Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate of Applied Science

Special Admissions Criteria- Associate Degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a limited-entry program admitting students in the spring semester only. Prior to applying to the program, students will have taken all program Core and Related Requirements. The following items are among the criteria considered in the selection of program applicants:

• Minimum overall college GPA 3.0
• GPA in Core and Related Requirements courses
• County of residence
• Prior healthcare experience

Program Application Requirements

1. Complete all prerequisites. Students may have a maximum of two prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application.
2. Attend program orientation and request the program application. Register for orientation here.
3. Submit the application and all supporting documents by the September 1st deadline.

Selection Criteria

Completing pre-requisite courses DOES NOT guarantee acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.  Selection for the program utilizes a point system as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the student's overall strengths related to the essential qualifications, competencies, and functions of the professional diagnostic medical sonographer.

Selection for acceptance incorporates two phases.

Phase I

Phase I points are awarded in pre-requisite and related courses. Relevant field experience and/or professional credentials may qualify for additional bonus points. See program website for details. 

Important note regarding bonus point coursework:  Bonus points were previously offered for completion of BIOL 2225, BIOL 2505, BCIS 1110, and MATH 1350G. As of the 2024-25 catalog year, students will no longer be advised to complete bonus point courses.

Students who declared the pre-DMS major in the 2023-24 catalog or prior will continue to receive bonus points for the next two application cycles. As of fall 2026, bonus points will no longer count for these courses, regardless of when they were completed. 

Phase II is for applicants who have scored very well in Phase I. It is by invitation only and is conducted as a written assessment and an interview to identify personal strengths and/or weaknesses related to essential qualifications, competencies, and functions for professional diagnostic medical sonographers.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ALL APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ARE ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM.

Doña Ana Community College

2024-2025 Catalog

Associate Degree Track

This is a limited-entry program accepting students only in the spring semester. Criteria and factors used in evaluating applicants include the following:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of all *pre-requisites with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Courses "In-Progress" at the time of application are accepted
• County of residence

The following courses will receive application points as follows: A = 10 pts, B = 5 pts, C = 2 pts

Note:

• *Students should receive a B or better in CHEM and BIOL pre-requisites to be a viable candidate for the DMS program.
• There are restrictions on repeating courses with a grade of C or lower.  See program director for details.

(Associate Degree 73 credits)

NOTE: Application Deadline is September 1

NOTE: A grade of C- or better on a traditional grading scale is required in ENGL 1110G Composition I and designated Mathematics courses. Students must earn a final grade of C or better in all required DMS courses/Technical Requirements and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. The DMS program utilizes an accelerated grading scale. 74% is the minimum passing score for all assignments, assessments, and overall class grading and corresponds to a "C."

Students must complete all University degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements and elective credits to total at least 73 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.

¹

Courses are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.

²

 Students should receive a B or better in CHEM and BIOL pre-requisites to be a viable candidate for the DMS program.

³

These courses are required for the associate degree but are not pre-requisites. Courses that are completed or are in progress at the time of application to the DMS program will receive bonus points toward the application as follows: A = 5 pts, B = 3 pts.

Course Fees

In addition to tuition, a fee of $200 is charged for each of the following courses:

(73 credits)

NOTE: Application Deadline is September 1

A Suggested Plan of Study

The contents of this Road Map may vary depending on initial student placement in Mathematics and English. This is only a suggested plan of study for students, and is not intended as a contract.  Individual student academic plans may vary. Please contact your academic advisor to create a plan that works for you. Course availability may vary from fall to spring semester and may be subject to modification or change.

NOTE: A grade of C- or better on a traditional grading scale is required in ENGL 1110G Composition I and designated Mathematics courses. Students must earn a final grade of C or better in all required DMS courses/Technical Requirements and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. The DMS program utilizes an accelerated grading scale. 74% is the minimum passing score for all assignments, assessments, and overall class grading and corresponds to a "C."

Students must complete all University degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements and elective credits to total at least 73 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.

Course Fees

In addition to tuition, a fee of $200 is charged for each of the following courses: DMS 170, DMS 180, DMS 270 and DMS 280.