Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Labette Community College

LCC's Sonography Program offers a distance learning format, enhancing student opportunities, and flexibility while providing you with the education and knowledge you need to enter the field of sonography as a confident and highly trained professional.

Download Program Overview

The program provides two options: General (Abdomen-Extended and OB/GYN), or Vascular. Each track lasts 14 months and includes online didactic coursework, in addition to clinical rotations at a location near you, all designed to prepare students for the ARDMS board examinations.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at LCC stands out as one of only four distance learning programs in the U.S. with accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This accreditation comes after a recommendation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), and the program has been approved since March 2013.

Academic Curriculum Map

Acceptance into the Sonography Program is a competitive process & based on several required components. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the DMS Navigator at dmsprogram@student.labette.edu.

DMS AAS DMS General Sonography DMS Vascular Sonography Course Descriptions

Application Information

Application opens: August 3, 2026
Deadline: February 11, 2027

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Contact Information

Morgan Augustine

DMS Program Specialist

Email:
dmsprogram@student.labette.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Download FAQs

What if I still don’t understand the program after reviewing the Program Overview?

If you still have questions, you can register for a live Q&A session.

Q&A sessions are offered monthly
Participation is optional
Sessions cover common questions about the program and application process

👉 Register at Q&A Session

What is sonography/ultrasound?

Sonography (ultrasound) uses sound waves to create images inside the body. These images help healthcare providers diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

Where do sonographers work?

Sonographers typically work in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and doctors’ offices.

How much do sonographers earn?

The median annual salary for sonographers is about $89,000 with a job outlook of 13% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Is the DMS program accredited?

Yes. The program is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).

Why does accreditation matter?

Graduating from an accredited program meets national standards and is often required or preferred by employers.

How long is the program and when does it start?

The program is 14 months long and begins each June.

When can I apply?

The application opens in the fall and has a set deadline each year.
👉 See the DMS application page for exact dates.

How many students are accepted each year?

Up to 25 students are accepted each year.

What concentrations are offered?

General Sonography (abdomen and OB/GYN)
Vascular Sonography

Can I take both concentrations at the same time?

No. You may complete them one at a time.

Is the program online?

Lecture courses are online. Clinical rotations are completed in person at an approved site near you.

What is the difference between the AAS degree and certificate?

First-time students earn the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree
If you return later for a second concentration, you will earn a certificate

What are the prerequisites?

To apply, you must have:

An Associate or Bachelor’s degree
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
All prerequisite courses completed with a “C” or better:
- College Algebra
- English Composition or Public Speaking
- Anatomy & Physiology (within the last 5 years)
- Medical Terminology
- Physics
Hands-on patient care experience

What types of patient care experience are accepted?

You must also have at least 6 months of hands-on patient care experience within the past 2 years.
Accepted examples include:

Radiography, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, CNA, PCT, EMT, Paramedic, Imaging Assistant
Not accepted:
Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, Phlebotomy Tech, Optometry Tech, Veterinary Tech

👉 If your experience is not listed, email a description to: dmsprogram@student.labette.edu

How do transfer credits affect eligibility?

You must still meet all program requirements. Additional coursework may be required if previous credits do not meet LCC requirements.

How many clinical hours are required?

Fall & Spring: 24 hours per week
Summer: 32 hours per week

Schedules may vary depending on the clinical site.

How do I find a clinical site?

You must complete an observation at a potential clinical site.

If the site is willing to accept you, LCC will begin the approval process
If not, you must observe at another site

⚠️ Clinical placement is limited and not guaranteed

Do I need to move to Parsons, KS?

No. Clinicals are completed at an approved site near your location.

What is the cost of the program?

The total cost ranges from $14,000 to $20,000 depending on residency and concentration.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Financial aid and scholarships may be available depending on eligibility

Application Steps

Step 1: Review Program Information

Download and review the DMS Program Overview.
Optional: Attend a live Q&A session for additional questions and clarification
👉 Register at Q&A Session

⚠️ Applicants are expected to understand the program requirements before moving forward.

Step 2: Apply to LCC

Submit your general admissions application to LCC
👉 Apply at Admission

⚠️ Applicants cannot move forward without completing the LCC admissions application.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
Transcripts must be received and reviewed before requesting the entrance exam

⚠️ Applicants cannot move forward without official transcripts on file.

Step 4: Request the DMS Entrance Exam

Step 5: Study, Take and Pass the Entrance Exam

Step 6: Mandatory Zoom Meeting with Program Specialist

Step 7: Post‑Zoom Acknowledgment

Step 8: Submit the DMS Applicant Packet (Do Not Wait)

Step 9: Optional Clinical Support Zoom with Engagement Coordinator

Step 10: Complete Observation Requirement

Step 11: Secure Clinical Site Acceptance

Step 12: Interview & Acceptance

Application Steps

Step 1: Review Program Information

Download and review the DMS Program Overview.
Optional: Attend a live Q&A session for additional questions and clarification
👉 Register at Q&A Session

⚠️ Applicants are expected to understand the program requirements before moving forward.

Step 2: Apply to LCC

Submit your general admissions application to LCC
👉 Apply at Admission

⚠️ Applicants cannot move forward without completing the LCC admissions application.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
Transcripts must be received and reviewed before requesting the entrance exam

⚠️ Applicants cannot move forward without official transcripts on file.

Step 4: Request the DMS Entrance Exam

After transcripts are on file, request the DMS entrance exam
👉 Request at Entrance Exam Request
Exam availability: August 3 – January 28
After payment, the exam must be completed within 30 calendar days

⚠️ Waiting to take the exam may limit your ability to complete later steps by the deadline.

Step 5: Study, Take and Pass the Entrance Exam

Canvas test prep materials are available
A minimum score of 80% is required
A maximum of two (2) attempts per application cycle
A $50 fee is required for each attempt

⚠️ Applicants cannot move forward without passing the entrance exam.

Step 6: Mandatory Zoom Meeting with Program Specialist

After passing the exam, the DMS Program Specialist will contact the applicant to schedule a required Zoom meeting
During this meeting, the Program Specialist will:
- Review program expectations
- Review timelines and deadlines
- Provide the Clinical Packet, which provides guidance on:
  - Observation requirements
  - Clinical site expectations
  - Clinical placement outreach
- Explain next steps

⚠️ Applicants cannot move forward without completing this meeting.

Step 7: Post‑Zoom Acknowledgment

As part of the post‑Zoom acknowledgement, applicants must:
- Complete a required acknowledgment confirming they understand:
  - Program requirements
  - Timelines
  - Observation expectations
  - Clinical placement responsibilities
- Indicate one of the following selections:
  - Request a Zoom meeting with the Engagement Coordinator OR
  - Waive the Zoom meeting and proceed independently

⚠️ Completion of the acknowledgment and selection is required to move forward.

Step 8: Submit the DMS Applicant Packet (Do Not Wait)

Applicants will receive access to the DMS Applicant Packet after completing the required Zoom meeting and acknowledgment.
The DMS Applicant Packet collects your information and enables the program to begin reviewing your materials and monitoring your progress.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the Applicant Packet as soon as it is received.
After you submit the completed packet, the Program Specialist will email you the next steps.

⚠️ Submitting the DMS Applicant Packet does NOT mean you have been accepted. Acceptance decisions occur later, after all requirements are completed.

Step 9: Optional Clinical Support Zoom with Engagement Coordinator

Applicants who request the Zoom meeting in the post‑Zoom feedback will be contacted by the Engagement Coordinator via email to schedule the meeting
This optional meeting is intended to provide:
- Clinical placement guidance
- Clarification of site requirements
- Support with observation and placement planning

⚠️ This meeting is optional and does not guarantee clinical placement.

Step 10: Complete Observation Requirement

Required observation hours must be completed by the program deadline.
Applicants must submit clinical site contact information using the link provided by the Program Specialist.

⚠️ Observation is required for program eligibility

Step 11: Secure Clinical Site Acceptance

Once clinical site contact information is submitted, the Engagement Coordinator will communicate directly with the site to determine its ability to host a student for the clinical rotation.
If a site is able to accommodate a student, placement approval will be verified via email.
If a site is not able to accommodate a student, the applicant will be notified and required to complete an additional observation at another site.
Clinical placement must align with the applicant’s program concentration.
Clinical placements are limited and competitive.

⚠️ The program does not guarantee clinical placement.

Step 12: Interview & Acceptance

Applicants who meet eligibility requirements and complete all required steps, including clinical site approval, may be considered for the interview stage.
If selected, acceptance into the program is conditional and contingent upon completion of an affiliate agreement with the approved clinical site no later than end of Spring 2027 semester.