This program is intended to be self-contained and therefore does not accept credits from transfer students, credits for experiential learning, or requests for advanced standing. Candidates for admission to the School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography must comply with one of the three admission standards below:

1. Graduation from a two-year AMA recognized Allied Health Occupation Training Program provided that that program included general college-level physics and/or radiographic physics, a communications course (speech or composition), pathophysiology or equivalent, patient care, medical ethics and law, medical terminology, and human anatomy and physiology.

Approved programs include: 

• Radiologic Technology
• Registered Nursing
• Medical Technology
• Respiratory Therapist
• Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant

Applicants that graduated from a two-year program that did not offer all of the required courses may apply if they took the deficit course(s) at a college level. Board examinations must be successfully completed within the 90-day probationary period to remain in good standing. Applicants choosing to apply under this standard must have also had an algebra, statistics, or higher mathematics course at the college level.2. Graduation from a four-year accredited baccalaureate institution with a Bachelor of Science. The applicants are required to have completed coursework (minimum 3 credits) in each of the following areas with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

2.  Graduation from a four-year accredited baccalaureate institution with a Bachelor of Science. The applicants are required to have completed coursework (minimum 3 credits) in each of the following areas with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Algebra or higher mathematics
• Pathophysiology or equivalent
• Biology or Microbiology
• Basic Physics or higher
• Communications (English, Speech or Composition)

Other suggested coursework includes embryology, and cross-sectional anatomy.

3. A student enrolled in an undergraduate program that has a consortium agreement with the school. Currently Concordia University of Wisconsin (Mequon, Wisconsin) and Mt. Mary College (Milwaukee) has such an agreement. Please see school counselor for more information.

Candidates applying under admission standards 2 or 3 must have recently documented patient care experience dealing directly with patients in either a hospital or nursing home setting. This can be met in one of two ways..

• Documentation of successful completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant course (minimum of 120 hours)
• Documentation of completion of a minimum of 400 hours of patient care experience. This experience must be within one year of applying to the program. A letter of verification from your supervisor during this experience.
  • Hours of involvement
  • Scope of involvement
  • An evaluation of your performance

This letter should be typed on official stationery and must include a contact phone number.

Physicians are not eligible for admission into St. Francis School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program's philosophy is to fulfill a nationwide need for qualified sonographers. It is not intended to be a fellowship program.

English fluency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential to succeed in the program and to ensure patient safety. If English is a second language, you must be able to demonstrate fluency to the satisfaction of the selection committee.

Immunization record
For the protection of patients, students and employees, and in compliance with state regulations, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare requires you to be properly immunized. You must show proof of the following immunizations before you begin a program:

• Tuberculin test in the past six months
• Varicella, rubella and rubeola immunity
• Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declination

Documentation of vaccinations must be provided to Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- St. Francis Associate Health Service prior to the start of class.

Health status 
You will undergo a health review at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- St. Francis and will have the opportunity to update or receive the required tests and immunizations cited above. More information about the health review will be provided after you have been offered a program appointment. Appointment to the program depends upon successful completion of the health review

CPR
You must hold a current, valid cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certification at the time you begin the program and keep the certification current throughout your enrollment in the program.

Medical insurance
Students are required to maintain a health insurance policy during the program. You must provide evidence of health insurance at the start of the program.

Background check
You must pass a criminal background check required by the State of Wisconsin. You must also pass a drug screening test prior to enrollment.

Student responsibilities
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, examinations and assigned clinical rotations unless they are given an approved absence. To continue in the program you must pass the Orientation course given during the first week of the program. You must also maintain an accumulated GPA of 3.0 or above in each course within the program and you are required to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times.Technical standards
To be considered for admittance you should exhibit strong qualifications for the health profession you wish to pursue. Applicants to programs must possess the following general qualities:

• Good analytic ability with ability to apply knowledge and reach decisions
• Ability to perceive spatial relationships, think visually
• Self-confidence and ability to work independently
• Mature outlook on personal relationships
• Respect for the diversity of others
• Flexibility
• Enjoyment of serving others.
• Able to sit/stand relatively still for long periods

In addition to the general standards described above, the Sonography Program requires the following physical abilities:

• Lift/carry an average of 20lbs. from 26-75% of the time.
• Push/pull an average of 50lbs. from 26-75% of the time
• Reach overhead 0-25% of the time.
• Climb 0-25% of the time.
• Squat/bend/kneel 76-100% of the time.
• Sit 26-75% of the time.
• Stand 76-100% of the time.
• Walk/move 76-100% of the time
• Distinguish audible Doppler signals.
• Adequately view images, including color distinctions

You must be able to perform the essential functions of the profession and meet the standards of the curriculum. To seek exceptions to these standards or reasonable accommodations, you should initiate a request with the program director.