Program Director’s Message

Thank you for your interest in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Polk State College. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program fosters and supports creative and positive learning experiences within an atmosphere of academic excellence and continuous improvement. Our goal is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal Sonography- Extended and for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography.

The DMS Program provides students an organized curriculum that includes general education courses in addition to the required core courses. The program emphasizes the responsibilities of the sonographer in promoting high clinical standards within the field of sonography. These responsibilities include independent decision-making and critical thinking vital in assisting physicians in their diagnosis.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by approximately 17% through 2029, which is faster than average for all occupations. As technology increases in the medical imaging field and the aging and retiring population increases, job opportunities will be available in various areas including hospitals, private physician offices, and diagnostic imaging centers. The national median annual wage for sonographers is approximately $74,320 (May 2019). These earnings vary greatly based on factors such as geographic location, experience, place of work, and various shift assignments.

Thank you again for your interest in our program. For further information please contact me:

Merrybeth Etherton, BS, RDMS (ABD, OB/GYN)
Program Director, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Polk State College
Office: ASL 139
Phone: 863.669.2948
E-mail: metherton@polk.edu