into the profession. 

______ Schedule and attend an interview if invited.  In order to be eligible for the interview, you must have completed all the aforementioned steps—submitted an application, attended the required Ultrasound Information Session, submitted your OFFICIAL transcripts for review by LLU personnel, AND then completed the observation or research. 

Note:  If you live out of state or have extenuating circumstances, please contact the program director, Marissa Brooks ([email protected]), and we will try to make other arrangements.

Goal Statement

The goal of the sonography program is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration it offers:

• Adult Echocardiography 

Goals of the Program

• Prepare students for entry level practice in abdominal, OB/GYN, adult cardiac, and vascular sonography through comprehensive academic and clinical training.

• Develop strong clinical and technical skills through consistent production of high quality diagnostic ultrasound exams and hands on patient care experience.

• Emphasize patient centered care, professional communication, teamwork, and compassionate interaction with diverse patient populations and healthcare teams.

• Foster critical thinking, ethical practice, adaptability, and professional growth to prepare graduates for success across a variety of healthcare settings.

Our Mission

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Loma Linda University, School of Allied Health Professions, provides a quality educational experience focused on the whole person. The program prepares students to take the national board exam, become entry-level sonographers, and be equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors appropriate for providing excellent patient care and working on a health care team.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be known by our students, alumni, clinical instructors, faculty, professional community, and staff as the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of choice. Additionally, we want the program experience to be known as "a close family" that is exciting, challenging, and transforming.

Our Values

We will accomplish our mission and vision by setting and achieving high standards of excellence in professional behavior, academic and clinical education, customer service, and collaborative success, while living by the Loma Linda University values of excellence, integrity, compassion, self-control, humility, freedom, and justice

The Loma Linda University Sonography programs have been fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) in general sonography and vascular and echocardiography since October 7,1985. Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775

Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354

Program Outcomes

• Cardiac Program Accreditation Info