Diagnostic Medical Sonography is the branch of medicine that uses non-ionizing, high-frequency sound  waves to generate an image of a particular structure in the body. A sonographer is a medical professional responsible for the administration of high frequency sonic energy for diagnostic or research purposes. The art and science of diagnostic medical sonography requires that the sonographer achieve a specific level of knowledge and skill in each subspecialty performed. These subspecialties include: abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, echocardiography, ophthalmology, vascular technology and neurosonography.

The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Mission

The mission of CoxHealth School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is to produce professionally competent sonographers. The faculty of this program strives to instill in graduates high standards of education, clinical training and patient care as well as personal and professional pride.

CoxHealth School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is committed to providing graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of their chosen profession.

Organization of Program

The program, located in Springfield, Missouri, is an 19-month intensive study of diagnostic medical sonography concentrating on the specialty areas of abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular technology and neurosonography. The curriculum consists of an introductory period which occurs four months prior to the clinical rotation. This period enables the future sonographer to gain confidence through didactic lectures, simulated scan labs and MedSim scan labs before real patient interaction begins.

The introductory period is followed by a combination of clinical training, interactive lectures and laboratory work. Prior to graduation students review for the national registry examination. During this time, they concentrate on preparing and writing for that specific registry. The process is then repeated for the remaining four registries.

Upon graduation, the student will have taken abdomen, ob/gyn, vascular technology and their required physics registries for a total of five registries. Due to their credentials prior to graduation, our graduates are extremely marketable and enjoy successful careers in clinical, hospital and sales settings.

Admission Requirements   top

CoxHealth School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is open to all registered or registry-eligible radiographers, regardless of race, sex, religion, disability or national origin. Applicants must be physically capable of performing all job requirements of a registered sonographer.

A non-refundable $30 application fee must accompany all applications.


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In addition to a completed application form, applicants must also submit:

• An official copy of high school transcripts or GED.
• An official copy of college transcripts and radiologic technology program documenting the completion of prerequisite courses.

Send completed application form and documents to:

CoxHealth
School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Attn: Tammy Stearns
1423 N. Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802

Tuition and Fees

• $5000 tuition for the 18-month program
• Tuition may be forgiven by working for CoxHealth for 2 full-time years per financial agreement (Participation in financial agreement does not guarantee employment upon program completion).
• Students purchase required text and/or review books.

Echo Extension

This program is a six-month extension of the above program concentrating on adult echocardiography. The program is open to all registered sonographers using the above criteria for applications.

Echo Extension Tuition and Fees

• $1667 tuition for the 6-month program
• Tuition may be forgiven by working for CoxHealth for 1 full-time year per financial agreement (Participation in financial agreement does not guarantee employment upon program completion)
• Students purchase required text and/or review books.

(PDF format - Requires Free PDF Reader)

Questions about the School of Medical Sonography can be directed to Tammy Stearns at tammy.stearns@coxhealth.com.

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