Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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Advising Tips

Associate Degree | 10-526-2

www.cvtc.edu | 1-800-547-2882

General Information

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for academic help! Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to the program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of class (or sooner) to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted. *Students in the final summer will not have enough credits to qualify for student loans and state grants. The federal PELL grant is prorated.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility Team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to the CVTC’s educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible.

Pre-Core Information

Students who have pre-core status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-core status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, academic preparedness requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. For more detailed information, visit the Pre-Core Health Advisement page.

Courses Available to Pre-Core Students

By completing these courses ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses and increase their success rate in the program. It is strongly recommended that pre-core students complete these courses while waiting to enroll in the core program. Students who complete these courses as pre-core students will NOT be able to finish the program early; program core courses must be taken sequentially.

The courses listed below are available to pre-core students:

834-110 Elementary Algebra w/ Applications*
836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry*
543-300 Nursing Assistant*
806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology (high school or college chemistry with a "C" or better or 836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry is a pre-requisite.)*
501-101 Medical Terminology (Grade of "B-" required)
804-113 College Technical Math 1A*
806-154 General Physics I (804-113 College Technical Math 1A is a pre-requisite)*
806-179 Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (806-177 General Anatomy & Physiology is a pre-requisite.)
809-196 Introduction to Sociology
801-136 English Composition 1
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication
809-198 Introduction to Psychology

*These courses are admission requirements.

All general education course requirements (800 numbered) require a "C" grade or higher. Core program courses and Medical Terminology require a "B-" grade or better.

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.

Program Information

Technology Requirements

Students must have regular access to a computer with an internet connection. Chrome Books are not recommended. Additionally, students will be required to have a web cam and headset with a microphone and speakers. Students may purchase a webcam and headset from anywhere they choose.

Having access to a laptop/computer with reliable Wi-Fi will be necessary. Please check your laptop/computer to make sure that it meets the minimum recommended specifications below:

Minimum required specifications for computer
Windows/PC	Mac
Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (preferred) Windows 8.1 (32 or 64-bit) RAM: 8GB Hard Drive: 256GB SSD Processor: 2.4+ GHz	Operating System: Mojave v10.14 or later (preferred) High Sierra v10.13 or later RAM: 8GB Hard Drive: 256GB SSD Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 GHz or faster

Second and Fourth Semester Students

Due to the rigor and time commitment of the program, it will be difficult to maintain employment in this program.

Orientation Canvas Course

New core program students will be added to an online orientation course through Canvas. This course is self-paced, and completion is required before Welcome Day. DMS students will be added to the course in early June. It’s important to check your CVTC email for the invitation.

Healthcare Prep Seminar

Students will be participating in a two-day-in-person event the week before the fall semester begins. DMS students will attend Welcome Day followed by program time. During program time students will meet their instructors and many senior students. During this time various policies and resources will be discussed, and students will have a chance to ask questions they may have after completing the orientation course in Canvas. Students will be assigned a mentor for the duration of the semester and even get to start scanning.

CPR

Obtain and maintain current CPR certification through either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The certification required is BLS Provider or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Proof must be verified with a current CPR card or an electronic certificate. Class rosters and letters from instructors or employers are not acceptable. Students are responsible for submitting proof of current CPR certification to Clinician Nexus prior to starting the core program. Current CPR certification must be kept current throughout the program. CVTC offers CPR-BLS Provider courses; find more information at cvtc.edu/seminars.

It is recommended that students obtain their CPR certification during the healthcare prep seminar to assure it is valid throughout the course of the program. If CPR certification expires during the program, it must be renewed before expiration to continue in courses.

Criminal Background Check

Upon starting the core program, students will be provided directions on how to request a criminal background check from a third-party vendor. Please note that a fee will apply. Upon receipt of the criminal background check results, if a student has a criminal history, they will be advised of the possibility of being denied clinical placement. This denial could result in not being able to attend clinical(s) or graduate from the program. Additional background checks may be required during enrollment in the program based on clinical site requirements. Students will be notified by CVTC if they need a criminal background check renewal.

Clinical Compliance

To be compliant with CVTC's partnering clinical agencies and the agencies' regulating bodies, for example the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), students must be prepared to abide by vaccination mandates and health and safety guidelines as dictated by those bodies. Vaccination requirements and health documentation must be completed and on file in Clinician Nexus prior to entering the core courses of this program. CVTC will notify students at the appropriate time with a specified deadline. Students will receive an email invite from Clinician Nexus to create an account and upload their own clinical compliance documents. Students are responsible for maintaining their own records.

Relocation for Clinical Training

Relocation may be in any state within the Midwest region. CVTC tries to place students within a three-hour radius of Eau Claire, if possible, but proximity is not guaranteed. Past placements have been as far as six hours from Eau Claire.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Technical Standards

Technical Standards have been established to serve as a guidance tool for students entering into the profession of sonography. These standards present a realistic standard for students to function successfully in the program and, ultimately in the profession.

Objectives of the program may require the student to possess:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography program technical standards
Area	Functions (not inclusive) with or without reasonable accommodations
Physical Skills	Bend, stretch, twist, reach with your body above shoulders, below waist, and in front Transfer and position patients applying principles of safe body mechanics Provide direct patient Manipulate, assemble, and move equipment Document patient condition Maintain physical activity for several hours Have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders in order to maintain prolonged positions required for scanning Manual dexterity sufficient to enable fine finger and wrist angulations over an extended period of time Exceptional hand-eye coordination Distinguish subtle audible sounds Visual acuity (ability to see fine lines), color distinctions and gradual changes in blacks and grays Ability to conceptualize images in 2-D/3-D/4D forms
Sensory Skills	Detect differences in body and environmental odors Understand and respond to patient requests and needs Detect environmental hazards Detect warning signals on equipment displays Detect subtle changes or differences (e.g. pulse, rash, temperature)
Communication Skills	Speak, read, and write English Listen and comprehend spoken and written English Collaborate with others Respond to others in an accepting and respectful manner
Critical Thinking Skills	Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a clinical setting Identify cause-effect relationships Comprehend and follow instructions Follow processes from start to finish; sequence information Adapt decisions based on new information Maintain focus in an environment with distractions Make safe judgements
Professionalism	Establish a professional working relationship with the health care team, peers, instructors, patients, and families Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills Demonstrate impulse control and professional level of maturity Maintain appropriate boundaries in relationships with patients and peers Handle demanding and stressful situations Respect/value diversity in others Negotiate interpersonal conflict DMS Technical Standards Demonstrate tolerance in working with others Effective oral and written communication with patients and other health care professionals Maintain confidential health care information (including by refraining from posting any confidential patient information on social media)
Safety	Wear personal protective equipment for safe practices (gloves, masks, eyewear, gown) Tolerate heat and humidity Work in an environment that may contain common allergens Adhere to safety/emergency protocols Recognize and respond to hazardous conditions Maintain health care requirements Carefully handle supplies and equipment throughout the course

The work of a sonographer involves risks and discomforts that require special safety precautions, additional safety education, and health risk monitoring. It also may involve working with sharps, chemicals, infectious diseases, and debilitating illnesses. Sonographers may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

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Printed: 2/18/2026 12:46 a.m.