Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Click here for the DMS Fact Sheet

How Long is the Program?  2 years.
What courses need to be completed prior to application? See the application link below.  All classes and requirements are listed on the first page. 
Do I have to pass a certification test upon graduating:  Yes
Once I apply, am I automatically accepted:  No.  Acceptance is competitive and based on a ranking system of
your scholastic and academic past performance.
How do I apply?  Complete the DMS Application (below) and submit it (along with all required documents
outlined in the directions) by the pre-set deadline.
What if I miss the deadline?  You need to wait until the next deadline date to apply.
Are seats limited? Yes.  Seats are limited in each cohort. We take less than 20 students per cohort.
Will I have to pass a background check? If you are admitted to the program, you will have to pass a background check.
Is this program eligible for Pell Grant students?   Yes. 
Is this program eligible for WIOA students? Yes
Are there Essential Functions I need to be cleared to perform?  Yes.  See your application for more information.
Is there a minimum GPA I need to apply?  Yes.  2.5
Does this program have a sonography focus?  Yes. The program focuses on cardiac sonography (echocardiography).
Do I need an ACT score to apply?  Yes.  It must be 18 or higher.  Need ACT Prep Help for Free?  Click Here
Do I have to be a certain age to apply?  Yes.  18 or older.
Are there certain courses I need to take before applying?  Yes. See the application below.

Back to top

May 15^th by 11:59 p.m. This program admits annually every fall.  This program is located on the Birmingham campus of Lawson State.

NOTE: Applications must be submitted via Lawson's online portal below ONLY.  Do not mail or email applications.  Applications that are missing information or required documentation (e.g., unofficial transcripts, ACT scores, etc...) will be voided.

Back to top

The first step to apply to the DMS Program is to apply to the College.  Your status at Lawson must be Active. 

• Submit your Lawson State Application
• Submit your Unofficial Transcripts to the College (from all former colleges you have   attended).

If you have previously been accepted to LSCC, but have not attended the college for more than one semester; you may be required to complete a new application to the college and provide additional information.

Please check with the Admissions office before you complete the DMS application to ensure your acceptance is Unconditional.

Back to top

Before applying, ensure your Lawson State cumulative GPA is at least a 2.0.
Current or previous Lawson State students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at Lawson State or your most recent college GPA must be a 2.0 or higher.Back to top

Check your ACT score.  All applicants must have a score of 18 or higher on the ACT to apply to the RN and DMS Program. A minimum composite score of 18 is required (Reading, Math and English) and Science score of 18.

ACT SuperScores of 18 or higher are accepted.

There is no expiration on test dates.

ACT On-Campus (formerly ACT Residual) scores MUST be from an Alabama Community College;

ACT On-Campus scores from any institution outside of the Alabama Community College System WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ACT scores listed on college transcripts will not be accepted.

NOTE:  Submitted ACT scores are always verified by a third party.  Falsification of records is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and violation of this policy can lead to dismissal from the institution.

Back to top

DMS applicants must complete the following coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale by the May 15th deadline:

ORI101--Orientation to College (1 credit)

ENG101--English Composition (3 credits)

PHY112--Physics (2 credits)

BIO120--Medical Terminology (2 credits)

BIO201--Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)

MTH100 or higher--Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)

SPH107 or SPH 106 (3 credits)

PSY200--General Psychology (3 credits)

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (HUM101 or MUS101 or ART100 or THR120) (3 credits)

We strongly recommend using the GPA calculation chart (located on the DMS Information Sheet linked on our website) to determine your eligibility. Required coursework GPAs under 2.5 will NOT be considered.

Back to top

Secure your UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT COPIES from ALL your colleges you have attended, including Lawson State for your DMS application.  Do NOT leave any colleges out. 

You must upload ALL unofficial transcripts to your DMS application regardless of whether or not they were previously submitted to the Admissions office (Including the Lawson State Community College transcripts).

We will NOT accept transfer credits listed on one transcript from a separate college, we need to see each transcript in its entirety. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain copies of each transcript from each institution previously attended and upload them to the application by the deadline. Failure to do so, will VOID your application.

Back to top

Complete your DMS Application.  Click here to access it.

Back to top

1. Have physical stamina to stand and walk for 8 hours or more in a clinical setting
2. Can stand on both legs, move from room to room, and maneuver in small spaces
3. Can bend the body downward and forward by bending at the spine and waist
4. Can flex and extend all joints freely
5. Can raise objects from a lower to higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position
6. Possess mobility, coordination and strength to push, pull, or transfer heavy objects (strength to lift 25 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. or more occasionally)
7. Possess manual dexterity, mobility, and stamina to perform CPR
8. Can seize, grasp, turn and otherwise work with both hands. Can pick, pinch, or otherwise work with fingers
9. Possess sufficient hearing to assess patients' needs, follow oral instructions, communicate orally with other health care workers, as well as respond to audible sounds of ultrasound equipment.
10. Possess the visual acuity to read, write, and assess the patient and the environment
11. Possess verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skill adequate to exchange ideas, detailed information, and instruction accurately
12. Able to read, comprehend, and write legibly in the English language
13. Able to interact purposefully and effectively with others
14. Able to convey sensitivity, respect, tact, and a mentally healthy attitude
15. Oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
16. Able to function safely and effectively during high stress periods

Back to top