Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMST-AAS)

AREA OF CONCENTRATION: The program is designed to prepare the student for employment as an entry‐level Sonographer. The Sonographer is skilled by academic and clinical training to perform ultrasound examinations under the supervision of a qualified physician.

The program begins in the Spring semester each year. The duration of the program is 24 months for the Associate in Applied Science Degree (72 credit hours).

The program curriculum includes all courses required for an Associate in Applied Science Degree. A minimum grade of "C" must be achieved in all courses identified in the program curriculum, including courses required for admission.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a limited access program. A selective admissions policy with specific selection criteria is utilized in order to select the most qualified applicants. The strength of the applicant pool varies year-to-year, with the best qualified applicants receiving first consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inquire about these specific admission and selection criteria and to ensure that all required documents are received on campus prior to the deadline of September 15th.

Students with an Associates Degree in any allied health care field are given advanced placement in the program. All other students may enter by completing the Prerequisite courses. Students are encouraged to complete as many of the General Education courses as possible prior to entering the Sonography program.

After being accepted in the Sonography Program, the courses in the curriculum are progressive in nature, with one course building on the preceding course. Because of this progressive relationship, all courses in a term must be completed with a grade of "C" or better in order to continue to the next term.

If a student achieves less than a "C" or withdraws from any course that is required for the Associate in Applied Science Degree, the student will not be allowed to continue in the program. The student may re-apply to the program.

To apply for this program, students should obtain a program application packet from the Health Sciences Division which contains a current list of admission and course requirements.

The application deadline is September 15th each year.

PRIMARY ADVISERS:  Program Coordinator, DeeAnn VanDerSchaaf (850) 913-3318
                                    or Asst. Coordinator, Vicki Bynum (850) 873-3591

Application process:

1. New students should apply for General Admission to Gulf Coast State College <click here>
2. New students must pay $20 college application fee online, at the Bookstore, or at the Business Office
3. Submit official high school transcripts or GED with scores to the Admissions Office
4. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended to the Admissions Office and have a transcript evaluation prior to the application deadline.
5. Submit a Sonography application including the Technical Standards Form and Letter of Intent. 
6. Submit 3 Recommendation Forms found in the packet.
7. Schedule an advising session with the Sonography Asst. Coordinator, if needed.

Requirements after conditional acceptance:

1. Satisfactory criminal background check - must be done through GCSC at the student's expense
2. Submit copy of current valid CPR card and maintain certification throughout the program.  Acceptable cards are the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider, American Red Cross Professional Rescuer, or American Safety and Health Institute CPR-Pro.
3. Submit original, completed physical examination, with satisfactory results, signed by a physician
4. Submit original, completed Immunization records including Hepatitis-B series or signed Declination waiver, signed by a physician
5. Submit proof of current TB skin test or TB blood test with satisfactory results, or Declination with chest x-ray report