Feb 28, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, B.S. (Pending Final Approval)


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The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practice of medical ultrasound imaging. The curriculum emphasizes the application of advanced anatomy and physiology, critical thinking, and technical skill development to support the assessment of human function and the identification of disease processes.

Coursework prepares students to operate complex ultrasound and ancillary imaging equipment and to integrate scientific knowledge with advanced technical skills in the visualization of internal structures. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, professional judgment, and compassionate patient-centered care within a variety of health care settings.

Graduates develop the competencies necessary to work under the guidance of radiologists and other health care professionals and to function effectively in roles requiring direct patient contact. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography major prepares students for entry into professional practice in medical imaging and for continued professional development within the diagnostic and clinical sciences.

Requirements for the major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, B.S. program


Students completing a B.S. degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography must complete a minimum of 120 credits and the following:

Schedule of Classes


Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Pre-Professional Courses


All courses below must be completed prior to formal admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Degree Completion at Henry Ford Health


The final 60 credits of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will be completed through a DMS affiliate program with Henry Ford Health. Students must complete one of the following degree completion affiliate programs, enrollment in which requires admission through the formal application process (see “Admission” below for more details).

Henry Ford Hospital Detroit


This program has a September start with an August graduation (24-month program, 60 credits). In order to satisfy the Degree Completion at Henry Ford Health requirement, students must complete the following courses:

Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital


This program has a January start with an October graduation (21-month program, 60 credits). In order to satisfy the Degree Completion at Henry Ford Providence Hospital - Southfield requirement, students must complete the following courses:

Admission


To be accepted into a DMS affiliate program, students must submit a formal application for each program for which they seek consideration.

This degree is affiliated with the Henry Ford Health System DMS Program in Detroit, and Henry Ford Providence Hospital’s DMS Program in Southfield. In addition to submitting a formal application, students may also be required to interview, acquire and maintain CPR certification for Health Care Providers, job shadow in sonography, obtain clinical medical experience, and/or take an admissions exam. Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 overall GPA to be considered for acceptance.

Acceptance into a DMS program is competitive and not guaranteed. Acceptance is determined by each DMS program affiliate and is based on prerequisite course-work GPA, specific course grades, interview, previous work experience, letters of recommendation, and documentation of required patient care and shadowing experience. Students who are accepted to an accredited DMS program will receive all academic and clinical education from instructors employed by that program. Grades while attending the DMS hospital will be reported to Oakland for their OU transcript pass/fail, however letter grades will be utilized on the program transcript. Students should check the clinical affiliate program’s websites for exact application dates, prerequisite requirements, and grade requirements.

Clinical Rotations


Clinical rotations will be determined by their affiliated hospitals and clinics. Students will be awarded the degree upon successful completion of all university and hospital affiliate program graduation requirements. Grades while attending the DMS hospital programs will be reported to Oakland for their transcript as pass/fail, however letter grades will be utilized on the program transcript.

Other Program Affiliate Requirements


Upon acceptance into a clinical affiliate program, students are responsible for adhering to all clinical site policies regarding CPR certification, background check, immunizations, TB testing, drug testing, and all onboarding and annual learning requirements. In order to protect patients and provide a safe environment for students, staff, and the public, all students are required to have up-to-date immunizations, including the seasonal flu vaccine. If an applicant fails to comply with the immunization policy, or fails the background check, the applicant’s acceptance into the program will be rescinded. Vaccine exemption forms may be considered, but it will be determined by the program clinical affiliate. Students are required to obtain and maintain their own medical insurance coverage for the duration of the sonography program.

Grade point policy


Students in the DMS program whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.80, or those who do not meet the affiliate DMS program grade requirements, are not able to graduate with a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. In these cases, students may be eligible to graduate with a Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Pre-clinical professional degree.

Academic Advising


All students are required to meet with their professional academic advisor in the School of Health Sciences at least once a year to review progress toward their degree.

Graduation requirements and grade point policy


Students in the DMS degree program whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.80, or those who do not meet the affiliate DMS program grade requirements, are not able to graduate.

General Education Requirements


In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses.

Each candidate for an Oakland University baccalaureate will need to satisfactorily complete approved courses in each of the following areas: Foundations, Explorations, and Integration. For details, refer to the General Education Requirements section of the catalog.

Applicable Minors


All Minors are applicable to this major with the exception of the following Minor(s): Child Welfare, International Orientation for EGR/CS, and Sustainability Engineering.

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