Trinity Health and DCB Partner to Provide Sonography Program

Trinity Health and Dakota College at Bottineau created a partnership in 2019 to offer the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program in Minot. Full time students who follow the recommended curriculum course sequence can complete their associate of applied science degree in approximately 28 months.  

Preparing students to be professionals in DMS, also known as sonographers, includes offering coursework in human anatomy and physiology, pathology, ultrasound physics, equipment operation and safe, quality patient care. Graduates will have the opportunity to practice in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and in many specialty clinic settings.  

During the last semester of the program, students are eligible to apply for the Sonography Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) examination through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  Upon successfully passing the SPI, graduates are eligible to apply for other specialty examinations such is Abdomen and/or Obstetric/Gynecologic exams.  

Admission to the DMS program is limited and competitive based upon accreditation standards and guidelines as well as the available resources. A maximum of four students are accepted each year. Applications are due by March 31, 2021.
Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) degree must complete the college application for admission and a secondary application to the DMS program. Students are jointly admitted to Dakota College and Trinity Health Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Preference is given to applicants who have:

• A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• An ACT composite score of 20 or higher
• Previous patient care experience
• Observed sonographic procedures
• Prerequisite coursework that is less than seven years old
• A bachelor's degree or are enrolled in an affiliated university
• No more than two courses in progress at the time of interviews

“This is great career and technical educational opportunity in healthcare,” says Larry Brooks, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Services. “It is an excellent opportunity for our students as the partnership with Trinity Health provides hands-on clinical experience with a clear career pathway to follow.”