DCVS Frequently Questions

 
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

The application period for the DCVS program is March 15th through June 1st each year and the program begins fall semester.

The information packet includes a checklist with requirements and instructions for applying.

Applicants are ranked primarily on pre-requisite final grades and HESI A2 exam scores.

Prerequisite classes must be completed by the June 1st application deadline. Official transcripts for prerequisite courses must be submitted by the June 1st application deadline.

DCVS classes are offered Monday through Friday. We do not offer weekend or evening classes at this time. However, Pediatric Echocardiography labs will be held during the evenings. Classes are hybrid and labs are on campus.

Clinicals are located at varying sites in Houston and the surrounding area. Students are assigned the clinical location by the clinical coordiantor. Students cannot request clinical placement.

All schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the DCVS program.

The DCVS program is very demanding in terms of time and effort. While some students are employed during their enrollment, a full-time work schedule of 40 hours/week is difficult to maintain. Work schedules must be planned around classroom and clinical requirements and must also be flexible since lecture and clinical hours may change from semester to semester. 

Yes, clinical sites require students to have health insurance. The agencies do not specify the types of coverage or the extent of coverage you should buy; they just require you to be covered by a health insurance policy. 

No, books may be purchased at the College Store.

Yes, go to sdms.org to find out how.

Licensure- Currently there is no state required licensure in Texas, but that may change in the future. Only four states require licensure in addition to credentials (New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Oregon). 
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Credentialling- Different from state licensure. Credentials are gained by passing a board exam at the end of the program and is a requirement of most facilities before hiring a graduate. Vascular sonography MUST be registered or credentialed in order to perform exams and gain Medicare reimbursement. Students of our program are eligible to take the registry exam with either the ARDMS or CCI in the last semester of the program prior to graduation. 

YES, registry is available through the ARDMS and CCI. The exam requirements are based on the individuals level of education and experience. 

Depends on training, education, experience, and registry. Average starting salary for new graduates is at least $58,000. Experienced registered sonographers can expect to make between $60,000 and $80,000 annually according to the department of labor.  

Hospitals, diagnostic clinics, cardiovascular specialist offices, contract businesses, agencies. 

Career opportunities remain strong nationally and within the region. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that sonography is a rapidly growing field expected to add over 21,100 jobs between 2016-2026. It's data also indicates that the Houston Metro region employs over 1,700 sonographers with an annual wage mean of $85,080. Starting salary for a new graduate is generally around $55,000. Recruiters contact ACC regularly about qualified graduates to fill job openings.

We let you know of openings, but it is up to you and the employer if you get the job. Several agencies do market this program for employees. 

Email sonography@alvincollege.edu or call 281-756-5625.

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