Are these programs accredited?

The Lone Star College-CyFair Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709 , Seminole, FL 33775; 727.210.2350; www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS, 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043; 443-973-3251; www.jrcdms.org). Lone Star College-CyFair, as part of Lone Star College, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs have been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

How is the job outlook?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions — such as blood clots and heart disease — will likely increase. Imaging technology is used in making these diagnoses. Refer to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm

What is the starting salary and earning potential for this field?

Please see http://www.lonestar.edu/employment-services.htm (job search, salary calculator) for local salary information .According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $70,380. Refer to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm for the most current information.

How do I get into the program?

The program has a competitive admission process.  The student must submit a complete program application in order to be considered as a program applicant.  If the student is accepted, the Sonography department will enroll the student into the program courses.

How can I get started?

Interested students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must be at college level in Math, Reading, and Writing. Refer to http://www.lonestar.edu/diagnostic-medi-sonography.htm for the most current competitive application requirements.

Do I need to complete courses before applying to the program?

Yes.  The following pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to submission of an application:

Pre-requisites

• ENGL 1301 - Comp & Rhetoric I
• MATH 1314 - College Algebra
• PHYS 1410 - Elementary Physics
• BIOL 2404 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Should I submit a program application before completing the pre-requisites?

No. Students should submit their application once pre-requisites have been completed and grades are posted in the student's LSC account. 

Are there other non-Sonography courses I need to complete during or before I get into the program?

Yes. There are co-requisite courses you will need to complete before you graduate from the program.  Please refer to http://www.lonestar.edu/diagnostic-medi-sonography.htm for additional information regarding co-requisite courses.

Co-requisites

• Creative Arts/Language, Philosophy & Culture elective (Located in Lone Star College catalog)
• SOCI 1301 - Intro to Sociology

How will I be trained in Sonography at Lone Star College-CyFair?

• Hands-on experience in local medical facilities.
• Hands-on training in state-of-the-art campus laboratory.
• Interactive lectures, discussions and coursework.

What are the technical standards for this profession?

Academic

• Conceptualization
• Concentration
• Memory
• Aptitude for Science

Lab/Clinical

• Strength/Stamina
• Manual Dexterity (full use of hands, wrists, and shoulders
• Detail Orientation
• Mobility
• Visual (adequately view sonograms and color distinctions)
• Hearing (distinguish audible sounds)
• Effectively Communicate
• Think Critically
• Motor Skills (Gross and Fine)
• Emotional stability
• Maintain professional behavior at all times
• Accepts supervision

Students must be able to carry out all assigned duties required of a practicing sonographer, such as:

• Move heavy equipment on wheels (up to approximately 500 lbs.), transport patients by wheelchair & stretcher; push, pull, bend, stoop, reach, stretch routinely;
• Work in dimly lit areas;
• Stand on their feet for long periods (80%), up to 8-12 hours standing and/or walking;
• Lift/transfer more than 50 lb. routinely; assist patients; lift or turn disabled patients, carry 25 lbs.;
• Interact compassionately with patients;
• Work stationary diagnostic imaging machines, and also may perform some procedures at patients' bedsides;
• Maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning;
• Adhere to privacy regulations (HIPAA);
• Be available to work on short notice (on-call), nights & weekends (for employer).
• Possess emotional stability necessary to appropriately function in hospital setting and stressful situations. 

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook; Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

What can I expect to do with this degree?

In your role as a sonographer you will:

• Perform diagnostic medical exams
• Assist physicians and other healthcare professionals in carrying out a patient’s treatment plan.
• Observe patients conditions and assess symptoms.
• Care for people of all ages from new born to the elderly in a variety of settings.

Can I work while taking classes?

Our programs are considered Full-Time.  Program schedule is approximately Monday - Friday 7a-5p.  Clinical rotations days can vary and may included weekends.  Instruction is primarily face-to-face.  While in the program, students are encouraged to limit employment to no more than 20 hours per week. Sonography students on average devote 40 hours a week to their studies.

What kind of financial aid can I apply for?

The Lone Star College website contains many valuable links to sources of financial aid on-line by looking under the category Prospective Students. Students can apply for state and national grants and loans by completing the FAFSA form on-line (www.fafsa.ed.gov), or pick up a hard copy in the financial aid office. Financial aid advisors are available to assist students with financial aid applications. Please contact the LSC Financial Aid office if you have general financial aid or scholarship questions, or for questions about your eligibility or Program/course eligibility.

Why should I attend Lone Star College-CyFair?

Lone Star College-CyFair provides a unique Sonography Program that differs in state of the art facilities and instruction. The instructors are dedicated to helping students succeed on the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography exam. Premier instruction and collaborative learning is the standard with local medical facilities.

What is the cost of the programs?

For 2021-22, the AAS programs cost up to approximately $17,500 (in-district). Refer to http://www.lonestar.edu/tuition.htm for tuition rates. The vascular certificate (ESC) costs up to approximately $2,000.

Is there traveling involved?

Significant travel is required.  Program students will be rotating through different clinical sites every semester to complete clinical requirements.  Lone Star College - CyFair clinical partners are located throughout the Greater Houston and surrounding areas.  Students may not choose their own clinical site.  

How long does it take to complete the program?

Once accepted to the program, the AAS degree is 5 consecutive semesters.

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Degree and Enhanced Skills Certificate in Non-Invasive Vascular Technology
• Diagnostic Sonography in Adult Echocardiography AAS Degree and Enhanced Skills Certificate in Non-Invasive Vascular Technology

How many students are admitted each year?

Each AAS program can accept up to 16 students yearly, dependent upon clinical site availability.

What are the program outcomes?

Please click on the following link for Program Effectiveness Data

Program Goals & Minimum Expectations:

Diagnostic Medical and Vascular Sonography Program

• "To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal Sonography-Extended concentration”
• "To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography concentration”
• “To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Vascular Sonography concentration.”

Adult Cardiac and Vascular Sonography Program

• "To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Adult Cardiac Sonography concentration"
• “To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Vascular Sonography concentration.”