Acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is competitive and is not on a first-come, first-serve basis. Completed applications are reviewed by a selection committee at intervals throughout the school year and successful applicants are chosen based on the criteria listed below.

Applicants of the DMS program should have a high school or post-secondary educational background that is strong in academic math and science. Biology, algebra, trigonometry and physics are preferred.

Prospective students are evaluated based on the following:

• High school program of study (specific courses completed, overall GPA, and class rank)
• Three references OR two letters of recommendation (guidelines provided by Admissions Representative)
• Entrance exam results
• Writing sample
• Post-secondary education program (if applicable)
• SAT scores*
• Prior experience in healthcare, paid or volunteer
• Resume
• Criminal background check**

Based on the above criteria, qualified applicants will be selected for a personal interview with the DMS faculty. Upon completion of the faculty interview, the selection committee will make a decision based on an evaluation of the application and interview.

*SAT scores are strongly recommended for all applicants to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.S.T. degree program.

**Documentation of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police Access to Criminal History is required for final acceptance into the program, as well as a child abuse clearance. The cost of these background checks are included in the program fees. An FBI background check is required for applicants who have resided in the state of Pennsylvania for less than 2 years. Cost of the FBI background check is variable and is the responsibility of the student. Additional criminal record and child abuse checks will be performed as a condition for internship placement.

Applicants are asked to declare previous arrests and/or convictions for any offense other than traffic violations. Conviction of certain offenses will result in ineligibility for this program and for credentialing examinations.

If a positive record is obtained for one felony or two misdemeanors, other than DUI convictions, the student/applicant will be disqualified from the program. If a positive record is obtained for DUI convictions or any other criminal report other than traffic violations, the applicant must apply for the ARDMS predetermination of eligibility. If the applicant is declared eligible through the ARDMS predetermination process, prior to the start of the program, the applicant will be eligible to enroll in the program if accepted.

Students in the DMS, DPP, and DMP programs are required to report any arrest and/or conviction of a non-summary offense that occurs while they are enrolled at South Hills to their program coordinator (See Code of Conduct for the Criminal Justice and Medical Programs).

Applicants with Previous Degree or Diploma

Two diploma programs exist for the purpose of accommodating applicants with specific educational backgrounds. Interested applicants should consult with one of our Admissions Representatives to determine which program best meets their needs and educational objectives.

DMS Professional Program (DMP)

This diploma program is designed for applicants with a previous degree or diploma or equivalent in a medical imaging specialty such as Radiologic Technology or Nuclear Medicine Technology. Admission to the DMP program assumes a strong background in college level anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and imaging sciences. Applicants must have the following college level courses prior to admission:

• Algebra, Statistics, or higher mathematics courses
• Communication Skills
• General Physics or Radiographic Physics
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology

A grade of at least a “C” in each of the above courses is required, unless our articulation agreement with your university lists a higher grade requirement. Applicants for the DMP program will be considered when their admissions requirements are completed.

Students may be eligible to enter the DMP program when it is a component of a Bachelor’s Degree program at another institution. This is subject to a formal agreement between South Hills School and the articulating institution, and must be approved on an individual basis. Such students must complete their B.S. degree in order to be eligible to sit for the ARDMS® registry examinations.

DMS Professional Plus Program (DPP)

This diploma program is designed for applicants with a previous Bachelor's degree* in a field other than Medical Imaging. The program includes courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences. Applicants must have completed the following college level courses prior to admission with a grade of “C” or higher:

• Algebra, Statistics, or higher mathematics courses
• Communication Skills

*The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree must have been completed within 15 years of the DPP program start date in order for the applicant to be eligible for this program.

South Hills School Student Transfer

If a current South Hills student wishes to transfer into the DMS program, provided there are seats available, the student must speak with an Admissions Representative to initiate the DMS application process. Additional terms will most likely be required. Each applicant is reviewed on an individual basis and not guaranteed a seat in the program. See application process above.

Reapplication Policy

Students who receive one or more grades below “C+” in any course or a grade below “B-“ in Applied Algebra will be withdrawn from the program and may not apply for reinstatement. The student may, however, be eligible to transfer to another program. (See DMS Student Handbook for more information on the reapplication policy).

In addition to the general admissions requirements for the school, the following requirements specifically apply to the Graphic Arts program.

During the interview, applicants to the Graphic Arts program will discuss their past and present interest in art and design and why they feel they would be an appropriate candidate for the program. Our goal is to see that the students entering this program are artistically inclined and have a natural, ongoing interest in art and design.

Guidelines for Art Work Submissions

All applicants will also be required to submit their works of art for review by our Graphic Arts Review Panel. No more than five examples of each of the following types of artwork are to be submitted: drawings, paintings, graphic designs, communication design, photography, 3-D fine art pieces, printed and/or published pieces or other forms of fine art. Each applicant is also required to produce a self-portrait piece for submission. The self-portrait may be done in the art medium of the applicant’s choice.

Ultimately, select your best work and include examples that you have done on your own beyond your art class assignments. Applicants may also submit sketchbooks. In doing so, this allows the Review Panel to gain a better understanding of the applicant’s art background and varied skill set(s) achieved. Artwork can be submitted as hard copy entries or CD-ROM entries (PDF or JPG format only). For all 3-D pieces, please provide the Review Panel with quality photographs of the work instead of the actual piece.

In addition to the general admissions requirements for the school, the following requirement specifically applies to the Software Development and Programming program.

Applicants for the Software Development and Programming program will be required to complete and pass a Technical Competency Assessment as well as an Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire.