Our curriculum includes classroom lecture, laboratory, and clinical experience in diagnostic medical sonography. The curriculum is based on the JRC-DMS standards and CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our general sonography program is outcome based and designed to help students achieve academic and clinical proficiency.
Classes are held Monday-Friday. Students spend the first several weeks in orientation before starting clinical rotations. Students spend 2 days a week in classroom activities and 3 days a week in the clinical setting.
Academic Calendar & Schedule
School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Quick Links
Academic Calendar- Diagnostic Medical Sonography General Concentration
August 2027 – April 2029
| # of hrs. | ||
| Semester I | August through December | (16 weeks) |
| 0 | Orientation | |
| 2 | Lab Simulation I | |
| 3 | Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care | |
| 2 | Abdomen Sonography I | |
| 2 | OB/Gyn Sonography I | |
| 3 | Clinical Education I | |
| 12 | Holidays: September 6 (Labor Day) November 25 & 26 (Thanksgiving) | |
| Semester II | January through April | (16 weeks) |
| 2 | Lab Simulation II | |
| 3 | Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation I | |
| 2 | Abdomen Sonography II | |
| 2 | OB/Gyn Sonography II | |
| 3 | Clinical Education II | |
| 12 | Holidays: January 19, 2028 (MLK Day) | |
| Semester III | May through July | (11 weeks) |
| 2 | Lab Simulation III | |
| 3 | Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation II | |
| 2 | Abdomen Sonography III | |
| 2 | OB/Gyn Sonography III | |
| 3 | Clinical Education III | |
| 12 | Holidays: May 29, 2028 (Memorial Day), June 19, 2028 (Juneteenth), and July 4, 2028 (Independence Day) | |
| Semester IV | August through December | (16 weeks) |
| 2 | Lab Simulation IV | |
| 4 | Sonographic Physics & Instrumentation Registry Review | |
| 2 | Abdomen Sonography IV | |
| 2 | OB/Gyn Sonography IV | |
| 3 | Clinical Education IV | |
| 13 | Holidays: September 4, 2028 (Labor Day) and November 23-24 (Thanksgiving) | |
| Semester V | January through April | (8 weeks) |
| 4 | Abdomen Registry Review | |
| 4 | OB/Gyn Registry Review | |
| 3 | Clinical Education V | |
| 1 | Lab Simulation V | |
| 11 | Holidays: January 15, 2029 (MLK Day) | Total credit hours – 61 |
Grading System
The following system of grading is used:
A – Excellent = 90 – 100%
B – Good = 80 – 89%
C – Marginal = 75 – 79%
D – Poor = 70 – 74%
F – Failure = Below 70%
P-Pass
I-Incomplete
W-Withdrawal
Students receive an academic and clinical grade report at the end of each semester. Academic and Clinical grades are listed separately, they are weighted by credit hours, and are averaged as a part of the overall GPA. The school maintains official transcripts indefinitely. Records of grades are maintained at least eight years.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate from the School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography- General Concentration, a student must have successfully completed both the academic and clinical portions of the course of study. Successful completion of the academic and clinical portions requires achieving the following criteria:
- A final cumulative average of 75% for all courses studied.
- A score of 75% or better in a comprehensive final examination in each of the registry review courses: SPI, Abdomen Extended, and OB/GYN
- Successful completion of all required clinical hours within the program.
- Successful completion of all clinical competencies.
- Meet all attendance requirements for the program.
Upon completion of all prescribed courses with satisfactory scholastic standing, each graduate will be awarded a certificate from Grady Health System.