Medical Sonography
Fall 2008
NOTE: the point count worksheet has been updated as of Oct 4 2007.
NEW: Jan 26 2007 - CFCC's Medical Sonography program has been nationally accredited by CAAHEP (Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).
APPLICATION PERIOD:
January 22, 2008 through April 1, 2008
CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
411 NORTH FRONT STREET
WILMINGTON, NC 28401
TELEPHONE: 910-362-7558
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE EACH ACADEMIC YEAR.
Medical Sonography is a rapidly growing imaging specialty in the field of health care, using high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body structures. Students are taught how to produce high quality images through in depth instruction. This includes classroom as well as hands-on experience in the lab and clinical settings. Coursework includes introduction to sonography and patient care, sonographic physics, abdominal sonography, obstetrical/gynecological sonography and vascular sonography. With the proper use of equipment, the medical sonographer will produce high quality images for the physician to make a diagnosis.
Graduates of the program may find employment in hospitals, medical clinics, mobile companies and imaging centers. After some experience in the field, some may decide to do travel assignments through contracted companies. Some may eventually enter into other areas such as education, application's specialists or sales. Average salary is approximately $44,000/year.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the medical sonography program is to prepare individuals to function in the professional medical community as entry-level sonographers certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This Associate Degree Program will offer opportunities for the students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate ultrasound equipment and produce images of the various organs and systems, while providing safe and effective patient care.MINIMUM CFCC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
It is important that all applicants for the Sonography Program understand the selective admissions process. Applicants who wish to submit an application must first meet minimum requirements. Please review carefully the information regarding minimum requirements and other pertinent information listed below.
| ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY MAIL/WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE. |
The following steps must be completed by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.
Students must:
- Complete the CFCC General Admissions Application.
- Complete appropriate Placement Test, if required by the Admissions Office and meet minimum cut-off scores on Placement Test, or complete required sequence of developmental courses.
- Have an official high school transcript or GED scores mailed to the Admissions and Records Office. Official transcripts should be mailed from the institution(s) attended or be hand delivered in an envelope sealed by a representative of the school(s) attended.
- Have official transcripts from all colleges or schools attended since high school mailed to the Admissions and Records Office. These will be reviewed for possible transfer credit.
- Have and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in all post-secondary courses taken in the last 3 years at Cape Fear Community College.
- Meet with a counselor to schedule an appointment to take the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Exam and to complete an "Intent to Apply" Form. The "Intent to Apply" form is not an application to the Sonography Program.
- Take Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) exam and meet the minimum percentile cut-offs. Information about the PSB examination will be discussed later in the page.
A $20.00 fee will be charged to take the Health Occupations PSB exam. Applicants must appear in person at Cape Fear Community College. The PSB exam fee must be paid by check, cash or credit card at the time the PSB exam is scheduled. If there are circumstances beyond the applicants control and he/she misses the scheduled test date and provides documentation of the extenuating circumstance, the Director of Counseling MAY choose to issue a "Stand By Pass" for testing. A "Stand By Pass" does not guarantee admission to the test; Admission to the test may be determined by seat availability.
MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS TO SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM
1. PLACEMENT TEST
All students who wish to apply for the Sonography Program must have taken a Placement Test and met minimum cut-off scores within the previous five years.
* Completion of English 111 or its equivalent and Math 115 or higher with a grade of "C" or better may eliminate taking a Placement Test.
ASSET | Compass |
Accuplacer (CPT) |
SAT |
ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Writing | 70 Writing | 86 Sentence | 470 Verbal or Reading & Writing | 19 English |
| 41 Reading | 81 Reading | 80 Reading | 450 Math | 19 Reading |
| 41 Numerical | 47 Pre-Algebra | 55 Arithmetic | 18 Math | |
| 41 Elementary Alg. Or 30 Intermediate Alg. | 46 Algebra | 55 Elementary Alg. |
If an applicant scores less than the minimum cut-off scores on an appropriate Placement Test, he/she will be required to complete the essential sequence of developmental courses. If the student completes all of the required developmental courses with a grade of "C" or better prior to the application deadline date and meets the other minimum requirements, he/she may be considered for admission to the Program.
Prior completion of English 111 or its equivalent and Math 115 or higher with a grade of “C” or higher may eliminate taking the Placement Test.
Any combination of Placement Tests may be taken twice in twelve (12) consecutive months. Applicants who violate the testing policy will not be disqualified. However, when an applicant has tested more than twice in twelve consecutive months, only the first two attempts will be considered in the application process. Placement Tests which violate the testing policy will be disregarded.
Students who have taken the Placement Test at another community college in the past five (5) years are responsible for ensuring that the scores are transferred to Cape Fear Community College by the application deadline.
Students who need to make accommodations for testing due to special needs should contact the Disabilities Coordinator in A-215A or call (910) 362 - 7012.
2. ALGEBRA
All students who wish to apply for the Sonography Program must have completed anAlgebra course in high school or college and achieved a grade of "C" or higher. Interested applicants who need to meet the algebra requirement must complete either MAT 070, MAT 080, MAT 115, or higher.
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES BUREAU (PSB) ADMISSIONS EXAM
Students who meet the minimum requirements will be scheduled an appointment to take the PSB Admissions exam. Sonography applicants may take the PSB one time per application period. More information about the PSB will be provided when the applicant is scheduled for the PSB. There are several resources that can be used to help prepare for this exam such as a dictionary, 8th grade arithmetic textbooks, high school science textbooks, GED Study Guide, SAT Study Guide, and the ARCO Nursing School & Allied Health Entrance Exams by Marion F. Gooding, R.N., Ph.D. The CFCC Learning Lab (910) 362-7137 offers tutoring for the PSB exam.
A study guide for the PSB Exam can be accessed at: http://cfcc.edu/testingservices/.
In order to apply to the Sonography Program, a student must meet the minimum score requirements on the PSB of the 30th percentile in each of the seven (7) areas: Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Science and the Vocational Adjustment Index. Those who have taken the PSB in previous years should be aware that only those scores from the two most recent attempts will be considered.
4. TIME FRAME
Applications for the Sonography Program will be available beginning January 21, 2008 in the Counseling Office (A-220). All requirements must be met by the deadline, which is 5:00 pm on April 1, 2008.It is the applicants' responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met by the established deadline. Sonography deadlines, guidelines, and policies apply equally to all students; thus, there can be no exceptions.
The point system was implemented as an objective means for evaluating Sonography applicants.
Twenty five percent (25%) of applicant's total points will come from the PSB exam and seventy five percent (75%) of total points will come from related high school and/or college classes completed prior to the application deadline, health care experience and recent graduation from an accredited imaging program. Point Count Form
POINTS FOR GRADES EARNED
Sonography applicants may earn points for the completion of related courses in CFCC's Sonography program. In order to earn points for courses, applicants must have achieved grades of "C" or higher. See Point Count Form for point values.
SPECIAL NOTES:
BIO 163, 168 AND BIO 169 must have been taken in the last five (5) years. The five year requirement will be waived for Radiography professionals who have been employed for a minimum of one year within the last two years. (Verification required.)
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective: Humanities and Fine Arts electives are listed on pages 65-66 in the 2007-2008 catalog. If choosing a foreign language, the elective must be a third level course; i.e. FRE 211, GER 211 or SPA 211.
POINTS FOR THE PSB EXAM
Percentile scores in all 7 areas of the PSB Exam - Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Science and the Vocational Adjustment are used in calculating the points earned in this section. These 7 percentiles are averaged and 25% of this value is used toward the applicant's total points.
POINTS FOR PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE
Students may earn points for previous work experience as a Registered Radiography Professional OR if a recent graduate of an accredited imaging program in Radiography or Radiation Therapy.
10 points will be received for one of the following:
A recent graduate of an accredited radiography program
- Must have graduated within the last 2 years (Verification required)
- Minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Must submit official transcripts.
OR
A registered radiography professional
- Worked full time within the last 2 years for a minimum of one year.
- Full time is 30 hours/week or more.
- Must hold a valid registry license (a copy must be submitted).
Applicants must submit proper documentation on official letterhead, sign and dated by supervisor or personnel/human resource officer and include: the beginning and ending dates of employment; average number of hours worked per week; description of job duties and applicant’s current employment status. (Acceptable experience is at the discretion of the Director of the Program).
POINTS FOR INFORMATION SESSION
Ten points will be awarded for attending one Information Session. Certificates of attendance will be given at the completion of the information session and must be submitted to the Counseling Office (Room A-220) prior to the Sonography application deadline.
Dates are as follows:
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Room L-321
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Room L-321
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Room L-321
NOTE: Applicant's point count is confidential; thus, please do not call to inquire about your point count. To protect your privacy, point count totals will not be discussed on the telephone.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Up to ten (10) new students may be admitted to the Sonography Program for the Fall of 2008.
Sonography applicants who are selected based upon their point count will be conditionally accepted into the program pending the submission and review of medical history form provided by Cape Fear Community College. Applicants are also required to submit a negative urine drug screen. Drug screen can be completed no sooner than one week prior to orientation. Any drug screens completed prior to this date will not be accepted.
Applicants should be aware that travel to areas outside of New Hanover and surrounding counties will be required for clinical placement.
Selected students will be notified when to complete the following information:
- Medical Reports
All completed health/medical reports must be received by the specified date noted in acceptance letter.
- Drug Screen
Nine (9) panel urine drug screen is mandatory. Methadone will be included in the urine drug screening. (No sooner than one week prior to orientation.)
- CPR
Students must also submit documentation of current CPR certification (infant, child and adult certification required).
- Drug Screening/Criminal Background Check
At their discretion, clinical sites may require a drug screening and/or a criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting (If required, any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student.). Testing positive on the drug screening, or evidence of tampering with a specimen, will disqualify a student from participation from the clinical assignment. In addition, certain criminal activity, as evident by a criminal background check may also disqualify a student from clinical participation. Please be aware that failure to participate in a clinical assignment based on either the drug screening or criminal background check will result in dismissal from the Sonography Program. Cape Fear Community College will not accept the background checks. It is your responsibility to hold this report for the clinical site if needed. For further information, students should see the "Drug and Alcohol Policy" in the CFCC Student Handbook (pgs. 45-47). Information will be disseminated in orientation/registration with the Lead Instructor.
- Transportation
Traveling outside of New Hanover County is necessary for clinical education. Some clinical sites are over 50 miles away. Travel is required during all 5 semesters of the program. Students must procide their own transportation to clinical sites.
PROGRESSION POLICY
Students admitted to the Radiography Program must achieve or have achieved a "C"
in each course in the curriculum in order to progress semester by semester.
Grading Policy
| A | Excellent | 92-100 |
| B | Good | 84-91 |
| C | Average | 76-83 |
| D | Poor | 68-75 |
Standards for the Medical Sonography Program
The following are some required occupational standards for this program.
Occupational Standards:
(See Core Performance Standards)
- Lift up to 50 lbs
- Push stretchers, wheelchairs and heavy equipment
- Able to distinguish colors correctly
- Communicate in the English language
- Hearing to meet Core Performance Standards
- Utilize computer keyboards
- Able to communicate well with others
- Able to reach, bend and stoop often to meet Core Performance Standards
- Vision to meet Core Performance Standards (with or without vision correction)
- Must be ambidextrous while scanning a patient
- Have good eye-hand coordination
- Walk and stand frequently
Work environments in sonography can be mentally and physically challenging. The following are some mental challenges and situations we face as sonographers.
- Adjust equipment settings to provide high quality images
- Exposure to disease, blood, and body fluids
- Assess patients quickly and determine what needs to be done
- Work well in an environment that is sometimes chaotic and disruptive
- Must give clear and concise directions to patients for each procedure
- Accept constructive criticism
- Always be polite and professional, even in stressful situations
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Caring for patients with IV’s, bed pans and other devices
- Scans include scrotums, breast, vaginal, and rectal
- Utilize critical thinking with clinical findings
- Able to distinguish normal anatomy from abnormal while scanning patients
- Communicate well with others
- Correlate clinical information with your findings
- Communicate written and verbal information to physicians
- Lunch breaks and hours of work can change from day to day
- Patients vary in age from infant to geriatric
- Possible on-call responsibilities
CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
| ISSUE | STANDARD | SOME EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY ACTIVITIES (Not all Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | Ability sufficient for clinical judgement. | Correlate clinical information with your findings. |
| Interpersonal | Abilities to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds | Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues. Accept constructive criticism. |
| Communication | Abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form | Explain exams to the patients and or family members. Write reports and verbally explain all findings to a physician. |
| Mobility | Physical abilities sufficient to move heavy objects into and out of small rooms. Ability to stand for long periods of time. |
Push stretchers with patients on them up and down hallways and into rooms. Maneuver patients in wheelchairs. Bend, stoop, reach, and lean often. Move heavy equipment throughout the hospital. |
| Motor Skills | Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care and proper use of ultrasound equipment. | Use both hands at the same time to operate equipment Lift up to 50 lbs. Caring for patients with bedpans, IVs, and other devices. |
| Hearing | Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs | Hears monitor alarms. Hear patient cries for help. Hear emergency codes throughout the hospital. Hear patients tell you about their health history. |
| Visual | Ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in field of sonography | Ability to distinguish colors correctly. Operate ultrasound equipment in a dimly-lit room, watching all images on a monitor. Distinguish normal anatomy from abnormal. |
| Confidentiality | Ability to maintain patient confidentiality. | All patient exams should be kept confidential. Some exams are very personal and include scrotums, breast, vaginal, and rectal. |
COUNSELING
If you have questions or concerns regarding the selective admissions process, please contact Counseling located in A-220 or at the North Campus in room NA-100.
Cape Fear Community College
Estimated Expenses
Sonography Program
| Before Fall Registration | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniforms | $175.00 | ||
| Embroidery from CJs Personal Touch | 8.00/top | ||
| Shoes (clinical) | 50.00 | ||
| Watch with a second hand | 20.00 | ||
| Medical Examination, TB test, HEP-B Vac, etc | varies | ||
| CPR certification (2 year) | varies | ||
| NCUS Student Membership (prorated) | 7.50 | ||
| Criminal background check/Drug screening | Varies | ||
| First semester (Fall) | Fourth semester (Fall) | ||
| Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 707.00 | Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 664.00 |
| Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | 3767.80 | Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | 3533.50 |
| Books | 800.00 | Books | 150.00 |
| Liability Insurance (paid at business office) | 15.00 | Insurance | 15.00 |
| *Notebooks | 15.00 | *Notebooks | 10.00 |
| Calculator | 10.00 | ||
| Second Semester (Spring) | Fifth Semester (Spring) | ||
| Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 707.00 | Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 577.00 |
| Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | $3767.80 | Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | $3063.90 |
| Books | 150.00 | Books | 100.00 |
| *Notebooks | 10.00 | *Notebooks | 10.00 |
| NCUS Meeting (registration, travel, hotel, meals, etc) | 380.00 | NCUS Meeting | 380.00 |
| NCUS Annual renewal fee | 15.00 | NCUS Annual renewal fee | 15.00 |
| Graduation Exp. | 25.00 | ||
| Third Semester (Summer) | |||
| Tuition/Fees (in-state) | $ 621.00 | ||
| Tuition/Fees (out-of-state) | $3299.20 | ||
* 3-ring notebooks are required to keep everything neat and organized for each class.
Tuition costs may vary.
Tuition & Fees
Payment can be made by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, financial aid, or a third-party sponsorship. All forms of payment must be received by the Business Office to be officially registered.