Echocardiography AAS Degree

This program is full time, starts in the Fall, and is a total of 21months/5 semesters. The first 2 semesters; courses are held at the Arvada Campus. Full time clinical internship is off campus and begins in the 3rd summer semester and continues full time into the Fall and Spring semesters.
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to take national certification examinations from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), in the following areas:

  • Ultrasound Physics (SPI)
  • Adult Echo Echocardiography (RDCS)

A qualifying degree is required for entry into the program; A two-year allied health degree that is patient care related or a four-year bachelor’s degree in any major. A 2yr allied health degree is defined as 60 full semester credits or 84 quarterly credits with an externship/internship that translates as a credit hr on your transcripts. In addition to a qualifying degree, there are required general education courses and pre-requisites. The required general education and prerequisite courses must be complete or in-session when the student applies to the program.
Admission to the sonography program is through a competitive selection process. Applications are accepted once a year from January to the end of February for the fall semester start of the same year. Information sessions are held regularly throughout the year. Please contact an advisor or visit the website for details and the most up to date information: www.rrcc.edu/sonography.

Upon acceptance into the program, students can expect to spend 36-40 hours per week in the classroom or at clinical internship. Internships take place in healthcare facilities. Students can expect to rotate through a variety of clinical shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and overnights. Additional fees apply for some DMS courses.

 

Degree Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

DMS 1001Introduction to Sonography

2

HPR 1040Comprehensive Medical Terminology

3

or equivalent 1+ credit

RTE 2055Multiplanar Sectional Imaging

2

Total Credit Hours:7

Prerequisite General Education Courses

ENG 1021English Composition I: CO1

3

or

COM (1000 or higher)

MAT 1340College Algebra: GT-MA1

4

(or higher MAT course 3-4 credits)

BIO 2101Human Anatomy & Phys I w/Lab: SC1

4

BIO 2102Human Anatomy & Phys II w/Lab: SC1

4

PSY/SOC1000 or higher

3

Total Credit Hours:18

Required Courses

DMS 2501Normal AdultEcho

3

DMS 2502Adult Echo Pathology

3

DMS 2503Adult Echo Pathology II

2

DMS 2510Adult Echo Scan Lab

4

DMS 2512Adult Echocardiography Scan Lab II

6

DMS 2080Internship

2

DMS 2001Ultrasound Physics I

2

DMS 2002Ultrasound Physics II

2

DMS 2081Clinical Internship I

6

DMS 2082Ultrasound Internship II

12

DMS 2083Ultrasound Internship III

6

DMS 2085Independent Study

Variable credit 1-12

Total Credit Hours:54

Total Credit Hours: 79