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SONOGRAPHY FAQs
Questions about Sonography as a Profession
• How much is the annual salary for graduates in this area?
See the following link from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm#earnings
• What is the career outlook for Sonographers?
See the following link from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm#outlook
• As a Sonographer, will I be exposed to needles and/or bodily fluids?
Yes. A Sonographer is involved in direct patient care which sometimes involves dealing with patient
IV’s, catheters, drainage tubes, colostomy bags, etc. There are certain sonography procedures that
require fluid aspirations, contrast injections, biopsies, and tube placements. Some patients may
experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, voiding, fainting, and cardiac arrest during a procedure.
The Sonographer must be skilled in dealing with these conditions professionally when the patient is
in the Sonographer’s care.
Questions about the Weatherford College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
• How do I apply for the Sonography Program?
Application requirements include the following: Submit Weatherford College application, official
transcripts, and evidence of Texas Success Initiative or completion to the Office of Student Affairs.
- Complete Sonography Program prerequisites. Science courses (BIOL 2401 and 2401) must be
current within the past 5 years at time of admission. If prior medical work experience can be
proven, the Program Director may grant a waiver for the time limit on science courses on
a case-by-case basis.
- Complete TEAS test with a minimum score of 70% each on the reading comprehension and
math sections.
- Complete first Hepatitis B shot, if applicable.
- Submit Allied Health Application to Allied Health Office, Office C with the following:
• Official Transcripts
• TEAS Scores
• Proof of Hepatitis B vaccine (three dose series), proof of positive titer, or Dept. of State
Health Services waiver. This is a 4 - 6 month process and must be completed prior
to the Fall semester.
• Consideration for credit for medical work experience requires submission of training
certificate, transcripts, and a resume with references.
• When can I apply?
Applications for admission will be accepted beginning the first business day in December through
the last business day of February each year.
• What college physics class is required for the prerequisite?
Any college level physics course that is accepted. If it is a transfer class, it must transfer to
Weatherford College as a college level physics course.
• How long is the Sonography Program?
The Sonography Program lasts five semesters, or 22 months. It is a full-time program, Monday -
Friday. Between classes and clinical, you will attend 5 days per week.
• Can I work while I am a student in the program?
Working during the program is highly discouraged. The program is academically intense and the
amount of time a Sonography student must spend in the program and studying is significant. You
should plan ahead for your financial situation.The amount of absences allowed are very low. It is
also very important to have reliable and dependable transportation to and from clinicals.
• What kind of schedule/hours can I expect to attend while in the program?
The Sonography Program lasts five semesters, or 22 months. It is a full-time program, Monday -
Friday. Between classes and clinical, you will attend 5 days per week.
• Can I complete the program on a part-time basis?
No. The Sonography Program is a full-time program offered during weekday, daytime hours.
• Can I take classes in the evening?
No. The Sonography Program is a full-time program offered during weekday, daytime hours.
• Is the program accredited?
The Weatherford College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation
of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street • Clearwater, FL 33756 • 727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
• How many students are accepted in the program?
The goal for the program is to accept 12-15 students per year. This number may change depending on
the availability of clinical sites for the program.
• If I am an x-ray technologist or have an advanced degree, is there an accelerated plan for me to
enter the program?
Currently, there is not an accelerated degree plan offered. You must meet all of the application criteria,
be selected for the program, and attend the entire program as offered.
• Is there a waiting list for the program if I do not get accepted?
No, applicants are ranked within the pool for the year of application. If they do not get accepted and still
wish to attend, they must reapply and meet all criteria the following year. They will however, receive
points (with a cap) for reapplying. For further information, please contact the Program Director or
Administrative Assistant.
• Can I submit letters of recommendation?
No. Letters of recommendation, resumes, etc. are not accepted.
• Can I apply if I have not completed my prerequisites?
Currently, you may still apply if you have completed all prerequisites or can provide proof that you are
enrolled in the final prerequisite courses at the time of application. If you are accepted, it will be con-
tingent on your completing the courses with a grade of “C” or higher. You will be assigned a grade of
“C” for applicant ranking purposes. Please be aware that this policy may change in the future.
• What is the minimum number of points I need to get admitted into the program?
There is no way to predict this number because the applicant pool is different each year.
Questions about the Echocardiography Certificate Program
• What is the Echocardiography Certificate?
The Echocardiography Certificate is a two semester, 24 credit hour program offered to provide
graduates an opportunity to learn echocardiography. Application to the program does not guarantee
selective admission to the Echocardiography Certificate Program. The number of students admitted to
this program is limited. Students admitted to the Echocardiography Certificate Program are selected on
the basis of admission to the college, reading, writing, and math level, prior educational achievement,
and health status. For specific application information and deadlines, contact the Sonography Program
Director or the academic counselor.
• Can I apply for the Echocardiography Certificate Program?
This course is offered to 1) graduates of a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program who are interested
in advanced training in echocardiography or 2) registered sonographers who are interested in cross-
training into echocardiography and/or preparing for the echocardiography certification boards.
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