The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program prepares students to use medical ultrasound equipment that captures images. Medical Sonography is commonly associated with obstetrics and the use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy, but is also used in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. When students complete the program, they can work as a diagnostic medical sonographers at hospitals or clinics.
The 2026 DMS Program Application closes on May 2, 2026. If applying for the DMS Program at NWSCC, you may submit a minimum of 4 hours of observation/experience for additional ranking points.
This program will accept students based on selective admission criteria.
To be eligible for admission, a student must:
- Meet all general admission requirements of NWSCC
- Complete and submit application for the DMS program with required documents
- Have a minimum composite score of 18 on ACT (National or Residual— written component not required)
- Complete all general required courses for DMS program by application deadline
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or higher on all general required pre-sonography courses (GPA calculated for program selection will be on the general required pre-sonography courses only)
- Transfer students must enter NWSCC on clear academic status (cumulative 2.0 GPA)
- Current or previous NWSCC students must have a minimum overall 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and be in good standing with NWSCC
- Submit to criminal background and substance abuse screening per Health Sciences Division Policies
- Meet the essential functions required by the DMS program
View our catalog for information on course requirements for this program.
Note to Students Located Outside the State of Alabama
By attending our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, you will be able to apply to take the national certification examination offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) upon graduation. By successfully completing the certification exam, you will be awarded the appropriate credential to begin work in the state of Alabama. This credential is valid in many other states as well as the District of Columbia, but some states have additional requirements for licensure. Students outside of Alabama should consult the ARDMS website and the appropriate entity in their state or territory of residence to determine additional requirements for licensure and employment.
Program Goals
“To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentrations.”
Program Outcomes
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Effectiveness Data
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program (Abdominal-Extended and OB/GYN) at Northwest Shoals Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (http://www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Contact:
For more information about the NWSCC Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs, please contact:
Terri Christian
Program Director
256-331-8091
terri.christian@nwscc.edu