Help physicians in identifying a diagnosis as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
What is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves, beyond the human hearing capability, to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no radiation and has a wide variety of uses in medicine. The purpose of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to prepare qualified individuals who, by virtue of training in both theory and practice, are proficient in the areas of abdominal and obstetric/gynecological sonography.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
ECTC has numerous partnerships with 4-year universities. If you are interested in
a transfer pathway in this field, check out our partnering university pathways. Find more information on transferring from ECTC.
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, ECTC has you covered. ECTC will help you reach your goals at a price that won't break the bank.
Where do I start?
Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program is selective. To be considered, applicants must:
- Apply to ECTC
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended (outside KCTCS)
- Complete all prerequisite/general education courses with a grade of “C” or higher by the first fall bi-term before spring admission
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite coursework
- Take the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) Exam
- Complete 4 hours of observation in a general sonography lab (email Program Coordinator for the required form)
- Attend a preadmission conference
- Apply for program admission
Preference is given to:
- Applicants licensed or registered in an allied health profession
- Veterans or active-duty military personnel
Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher before applying.
- MAT 150 College Algebra (or higher-level quantitative reasoning course)
- ENG 101 Writing I
- BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 135 accepted, but BIO 137/139 preferred)
- PHY 152 Introductory Physics II (PHY 151 or PHY 171 also accepted)
- AHS 120 Medical Terminology (AHS 115 also accepted)
- NAA 100 Nursing Assistant Skills I (or HST 101 Health Care Basic Skills, or be a graduate of an allied health program)
- One Heritage/Humanities course
- One Social/Behavioral Science course
See the Diagnostic Medical Sonography – AAS plan above for full degree requirements after admission.
When more qualified applicants apply than seats available, candidates are ranked by points (maximum 38).
USA Exam Score
Max: 10 points
- >45 = 10 points
- >40 = 9 points
- >35 = 8 points
- >30 = 7 points
- >25 = 6 points
- >20 = 5 points
- >15 = 4 points
- >10 = 3 points
- >5 = 2 points
GPA in Prerequisite Courses
Max: 8 points
- 3.75–4.00 = 8
- 3.50–3.74 = 7
- 3.25–3.49 = 6
- 3.00–3.24 = 5
- 2.75–2.99 = 4
- 2.50–2.74 = 3
Key Science Courses
Max: 15 points
For Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Physics, each A = 5 points and each B = 3 points.
Allied Health Background
Max: 5 points
- Completion of a 2-year accredited Allied Health Program (AAS) with current licensure = 5 points
Tie-Breaker
If two applicants have the same points, GPA will be recalculated to determine ranking.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at ECTC requires the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) Exam through Pegasus Lectures as part of the admission process.
The USA Exam assesses intrinsic skills essential for success in sonography, including coordination, persistence, problem-solving, spatial ability, judgment, graph interpretation, visualization, and logical reasoning. Please note that study tools or practice exams are not available.
Visit Pegasus Lectures for additional information and system requirements.
The exam is administered by Pegasus Lectures in two ways:
- Remote proctoring (online): $65 plus a $20 proctoring fee
- ECTC Assessment Center: $65 (no additional fee)
To register:
- Go to Pegasus Lectures Products & Seminars.
- Select the USA Exam and complete your purchase.
- If you plan to take the exam at the ECTC Assessment Center, select NO in the proctor dropdown.
- You will receive a receipt by email. Bring this receipt to the Assessment Center on your test day.
Note: Be sure to use your college email address when registering and list Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in the comment section.
Attending a Preadmission Conference is mandatory for admission into the program. Pre-registration for conferences is not necessary. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Preadmission Conferences for January 2026 admission are virtual. Click the date below to join the Microsoft Teams meeting.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Additional Information
Diagnostic Medical Sonography involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of Diagnostic Medical Sonography technical functions.
Therefore, all applicants should possess all of the following Technical Standards:
- Sufficient visual acuity for the observation necessary for patient assessment and care.
- Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, biomedical equipment, fire alarms, etc.).
- Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- Sufficient verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing), such as are needed in classroom and clinical settings to interact with patients and professional personnel.
Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
Erin Burns
Program Coordinator
(270) 706-8885
eburns0035@kctcs.edu
Anne Goodman
Adjunct Clinical Coordinator
(270) 706-8514
agoodman0064@kctcs.edu
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is 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 (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th Street N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Field Licensure Requirements
Upon completion of the program, students must pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers exam to become certified.
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in collaboration with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
