Admission Process

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program uses a selective process to determine which students will be accepted into the program.  Acceptance into the program is based on a point system which includes scores from a behavior based interview, high school and college GPA's, and the number of additional science and math classes with a grade of "C" or better. The higher the grade on the science and math courses, the more points awarded.

The program accepts between 5-10 students each year based upon clinical site availability. Acceptance letters will be emailed out approximately one month after the interview process has been completed. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program starts each year in August.

To be considered for acceptance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program please complete and remain aware of the following steps:

• Fill out the application which can be downloaded from the link below or requested from the school.
• Send the application form to the school with the non-refundable $20.00 application fee. Please do not send cash. We accept checks and credit card payments. Checks should be made payable to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic. For credit card payments call Gloria at 216-692-7512.
• Send your official high school and college transcripts to the school.

Application Form

Please click here to view the Student Application. To view this application you must have Adobe Reader installed. For the latest version of Adobe Reader please visit Adobe's website. Deadline for application submission and completion of all pre-requisite courses is March 1st each year.

Technical Standards

• Candidates must have good eyesight either naturally or through correction.  They must be able to see the printed words in a sonography textbook and be able to read and accurately interpret the numbers on charts and diagrams.
• Candidates must have the ability to hear instructions and be able to respond to verbal requests by patients.
• Candidates must be able to life a minimum of thirty (30) pounds and possess the ability to support up to 175 pounds.  Sonographers must assist, support and move patients from wheelchairs and carts onto examination tables which requires the use of their back and muscles.
• Sonographers work while standing, sometimes for hours.  Candidates must be able to move around and stand for long periods of time.
• Sonographers must verbally instruct patients and be able to express concern and empathy for them.  Candidates must possess good verbal and nonverbal communication skills as evidenced from the application and interview process.  Sonographers must perform data entry with dexterity and accuracy.
• Candidates must be physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the objectives of the sonography program.  The school will make reasonable accommodations to assist a student with a disability to advance through the program.  However, candidates must be aware that the school is located on the third floor of a building with no elevator.  Candidates must have sensory function adequate for patient assessment and care.  They must possess the physical status needed to provide all aspects of care in a safe manner.  (Please see Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy)

Admissions

Individuals applying to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Health System shall:

• Possess a high school diploma or have earned a certificate of equivalent education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Applicants must have an accumulative GPA of 2.50
• All applicants must provide a current e-mail address with their application. This is needed to contact you for clinical observation and for access to the program learning management system. No application will be processed without a valid and current e-mail.
• All qualified candidates must participate in a behavior based personal interview with program officials.
• The program is not able to offer placement tests for the pre-requisite courses. All applicants must complete the college credit course pre-requisites.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program does not accept advanced placement, transfer students, or transfer credits from any college or sonography program.
• Have good eyesight either naturally or through correction. They must be able to see the printed words in a sonography textbook and be able to read and accurately interpret numbers on a chart.
• Possess the ability to hear instructions and respond to verbal requests by patient/customers.
• Be able to lift a minimum of thirty (30) pounds and possess the ability to support up to 175 pounds. Sonographers must assist, support and move patients from wheelchairs and carts onto examination tables which requires the use of their legs, backs and associated muscles.
• Be able to move around and stand hands free for long periods of time as sonographers work while standing, sometimes for hours at a time.
• Possess good verbal and nonverbal communication skills as evidenced by the application and interview process. Sonographers must verbally instruct patients and be able to express concern and empathy for patients.
• Sonographers must perform data entry with dexterity and accuracy.
• Students must be physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the objectives of the sonography program. The school will make reasonable accommodations to assist a student with a disability to advance through the program. Students must have sensory function adequate for patient assessment and care. They must possess the physical status needed to provide all aspects of care in a safe manner. (Please see Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities in the Admission Policy in the Student Policy & Procedure Manual). 

Pre-requisites

Candidates are encouraged to submit the pre-requisites by February 1st or until the program has sufficient applications that meet the requirements.  All courses must have a traditional letter grade. Candidates may be considered who meet most of the requirements if there is evidence that they will meet the requirements prior to the beginning of the program.

The School of Diagnostic Imaging does not accept the pass/no pass grading option. Credit(s) earned at other institutions or programs will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee using transfer.org to determine if they meet the program requirements.  

Applicants must have completed the following college credit pre-requisites with a grade of "C" or better:

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology I, completed within the last ten years
• Anatomy and Physiology II, completed within the last ten years
• Math (approved by program manager)
• Physics (approved by program manager)
• Communications (approved by program manager)

Please note: If you have completed Anatomy & Physiology I and are registered for Anatomy & Physiology II for the current semester for which you are applying, you may still apply to the program to be interviewed, but you must then complete the Anatomy & Physiology II successfully in that semester to be eligible for acceptance into the program.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability, and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.  

Criminal Background Check

All students accepted into the School of Diagnostic Imaging must complete a criminal background check. Students with a criminal record may not be eligible to participate in a clinical rotation, receive a professional licensure/registration, or obtain employment in the health field. The Cleveland Clinic covers the cost of the background check.  

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers must be completed prior to starting the program and we accept only Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association, or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross. Please submit a copy of your CPR card with your application. 

Health Requirements including vaccinations are located on the Clinical Health Requirements page.

Application

The deadline for applications for the August class is February 1st. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or may be obtained from the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Health System by calling 216-692-7867. Submit your completed form to the Program Director with a non-refundable $20 application fee. Please do not send cash. We accept checks, and credit card payments. Checks should be made payable to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic. For credit card payments, please call Gloria at 216-692-7512. Students must have their official high school and college transcripts mailed directly to the school.

Questions?   Contact Ashley Beltran: 216-692-7867 or [email protected]