HCHD Program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
 

Program Mission, Philosophy, Goals	Admission Requirements	Technical Performance Standards
What You will Accomplish	Academic Policies	Program Overview
	Contact Us

The Harris County Hospital District's School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers a hospital-based Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.

Students will be trained in abdominal, Ob-gyn, and vascular sonography. Students will take detailed classes in anatomy and physiology, pathology, physics and instrumentation, and scanning techniques. Students will be required to apply sonography skills learned in classes and hands labs to the clinic setting.

During the program, students are assigned to clinical rotations at Ben Taub General Hospital, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, and Casa de Amigos Health Center. Ben Taub - one of two level I trauma centers in Houston - offers students the unique opportunity to experience the dynamics of trauma care. LBJ is a level III trauma center.

Program Mission
The administration of the Harris County Hospital District School's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program hereby defines its mission as follows:

• To provide cost effective quality education to the residents of Harris County and neighboring communities
• To provide quality education to the next generation of imaging professionals that is equal to the standard of education that is available in the community

Philosophy

Program Goals

• Graduates will be clinically competent.
• The program will graduate competent entry-level sonographers.
• Graduates will demonstrate professionalism and lifelong learning.
• Graduates will demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills.

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Requirements for Admission
Interviews and consideration for acceptance are granted to individuals who meet or exceed the minimum criteria required to make application to the ultrasound program.

Please note requirements for admissions are subject to change.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 18 years old by September 1 of the year of application
   
•  Be capable of successfully performing tasks related to the occupation: moving and positioning patients and ultrasound equipment, evaluating written instructions for ultrasound procedures, and communicating instructions to patients
   
• Be a US citizen or permanent resident at the time of application
   
• Complete and submit an application

Admission Requirements 
For the program furnish transcripts that document either:
1.  Graduation from a healthcare related program
      a.  Can be diploma, certificate or degree
      b.  Healthcare program must be:
           1.  24 months length or
           2.  60 semester credit hours or
           3.  84 quarter credit hours
     c.  Proof of completion must be provided before the start of the selection process

or

2.  Bachelors degree or higher
     a.  Proof of completion must be provided before the start of the selection process

In addition to the above requirements all applicants must complete the following classes before enrollment into the first semester. At the time of the student selection, an applicant who is enrolled in any of these classes may be granted conditional acceptance pending the completion of the class. Preference will be given to those applicants who have completed classes. Classes are prerequisites for the program and mandatory for admissions.

• College algebra, statistics, or higher mathematics course (one semester)
• Communication skills: English, Composition, or Speech (one semester)
• General college-level physics and/or radiographic physics (one semester)
• Human anatomy and physiology (two semesters preferred, but one semester will be acceptable)

• A non-refundable $25 application fee in the form of a money order or cashier's check only
   
• A short essay explaining why you chose medical sonography as a career
   
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  a.  Transcripts must document a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4 point scale
  b.  The minimum cumulative GPA required to make application is 2.5 on a 4 point scale
  c.  Transcripts are accepted only from high schools and colleges that are accredited by
       Commission on Colleges and Schools /Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
  d.  Applicants with foreign transcripts must have academic credentials evaluated for US
       equivalency by an education consulting service and submit an official copy directly to
       the program. The evaluation must include a documented cumulative GPA of 2.5 or
       higher on a 4 point scale.
   
• Two (2) letters of recommendation.
  References should come from individuals who can adequately evaluate academic and employment performance.
   
• Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence (must provide as part of HR processing if accepted into the program)
   
• Applicants who meet the admissions requirements are scheduled for:
  a.  An interview with the selection committee
  b.  Four hours of observation (Scheduled by school office) if selected for admissions. Observation is time spent in the ultrasound department of Harris County Hospital District observing sonographers at work.

2009 Information Sessions Dates

• Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 13, 2010,  6 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 6 p.m.

All sessions will be held at:
The School of Medical Imaging
9250 Kirby, Ste. 1800
Houston, TX 77054

Registration is recommended due to limited seating. Call 713-634-1550 to leave a message.

Student Selection
The Selection Committee considers all aspects of each applicant's record and offers admission to the best-qualified individuals. Applicants are selected for admission using the following information:

1. Completed application
   • Essay
   • Academic Performance
   • Attendance
   • References
2. Interview

Each category in the selection process is assigned a score. 

• A cumulative score is calculated by combining the scores from each category
• Applicants are ranked in order of their cumulative score
• Applicants with the highest ranking cumulative scores are offered admission based on the current enrollment of the program
• Additional applicants are selected as alternates. An alternate is an applicant to whom admission is offered in the event that one of the prospective students declines admission

Harris County Hospital District Human Resources Department (HR) processes all applicants selected for admission. The process includes:

• A general physical examination conducted by HCHD at no cost to the applicant

• Background check

• Drug screening

• HCHD general orientation

• CPR certification

Applicants who successfully complete HR processing are required to attend a mandatory orientation before the beginning of class in September. Orientation is usually scheduled in July or August.

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Advanced Placement

The program does not offer advanced placement regardless of previous experience or education.

Technical Performance Standards
Students accepted into the program must be physically capable of successfully performing the following standards accurately and expeditiously. These standards are related to occupational safety. Please read the following standards carefully, make an assessment of your physical capabilities, and determine if you have any physical limitations that may restrict or interfere with your satisfactory performance of any of the standards listed below.

1. Lift, move and transport patients (from bed to wheelchair/stretcher or from wheelchair/stretcher to ultrasound table) without causing undue pain or discomfort to the patient or one's self
    

2. Position the patient for various sonographic examinations without injury to the patient
    

3. Manipulate ultrasound equipment (fixed and mobile units) into proper positions
    

4. Transport mobile equipment to assigned areas of the hospital in a timely and careful manner
    

5. Respond instantly to emergency situations that may otherwise jeopardize a patient's physical state if speedy care is not administered
    

6. Evaluate written requisitions for sonographic procedures
    

7. Explain imaging procedures and give effective instructions to patients
    

8. Obtain medical history from the patient and communicate this information to the radiologist
    

9. Evaluate sonographic images in relation to imaging factors, image quality, and anatomical orientation

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Academic Policies

Non-discriminatory Statement
It is the policy of the Harris County Hospital District School of Medical Imaging to provide equal educational opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Due Process
Due process deals with decisions made concerning disciplinary action, student reports, dismissals, unfair treatment, unsafe or unhealthy conditions and discrimination. The due process procedure should be invoked only after attempts to resolve the problem at the school's administrative level have failed. 

Step 1:
No later than 5 days after the occurrence that gave rise to the conflict, the student will present a signed written request to the Director of Radiology. The Director of Radiology shall meet with the student and the Advisory Committee and provide a written response to the student within 5 days of the meeting. 

Step 2:
In the event that the conflict was not satisfactorily resolved, the student may, within 5 days of the response, submit written request for resolution to the LBJ Hospital Administrator. The student and the administrator shall convene a meeting within 5 days of receipt of the request. The Hospital Administrator shall submit a written response to the student's request within 5 days following the meeting. 

The decision of the Hospital Administrator is final.

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Program Overview 

Schedule
Students attend didactic classes at Ben Taub General Hospital and attend clinical education at three (3) of Harris County Hospital District facilities. 

• Ben Taub General Hospital
• Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital
• Casa de Amigos Health Center

1. The program begins the first week of September each year
    
2. Program hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and excludes weekends and holidays. Students spend time in the classroom, lab, and clinical rotations
    
3. Students are required to attend school for no more than 40 hours per week
    
4. The length of the sonography program is 20 months. However, in instances where a student must repeat coursework, the program completion time may be extended to, but may not exceed three years, except upon approval by the advisory committee
    
5. The program is divided into five sixteen-week semesters

The student must attend class and clinic simultaneously except when an injury or surgery interferes with clinical progress during the regular course of the program. In this instance, with approval, the student may be placed on a leave of absence from clinical education and attend classes only until his/her physician authorizes a return to clinic. The student will make up the time missed from clinical education.

Breaks
Winter Break        2 Weeks
Spring Break        1 Week
Summer Break     2 Weeks

Holidays 

Curriculum

• Acoustic Physics and Instrumentation

• Abdominal Sonography

• OB/Gyn Sonography

• Pediatric Sonography

• Vascular Sonography (limited)

• Special Procedures

• Clinical Training

Requirements for Graduation
A certificate of completion is awarded when all program requirements have been satisfied.

All students must:

• Pass all coursework with a minimum grade of ‘C'.

• Demonstrate clinical proficiency by satisfying the requirements of the competencybased clinical education plan

• Satisfy the terminal competency objectives

• Complete the program in 20 months at a minimum and three years at a maximum

• Pay tuition and fees in full

• Make up all time missed

• Pay all outstanding library fees at Houston Academy of Science (Jesse Jones) and submit a receipt with zero balance

• Pass the comprehensive didactic and clinical examinations (Capstone) with a C or higher

• Schedule an exit interview at the end of the program

• Return the following:

  • Clinical Education Binder
  • HCHD identification badge

Grading
The grading system used throughout the program is:

Students must receive a C in each didactic/clinical education course.

Program Costs
Tuition and fees

1. For tuition and fees see attached fee sheet

2. Tuition costs are subject to change

3. Tuition does not include books, uniforms, housing, transportation or parking

4. All students pay a $150.00 fee at the beginning of the program

5. Students residing outside of Harris County must add $50.00 per semester to the tuition costs and students residing outside of Texas must add $200.00 per semester

6. Tuition is paid on a per semester basis and must be paid by the first day of the semester

7. Tuition is based on $800 per semester for in district students and $850 per semester for out of district students, and $1000 per semester for out of state students

8. To be eligible for in-state or in-district tuition, students must show proof of at least twelve months of residency

Total Tuition and Fees for 2010-2012 Program

Payment Options

Tuition Policy
Tuition is due on the first day of the semester. Students who are experiencing difficulty must come to the office and discuss the payment options available to them.

Option 1:
Tuition must be paid in full by the first day of class.

Option 2:
One-half of the semester tuition must be paid by the first day of class. The remaining half of the semester tuition must be paid in full by the next two weeks. 

Refund Policy
A student who officially withdraws during the first ten days of the semester will be refunded 100% of the tuition paid for the semester. After the tenth day, tuition will not be refunded.

Approximate Additional Costs

• Books - Books cost approximately $800-$1000. Many of the books are used repeatedly throughout the program

• Uniforms - The dress regulations for the program requires all students to wear hunter green scrub uniforms, white lab coats, black uniform shoes and black or white socks. Uniforms cost approximately $25 a set.

• Parking - The cost of parking in the Medical Center is high. Students are encouraged to explore all options that are available to them for transportation and parking. Parking with Texas Medical Center (TMC) Parking Garage is also available. The approximate cost of contract parking is $65 per month. Students may contact the TMC parking garage at 713-791-6161.

Salary / Stipend
Students do not receive a salary or a stipend. 

Financial Aid
Financial aid is not available.

Transfer of Credit
Some institutions of higher learning award credit to graduates for successfully completing the program and passing the ARDMS examination. The credit awarded is based on the institution's admission policies and practices, and is awarded at the discretion of the institution.

Students whose academic goal is to obtain an undergraduate degree should check with the institution before enrolling in this program.

Drug-Free Workplace Act Policy

1. Students of Harris County Hospital District School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging are strictly prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, concealment, purchase or use of any controlled substance, volatile chemicals, illegal drugs or alcohol on any Harris County Hospital District premises. Students who violate this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
    

2. If the student requires any variations from the approved policies and procedures, the student, his/her physician, the Program Director, the Director of Radiology and the Radiation Safety Officer will provide input into the decision making process.

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What You will Accomplish
The graduate will:

• Be qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a competent entry-level sonographer.

• Exhibit a professional attitude

• Be prepared to complete credentialing examination by The American Registry For Diagnostic Medical Sonography and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologist

To Apply
Submit the completed application packet.
Application packet includes: application, transcript request and letter of recommendation forms.

Completed application with all transcripts must be received no later than June 16, 2009.

Application packets can also be obtained from:

Harris County Hospital District

School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

9250 Kirby, Houston, TX 77054

Phone: (713) 634-1550
or by email: us_school@hchd.tmc.edu

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