Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Paris Junior College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is designed to prepare individuals to perform diagnostic examinations using high frequency sound waves to visualize soft tissue structures including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pregnant uterus, and other organs as requested by the physician. The DMS Program is five semesters in length, with graduates earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. This program requires a full-time commitment, with classes held at the Paris campus and practicum hours completed at various hospitals and imaging centers in the surrounding areas.

Graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are eligible to take the Sonography credentialing exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Then graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for designated registry exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) to obtain their Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer credential (RDMS) in Abdominal (AB), after successfully completing the ARRT exam or working one full year as a sonographer.

Admissions Procedures for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Students may apply for admittance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program by completing the following steps:

Application and current admission to Paris Junior College.
Submission of complete application materials to the Health Occupations Office during the designated filing period, August 1st-Septemner 30th.
Completion of the 18 credit hours of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Prerequisite Courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
It is recommended that the applicant complete a minimum of 20 hours job shadowing with a sonographer to enhance their understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of the profession.

For more information about the application process, contact the Health Occupations staff at 903-782-0734. Visit the 2025-2026 Catalog for degree plan information.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Handbook

Mission

The mission of the Paris Junior College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to provide high quality education and develop professional entry level skilled technologists in the field of diagnostic medical sonography and assist them in understanding the importance of their role on the allied health care team as they contribute to total patient care.

Goals

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal Sonography-Extended concentration.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and application of ergonomic techniques.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of types and methods of infection control.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of patient care.
Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professions to effectively communicate and collaborate in the healthcare environment.
Demonstrate knowledge of medical ethics and law.
Demonstrate knowledge of medical and sonographic terminology.
Obtain, evaluate, document, and communicate relevant information related to sonographic examinations.
Identify and evaluate anatomic structures.
Demonstrate knowledge of disease processes with application to sonographic and Doppler patterns.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of image production and optimization.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of biological effects.
Demonstrate knowledge of a quality control and improvement program.
Demonstrate awareness of resources for professional development.
Demonstrate achievement of clinical competency through the performance of the requirements to provide quality patient care and optimal examination outcome.

Program Effectiveness Data

Institution Name: Paris Junior College
Program Type: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Degree Type: Associate Degree

Student Retention:

In 2024, of the 12 students who were enrolled, 10 graduated, resulting in an 83% graduation rate.
As this is a newly established program, only data from the initial cohort is currently available.
The 3-Year Average Retention Rate N/A.

Job Placement:

In 2024, of the 10 graduates, 10 were employed within 6 months of graduation, resulting in a 100% job placement rate.
As this is a newly established program, only data from the initial cohort is currently available.
The 3-Year Average Job Placement Rate N/A.

Test Takers Rate:

Of the 10 graduates, 10 took the RT(S), the ARRT credentialing exam for Sonography. The RT(S) exam includes material for abdomen and OB/GYN credentialing. This results in a 100% test taker rate.
Of the 10 graduates, 4 chose to take the ARDMS Abdomen exam, resulting in a 40% test taker rate.
Of the 10 graduates, 2 chose to take the ARDMS Obstetrics and Gynecology exam, resulting in a 20% test taker rate.
Of the 10 graduates, 1 chose to take the ARDMS Vascular exam, resulting in a 10% test taker rate.

Credential Success Rate:

In 2024, of the 10 Abdomen-Extended test takers, 9 passed and successfully earned the RT(S) credential, resulting in a 90% success rate.
As this is a newly established program, only data from the initial cohort is currently available.
The 3-Year Average Success Rate - N/A.
In 2024, of the 4 Abdomen-Extended test takers, 4 passed and successfully earned the RDMS(AB) credential, resulting in a 100% success rate.
As this is a newly established program, only data from the initial cohort is currently available.
The 3-Year Average Success Rate - N/A.
In 2024, of the 2 Abdomen-Extended test takers, 2 passed and successfully earned the RDMS(OB/GYN) credential, resulting in a 100% success rate.
As this is a newly established program, only data from the initial cohort is currently available.
The 3-Year Average Success Rate - N/A.
In 2024, of the 1 Abdomen-Extended test taker, 1 passed and successfully earned the RVT(VT) or RVS credential, resulting in a 100% success rate.
As this is a newly established program, only data from the initial cohort is currently available.
The 3-Year Average Success Rate - N/A.