DS - Diagnostic Sonography (AAS)

Computer Skills and Access

Sonography students are required to demonstrate a variety of computer skills throughout the program. All students must be able to access the Parker University online teaching platform, blackboard, for instruction and dissemination of information. Some sonography courses may operate with part of the content to be completed online and the remainder of the content delivered in the on-campus setting. Students are assigned a Parker University's email address upon admission to the university. Students may utilize library computers on campus to check their Parker University email accounts and to access Brightspace. Brightspace and email accounts should be checked frequently for assignments, announcements and/or messages.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Parker University does not guarantee admission to the Diagnostic Sonography program. In addition to the university's undergraduate admission requirements, all applicants applying for admission into the Diagnostic Sonography Program must complete and meet the following requirements:

• Successfully complete all general education courses. This consists of 8 general education courses in the first 8 months. A grade of “C” or better in all courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) must be earned to be eligible to progress to the major curriculum of the program.

  • Prerequisite Anatomy & Physiology courses must have been taken within five years prior to admission. Proof of recent significant experience in the applications of these sciences may be considered in waiving this 5-year requirement provided the original prerequisites were completed.

• An acceptable drug screen and Level-3 criminal background screening will be required for all students beginning the program. Students with felony charges and/or convictions may not be eligible for admission into this Allied Health Program.

• Completion of CPR certificate in BLS from the American Heart Association is due before applying.

• A personal essay in APA format stating why the applicant chose a career in Diagnostic Sonography outlining their specific career goals in medical imaging and what they can tell us about sonography.

• Applicants must provide proof of high-school graduation or GED or an official transcript of undergraduate level study.

Step 1 - Enroll in Parker University's Health Science Associate Degree program and begin taking relevant Diagnostic Sonography prerequisites. Admission to Parker University does not guarantee admission to the Diagnostic Sonography program.

• The DS program considers applicants on their eligibility and completion of admission requirements.

• Students must have completed all the required 25 semester prerequisite credit hours with a grade of “C” or better and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of submission to the DS program.

• Prerequisite Anatomy & Physiology courses must have been taken within 5 years prior to admission. Proof of recent significant experience in the applications of these sciences may be considered in waving this 5-year requirement provided the original prerequisites were completed.

Please note: Students who do not meet the coursework requirements will not be allowed to progress to the DS curriculum. Students must earn a grade of a “C” or better in all required prerequisite courses. If a student earns a grade of a “D” or “F,” they must repeat the course to be eligible for admission into the professional sequence of the DS program. If the student wishes to repeat the course to continue their program of study, they will be required to go through the Readmission process.

Step 2 - Collect proof of all immunization requirements before applying for DS program admission. A completed immunization form is due at the time of application for Diagnostic Sonography program admission. Students enrolling in the DS program must have completed the immunization series. Students without proof of completed immunizations will not be allowed to continue into the program. No exceptions.

• Completed Hepatitis B Series - The Texas Department of State Health Services requires that all students enrolled in health profession programs that are exposed to blood and body fluid must have completed the Hepatitis B series prior to direct patient care. The Hepatitis B series includes three injections. The Hepatitis B is a 3-stage series that will take at least 6 months to administer. It is suggested that students begin immunization series during prerequisite coursework to ensure timely completion.

• Meningitis (MV) - Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1107 requiring all entering University students, under the age of 22, to submit evidence of being immunized against meningococcal meningitis.

• Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR)

• Varicella

• Tetanus and Diphtheria

• Tuberculosis test (TB), within the last 12 months - (If the TB test comes back positive, then results from a current annual chest x-ray will need to be provided.)

• Influenza

Information on vaccination requirements and exemptions can be located on the Registrar’s webpage of the Parker University website at:

Note: Clinical Fieldwork sites have the right to refuse students who have asked for exemptions from immunizations for personal or religious reasons. These cases will be handled individually. Interactions with patients in healthcare carries inherent risks to both the patient and healthcare provider. Students participating in the Diagnostic Sonography Program may be exposed to blood, body tissues or fluids and communicable diseases. All students are expected to provide appropriate care to all assigned patients regardless of their medical diagnosis. Some of the medical diagnoses’ patients may have include tuberculosis, MRSA, hepatitis A, B, or C, HIV/AIDS, or other transmittable diseases. Students may also care for patients who are unidentified carriers of infectious disease. As in many health professions and programs, students may occasionally be exposed to bodily injuries and environmental hazards.

Step 3 - Write a one-page minimum personal essay in APA format explaining: Why did you choose a career in Diagnostic Sonography, outline your specific career goals in medical imaging and what can you tell us about sonography?

Step 4 - Read and sign all program acknowledgment and disclosure forms found on the University’s website.

Step 5 - Complete and submit the online DS program Application. Include all supporting documents required from Step 1, Step 2 Step 3 and Step 4. The Diagnostic Sonography program online application and all required documentation must be submitted by the designated due date. Incomplete applications and/or requirements, in addition to applications received after the application due date will NOT be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS. Submission of application does not guarantee an interview. Interviews will be determined by the number of applicants each year.

The Diagnostic Sonography program begins each fall term. The application due date is July 1st.

Selection - Parker University’s Diagnostic Sonography Program accepts 15 students per year. This can also be based on the available number of clinical sites.

*Application to the program does not constitute admission. The selection committee reserves the right to request interviews before the final report is generated.

Acceptance - Students will be notified of provisional program acceptance approximately one month before the program begins. Acceptance into the DS program is conditional pending submission of final grades from remaining prerequisite coursework. Drug screenings are performed as a condition of acceptance into the Diagnostic Sonography Program. A drug screen and Level-3 criminal background check may be required at any time during the program.

If accepted into the Diagnostic Sonography program the student must provide proof of a current CPR certification in BLS from the American Heart Association. The student's card must not expire while participating in the Diagnostic Sonography program. If a student’s CPR expires during the time in the DS program, they will be dismissed from the program. Additionally, the student must submit proof of health insurance three months prior to the beginning of their clinical rotation.

Criminal Background - If an applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, the applicant may be denied acceptance to the university without further reason. If the applicant should be granted acceptance, the applicant acknowledges that they may not be able to obtain clinical experience, licensure in a/any state upon graduation, based on their criminal record and agrees that the university will not be held liable in the case of failure to progress in clinical rotation and/or achieve licensure. Once accepted into the program, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the DS program director in writing immediately of any subsequent changes in criminal history that occur after the admission background check has been completed. Failure to disclose changes in criminal history will result in dismissal from the program. Students will need to sign a waiver acknowledging that they may be dismissed from the program if they fail to meet the requirements to be placed in a clinical setting.

All students admitted will be required to provide a written acceptance to the offer.

Clinical Experiences

Clinical Education is an important part of the curriculum of the Diagnostic Sonography Program. Supervised clinical experience is essential for professional preparation, as it provides the students with a “hands-on” opportunity to integrate academic knowledge with clinical skills in a professional setting. Students are not allowed to receive compensation for hours worked during clinical experience. Clinical experience will consist of 40 hours per week in the students’ assigned clinical site. Students will be graded on clinical performance just as they are classroom instruction.

Every effort will be made to provide local clinical experiences; however, students are not guaranteed local clinical placements and should expect clinical experience to be outside the area requiring traveling to and from the facility or possible relocation. Students do not have the option of choosing their clinical site or shift.

Prior to clinical experiences students will be required to provide immunization records, medical/health insurance, CPR/BLS, drug screening and level-3 background check. If a student has a felony or misdemeanor on their record, they may not be placed at a clinical facility for their clinical experience. This may interfere with their ability to graduate.

Interactions with patients in healthcare carries inherent risks to both the patient and healthcare provider. Students participating in the diagnostic sonography program may be exposed to blood, body tissues or fluids and communicable diseases. All students are expected to provide appropriate care to all assigned patients regardless of their medical diagnosis. Some of the diagnosed patients may have the following: tuberculosis, MRSA, hepatitis A, B, or C, HIV/AIDS, or other transmittable diseases. Students may also care for patients who are unidentified carriers of infectious disease. As in many health professions and programs, students may occasionally be exposed to bodily injuries and environmental hazards.

Technical Standards

In addition to academic and performance standards, students must be able to meet and maintain the following technical standards for the purpose of admission and continuation in the program:

• Communicate Effectively- Ability to interact with patients and healthcare professionals in both written and verbal form. Be able to articulate in a clear and distinct manner procedures, instructions, and oral reports.

• Cognitive- Ability to execute complex mental processes. Obtain and retain didactic knowledge including many procedures and protocols with the ability to apply this knowledge for the purpose of collecting, interpreting, and integrating information to make examination related decisions. Utilize problem-solving skills while performing sonographic procedures to establish the best diagnostic information possible.

• Coordination- Gross body coordination such as maintain balance, hand-eye coordination, arm-hand steadiness, and precision. Dexterity to operate control panel while manipulating transducer simultaneously.

• Visual and Hearing- Ability to distinguish color on Doppler procedures as well as various shades of graph while performing sonograms. Hearing must be adequate to perceive and interpret equipment signals, monitor alarms, and calls for help.

• Stamina- Ability to push/pull objects of 50 pounds or more. Ability to stand during examinations and long procedures. Lift and transfer patients from wheelchair or stretcher to and from examination table. Assist patients into proper position for examination.

• Emotional Stability- Ability to adapt and function under stress. Deal with the unexpected and adapt to change. Perform multiple tasks and responsibilities concurrently. Possess a strong work ethic, compassion, and integrity.

Note: Student is subject to dismissal if after admission to the Diagnostic Sonography Program it is discovered that a student cannot meet the technical standards.

Readmission Requirements

Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the program must apply for readmission according to university policy. No preferential consideration is given to prior students for readmission. Students will be re-admitted one time only if the cumulative GPA and programmatic requirements are met in addition to the program not exceeding maximum class capacity.

Physical Requirements

Diagnostic Sonography students must exhibit good physical health and endurance. Due to the nature of the coursework and clinical content, sufficient physical strength is required for lifting and moving patients and handling equipment in a clinical setting. Ability to stand or sit for up to eight  hours per day and lift 50 pounds. This may include lifting, pulling, bending and squatting. Additional requirements include but are not limited to clinical reasoning, attention to detail, efficiency, excellent hand/eye coordination, clearly distinguish color, ability to hear differences in sound and compassion. Direct patient contact may include invasive procedures and bodily fluids.

Persons with disabilities are eligible for admission if they can carry out classroom, laboratory and clinical assignments, patient intake, assessment and techniques, or the equivalent; pass written, oral, and practical examinations and meet all the requirements of the school and program. Parker University will make reasonable accommodations for disabilities. Applicants and students are welcome to discuss any disabilities that they believe will hinder completion of the curriculum. In considering a prospective or actual applicant who discloses a disability, Parker University may require an interview to determine if the individual meets the physical qualifications to complete the program. The Office of Student Services can provide more information regarding accommodations that Parker University might be able to provide.

Insurance Requirements

Students are required to provide proof of current personal health insurance to the clinical coordinator three months prior to the start of their clinical experience. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and maintain health insurance. It is their responsibility to provide an updated copy of their insurance to the clinical coordinator if insurance changes are made when enrolled in the program.

All health science students are required to carry professional liability insurance. This type of insurance is automatically purchased through Parker University’s registration fees. Liability coverage for the students’ clinical education does not apply outside scheduled clinical affiliation time.

Additional Expenses included in Tuition

In addition to tuition and textbooks, school supplies and fees, DS students should expect to have the following expenses:

• SDMS Annual Membership

• Trajecsys

• Malpractice Insurance Fee

• Background and Drug Screening

• Licensing Exam Fees (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI), Amercian Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Additional Expenses not included in Tuition

• Costs to attend clinical experiences including meals, travel, parking, lab coat, scrubs, room and board if necessary and any other costs incurred with clinical education courses.

• Plain-colored (program specific) scrubs with the Parker University logo

• Mandatory health insurance

• Physical examination by a physician including immunizations and laboratory tests

• CPR/BLS American Heart Association certification (class offered at Parker University or show proof of completion)

• Castle Branch (provided by PD)

• Scrub jacket (provided by PD)

Standards of Appearance

Proper professional dress and appearance are required. The DS program has a firm dress code guideline for all students (this includes fieldtrips and observation visits, clinical settings, and campus). All attire must always be well-maintained and clean. General appearance encompassing conventional hairstyle and naturally occurring hair colors and conservative use of jewelry, make-up, and accessories.

• Daily hygiene

• Students having hair longer than collar length shall tie it back with no decorative adornment

• Beards and facial hair shall be neatly trimmed

• Perfumes, colognes, and aftershave are not allowed

• Closed toe, light-in-color, clean shoes (no cloth or shoes with air holes on the top) with socks must be worn

• Approved standardized scrubs with a plain white lab coat (optional)

• Jewelry is limited to one ring on each hand (engagement rings, wedding rings, graduation rings) and wristwatch. One small post earring on each ear permitted. No other jewelry or body piercing allowed

• Natural appearing make-up

• Fingernails – clean, neat, trimmed short; nail polish may be limited to clear or neutral shades

• Name tag

• No visible tattoos

• Plain colored (program specific) scrubs with the Parker University logo fitting appropriately

  • Neckline must not be too low

  • Pants must not be too large or small and worn at the natural waist.

Note: During Clinical placements students are to follow the established dress code for their assigned placements.

Clinical Attendance

Students are expected to be at their clinical site every day except when ill or needed for an emergency in the immediate family. If more than three (3) days are required for personal illness or immediate family emergency, a conference is required between the clinical coordinator and the clinical instructor to determine opportunities and scheduling for lost days. It is at the facility’s discretion and is not automatic. The facility is not obligated to let a student finish clinical rotation if it extends beyond the scheduled period. Students withdrawn from clinical courses will be required to repeat the entire course.

Note: Up to three days (3) can be taken for illness or family emergency only. Students are not entitled to time off during clinical fieldwork.

Notification should be given to a supervisor in advance if students have a valid reason to be absent from the location. Under no circumstances should students ever be absent without notifying their supervisor.

Students are expected to be located at their clinical education site and ready to scan at the time their shift begins. Example: If a shift begins at 8:00 am, the student should be ready to scan at 8:00 am. If the student arrives at 8:00 am, they are not ready to scan and will be considered tardy.

In the event of inclement weather, students should monitor university and facility closures, road conditions, and follow guidance from the program director or clinical coordinator. Inclement weather does not automatically excuse a student from clinical; students must wait for specific instructions.

Any student displaying unprofessional behavior while in the clinical setting causing the clinical preceptor to request their removal from the site is subject dismissal from the program. Students displaying unprofessional behavior while performing clinical experience which causes Parker University to lose the clinical affiliation will be terminated from the program and will not be considered eligible for re-entry.