Bergen Community College

Which courses do I need before I can apply to the DMS program?

BIO-109 Anatomy & Physiology I
PHY-185 Introduction to Physics
MAT-040 Algebra (or higher math)

IMPORTANT: Both Anatomy and Physiology and Physics must be 4 credits with an in-person lab, have a final grade of at least a C, and must have been completed within the past 5 years from the time of application to the DMS program.

I’m applying to the program as a high school student. Are my prerequisites different?

Yes. If you are applying as a current high school student, your prerequisites are Advanced Placement Biological Science (AP test documentation required), Advanced Placement Physics (AP test documentation required), and high school Algebra. If you have not taken these courses in high school, you will need to take BIO-109 Anatomy & Physiology I, PHY-185 Introduction to Physics, and MAT-040 Algebra, as a college student before applying to the program.

I already have a bachelor’s degree. Are my prerequisites different?

You will still need Anatomy & Physiology I and a Physics course. Both Anatomy and Physiology and Physics must be 4 credits with an in-person lab, have a final grade of at least a C, and must have been completed within the past 5 years from the time of application to the DMS program. You will not need to take Algebra.

What is the minimum GPA required?

Minimum GPA: 2.5

What else is required before I can apply to the DMS program?

1. Be sure Accuplacer Basic Skills Test has been completed or waived. For more information regarding the Accuplacer Basic Skills Test visit the Office of Testing’s Health Profession Applicants Placement Testing
2. ALL applicants must register for and attend a Health Professions Information Session prior to applying to the program. To register, visit bergen.edu/hpinfo

I’ve taken courses at another college. Will those courses transfer?

For questions regarding transfer of credits, email our Transcript Evaluator at [email protected]

Am I able to transfer my DMS courses from another sonography program?

No, all core Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) courses must be completed within the Bergen Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.

How do I apply to the DMS program?

Applications can be found on the Bergen Community College’s Health Professions webpage October 15 – January 15. Before you submit your application, be sure you have:

1. Completed all three prerequisites with a final grade of C or higher.
2. Sent all transcripts from outside colleges to Bergen Community College.
3. Ensured Accuplacer basic skills test has been completed or waived.
4. Registered for and attended a Health Professions Information Session.

What is the DMS application deadline?

January 15th is the application deadline for September admission.

How many students apply to the program?

On an average, there are more than 200 applications each year so admission to the program is very competitive.

How many students are admitted each year?

15 students.

I applied to the DMS program. What’s next?

1. Check your email daily since the following steps all have time sensitive deadlines. The admissions team will review all applications and transcripts.
2. If you met the perquisites a notification will be sent regarding Criminal History Background Check (CHBC). Usually in mid- to late-February
3. Pending negative/clear CHBC results, instructions will be emailed to you regarding how to schedule HESI exam. End of February
4. You will be given a window of time to complete the HESI exam. Early March
5. After the window closes, all candidate HESI scores and GPAs are reviewed. Early April
6. Notification will be sent regarding acceptance or denial to admission to the DMS Program. Mid-April

How should I prepare for the HESI exam?

The Admissions Assessment Examination for Diagnostic Medical Sonography covers the following subject areas:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Math
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Personality Profile
• Learning Style

Suggested study resource: HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review, 5th edition, Elsevier

What is the passing score on the HESI?

There is no minimum score. A combination of the HESI scores and GPA are used to select the top 15 qualifying candidates to start the program in September.

What if I am not selected? Can I take the HESI again?

If you are not admitted to the program, you may apply again next year. You may take the HESI only once per application season. If you choose to apply the following year, you will again need to attend an information session, apply before the deadline, and take the HESI once your application is reviewed.

How much is tuition?

Calculate your tuition cost by visiting the tuition and fees webpage which will allow you to figure your individual cost based on your county/state of residency and the number of credits you need to take. The program is 66 credits in total.

What are the approximate expenses related to the program in addition to tuition and fees?

In addition to tuition and fees which can be calculated by visiting the tuition and fees webpage, there are other expenses throughout the program. Costs for uniforms, textbooks, technology, and licensing exams total approximately $2000. (Fees will vary year to year). These additional costs may be considered in financial aid packages.

Where can I find financial aid information?

Financial aid information can be explored on the financial aid webpage or by stopping by the One-Stop Center on the Paramus campus.

How long is the program?

2 years including a summer session between the 1st and 2nd year.

How many days a week will I be expected to devote to my education?

Depending on the semester, expect to have classes 4-5 days a week with assignments in each. This program requires a full-time commitment.

Are there evening or online courses?

The courses are almost exclusively day time courses and all lectures and labs are in-person.

Where will I go for my clinical experience?

We have approximately twenty clinical affiliates which include both hospitals and outpatient facilities, stretching from surrounding New Jersey counties to the Hudson Valley region of New York.

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the Bergen Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program in Abdomen-Extended, OB/Gyn, and Adult Cardiac since 1991.

Once I earn my degree, will I be able to start working?

Because our DMS program is accredited in Abdomen-Extended, OB/Gyn, and Adult Cardiac, our graduates are eligible to sit for any (or all) of these registries. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) awards the credentials for each passed registry. Those credentials allow you to be hired as a registered diagnostic sonographer.

Can I meet with an advisor to help plan my Pre-Health Professions schedule?

Absolutely. Please email [email protected] to sign up for advising.