Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Information

Location of Program:

Forrest County Campus

Program Start:

Fall Semester

Program Instructor Contact Information:

Micki Jo Robertson
BS,RT(R), RDMS (AB, BR, OB/GYN) Program Director
601.403.1831
mjrobertson@prcc.edu

Kendall Conerly, BS, RDMS (AB), RVT
DMS Clinical Coordinator
601.403.1834
kconerly@prcc.edu

Brief Description of Program:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a medical imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images for diagnosis. The PRCC DMS program trains students to operate imaging equipment, produce diagnostic quality images, and analyze the results in order to provide a supervising physician with the appropriate information needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact, providing attention to a variety of patients from healthy to critically ill. It is imperative that sonographers have knowledge of normal structure, function, and appearance of the human body as they must use independent judgement when recognizing and conveying abnormal findings. The PRCC DMS program aims to prepare students for employment opportunities as competent sonographers, as well as the qualification to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (a national certifying board examination.) The Pearl River Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is a 12 month, full-time, health science program that offers an Associate Degree of Applied Science upon completion. This program combines in-person didactic courses and scan lab sessions in the classroom with clinical site rotations over the course of fall, spring, and summer semesters. Each clinical site serves as a clinical practice center where students are provided the opportunity to gain a unique experience and develop skills necessary to qualify for the ARDMS exam and future employment.

The DMS program is clinically affiliated with the following facilities:

  • Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS
  • Highland Community Hospital, Picayune, MS
  • Marion General Hospital, Columbia, MS
  • Merit Health Wesley, Hattiesburg, MS
  • Ochsner – Hancock, Bay St. Louis, MS
  • Singing River Hospital, Gulfport, MS
  • The Women’s Pavilion of South MS, Hattiesburg, MS

Possible careers in this program:

• Sonographer
• Staff Sonographer
• Research Sonographer
• Advanced Practice Sonographer
• Sonography Manager
• Sonography Educator
• Travel Sonographer
• Consultant/Technical Advisor
• Sales/Application Specialist
• Sonography Entrepreneur

Certifications and degrees:

Students enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology program will have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree (60 hours).

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What a student can expect from a career in this field:

A diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as a sonographer, uses imaging equipment and soundwaves to form images of many parts of the body, known as ultrasounds. Sonographers are trained to acquire and analyze these sonographic images. These images are used to help doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions.

Since ultrasound is a non-invasive way to visualize internal organs, it is often the first imaging test performed when disease is detected. Diagnostic medical sonographers, therefore, have an important role in conducting and interpreting initial imaging tests that may help narrow down a patient’s diagnosis and quickly get them the care they need.

Mission of Program:

The mission of our program is to prepare students to be successful Diagnostic Medical Sonography professionals within our community.

Goals of Program:

The goal of the Medical Diagnostic Sonography program is to train students to be skilled sonographers and to employ graduates in a degree-related field.

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