EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Academic Schedule, Grading, and Graduation Requirements
Our curriculum includes classroom lectures, laboratory work, and clinical experience in vascular diagnostic medical sonography. It is based on the JRC-DMS standards and CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our vascular 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 – Diagnostic Medical Sonography Vascular Concentration
School of Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography Quick Links
August – August
| # of hrs. | ||
| Semester I | August – December | (17 weeks) |
| 0 | Orientation | |
| 2 | Lab Simulation I | |
| 2 | Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care | |
| 3 | Vascular Sonography I | |
| 3 | Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation I | |
| 3 | Clinical Education I | |
| 13 | Holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving | |
| Semester II | January – April | (16 weeks) |
| 2 | Lab Simulation II | |
| 3 | Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation II | |
| 3 | Vascular Sonography II | |
| 3 | Clinical Education II | |
| 11 | Holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK Day | |
| Semester III | May – August | (15 weeks) |
| 2 | Lab Simulation III | |
| 3 | Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation Registry Review | |
| 3 | Vascular Sonography Registry Review | |
| 3 | Clinical Education III | |
| 11 | Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day |
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 for at least eight years.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography- Vascular 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 & Vascular.
- Successful completion of all required clinical hours within the program.
- Successful completion of all clinical competencies.
- Meet all attendance requirements for the program.
Each graduate will be awarded a certificate from Grady Health System upon completion of all prescribed courses with satisfactory scholastic standing.