Lansing Community College

Admission for Summer 2026

Transfer Transcript Deadline: March 1
Application Deadline: April 1

Date revised: 7/29/2025

Program Information

This program is Selective Admissions, which means admission is on a competitive basis and does have program-specific entrance requirements. Admission is determined using a point system; those with the highest total points each year will be selected for the available seats.

The program admits once a year and starts every Summer semester (June). Upon program completion, students earn an Ultrasound: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) of Applied Science degree from LCC. Prior healthcare experience is not needed to pursue Sonography. For more information on this program and career, visit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program page.

Application Deadline Number of Students Admitted Annually Program Duration
(once admitted)		 Program Format
April 1 Approximately 22 15 months
(4 consecutive semesters)		 In-Person
*Some courses are hybrid (50% online)

The DMS program prepares an individual to use ultrasonic equipment. The sonographer produces images to demonstrate body parts, and assist the physician in the diagnosis of medical abnormalities, using equipment with a high frequency sound wave (much like sonar). Answers to frequently asked questions are available on the FAQ page.

Application Process

Follow the steps below to apply to Lansing Community College’s Ultrasound: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Admission into the college does not guarantee entrance into a Selective Admissions program. For questions about the application process, email selective_admissions@star.lcc.edu.

  1. Apply to LCC

  2. *Transfer Students

    Have ALL of your previous colleges send official transcripts directly to LCC’s Registrar’s Office by March 1st. Courses must transfer into LCC as the exact class to satisfy an admission requirement.

    Find out where to send your transcripts and how your classes will transfer to LCC using our Equivalencies webpage. Students submitting non-US transcripts for credit transfer evaluation should request a credit evaluation report to be sent directly to LCC's Registrar’s Office. The report must be prepared by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). Contact one of the NACES member organizations listed at naces.org to obtain a credit evaluation request form.

    ***Your transfer school’s grading system will be used to convert letter grades to numerical. Grading scales vary by school. For most Colleges (not all), a 2.5 grade is equivalent to a B.***

  3. Meet with an Academic Advisor for Course Planning

    Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. Academic Advisors are available in the Gannon building StarZone. The lead health careers advisors are Eric Bennett, Matt Boeve, and Angela Kuhlman.
    *To get the most out of your appointment, ALL transfer transcripts and placement levels should be on record with LCC prior to meeting with an advisor.

  4. Complete Admissions Requirements

    See Admissions Requirements below.

  5. Submit Selective Admissions Application and Payment
    The application and payment are due by April 1st.

    Once you have completed the steps above and the admission requirements are either complete or you are on track to finish them at LCC by December 31st,

    1. Submit the online Selective Admission Application located on the Advising Guide site. Applications open in September.

    2. Then pay the $20 non-refundable application fee at the Selective Admissions Store.

    Check out LCC’s Academic Calendars for important semester dates and deadlines.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must complete all of the following to be eligible for admission. Coursework must be successfully completed by the December 31st to be considered. Only courses listed on your LCC record, which includes transfer credit, can be used to satisfy an admission requirement. Completion of the requirements does not guarantee admission into a Selective Admission program.

Admission Requirements Minimum Grade
Minimum overall college GPA 2.75
BIOL 201 AND BIOL 202 OR BIOL 145
*BIOL 201 & 202 is recommended for transferability
*See Note 1
 2.5 / *B
PHYS 120 OR PHYS 200
*See Note 2
 2.0 / *C+
Mathematics Applied Degrees General Education: MATH 120, STAT 170, STAT 215, OR any course from the College Algebra section on the General Education webpage 2.5 / *B
English Composition Applied Degrees General Education: ENGL 121, 122, 127, 131, OR 132
*See Note 3
 2.5 / *B
Communication Applied Degrees General Education: COMM 110, 120, 130, 240 OR SIGN 160
*Other courses cannot be substituted
*See Note 3
 2.5 / *B
Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences Applied Degrees General Education: SOCL 120 OR any course from the Humanities & Fine Arts, Social Sciences, or Applied Social Sciences sections on the General Education webpage
*See Note 3
 2.5 / *B
CHSE 120: Medical Terminology (optional, but required for the DMS degree)
*See Note 4
 2.5 / *B
Admission Requirements Notes
  1. Anatomy & Physiology must be completed within 8 years of the application deadline.
  2. If you completed a 3-4 credit Physics course at another college and it does not transfer into LCC, contact Selective Admissions for approval – selective_admissions@star.lcc.edu.
  3. The general education requirement for English, Communication, and/or Humanities/Fine Arts/Social Science will be waived by Selective Admissions only if the student has an Associate’s or higher degree and there are no classes completing the requirement(s) on the student’s academic record. Official transcripts on record with LCC’s Registrar’s Office must show proof of degree.
  4. CHSE 120 is not required to be eligible for the DMS program, but points are awarded for successful completion. If not completed prior to applying, it must be completed during the first semester of the program as it is a Degree requirement.

*TRANSFER STUDENTS: Your transfer school’s grading system will be used to convert letter grades to numerical. Grading scales vary by school; a 2.5 is typically equivalent to a B and a 2.0 is usually equivalent to a B-. Official transcripts from all transferring colleges must be on file with LCC’s Registrars office by March 1st to be considered.

Point System

Applicants who complete all of the admission requirements will be ranked using the following point system. Those with the highest total points will be selected for the available seats. Admission decisions are made early May.

Point Criteria
Applicants who have direct-patient care experience in a health field will earn points for one of the following:
*See Note 1, 4
 
  • 20 points: 10+ years of paid work experience
  • 15 points: 5-9 years of paid work experience
  • 10 points: 1-4 years of paid work experience
  • 5 points: 1-11.99 months of paid work experience
  • 2 points: Less than 1 month of paid work experience or a minimum of 8 hours/month for at least 90 days of volunteer experience
Applicants who have graduated from an accredited Radiologic Technology program will earn 15 points.
*See Note 2, 4
Applicants who complete a job shadow in a general sonography department (not vascular or ECHO) will earn 2 points.
*See Note 3, 4
A Physics grade of 3.5 or higher will earn 7 points.
*See Note 4
Points will be awarded for one of the following:
*See Note 4
 
  • 12 points: Grade of 3.0 or higher in BIOL 201 and BIOL 202
  • 10 points: Grade of 3.5 or higher in BIOL 145
Applicants who have an Associate’s Degree or higher will earn 10 points.
*See Note 2, 4
Points will be awarded for completion of each of the following courses with a minimum grade of 2.5:
*See Note 4
 
  • 4 points: CHSE 100
  • 5 points: CHSE 114
  • 4 points: CHSE 117
  • 5 points: CHSE 120
  • 2 points: CHSE 136
  • 5 points: PFHW 163
  • 5 points: PFHW 181
  • 6 points: BIOL 121 OR BIOL 127

The following points are awarded based on GPA of all courses required for admission and any additional point classes:

  • 30 points: 3.75-4.00
  • 25 points: 3.50-3.74
  • 20 points: 3.25-3.49
  • 15 points: 3.00-3.24
  • 10 points: 2.75-2.99
  • 5 points: 2.60-2.74
Applicants who did not use transfer credits (including AP & CLEP exams) to satisfy any of the admission requirements will earn 2 points.
*See Note 4
The following points will be awarded for candidates who had completed all of the admission requirements and were not admitted due to the point system:
*See Note 4
 
  • 3 points: Received 3 denial letters
  • 2 points: Received 2 denial letter
Point System Notes
  1. Proof of work or volunteer experience must be documented by the HR department or a supervisor on business letterhead and include dates of employment/volunteering, position title, and a brief description of duties. To earn points, documentation must be attached to your application (preferred) or emailed to selective_admissions@star.lcc.edu by the application deadline. Paystubs and W2 tax statements are not accepted.
    *Direct-patient care is defined as giving one-on-one medical attention to patients in a healthcare setting. Examples of direct-patient care job duties include taking vitals, administering medication, assisting with mobility, helping the patient with hygiene/bathing, carrying out medical treatment plans, giving general medical care, etc. Direct-patient care must be a primary job responsibility to earn points.
  2. Only degrees completed by December 31st are considered. Transfer students must show proof of degree via an official transcript sent to LCC’s Registrars Office. Applicants who earn(ed) their degree at LCC will automatically be awarded points for this criteria. To determine if you are eligible for a degree at LCC, meet with an academic advisor early on in the Fall semester for a degree audit. Students must submit a degree application by November 15th to earn a Fall semester degree. More information is available on the Registrar Forms page.
  3. Proof of job shadow must be documented by an official representative of the facility on business letterhead and include facility name, date shadowed, contact information and signature of the sonographer you shadowed. To earn points, documentation must be attached to your application (preferred) or emailed to selective_admissions@star.lcc.edu by the application deadline. These 2-points will only be awarded once regardless if multiple job shadows have been completed.
  4. This point criteria is optional. Only applicants who meet the criteria will earn points in this category.

In the case of a tie in total points, preference will be given to the candidate who submitted their application first.

Program Layout

Admitted applicants and those selected as an alternate will be required to attend a mandatory program orientation that typically occurs mid to late May. Candidates are advised to plan accordingly.

Those admitted to the Ultrasound: Diagnostic Medical Technology (DMS) program begin during LCC’s Summer semester. The program is 4 consecutive semesters spanning over 15 months. This is a cohort program meaning class sequence and schedules are set.

Students are in a DMS activity 3 days/week during the first Summer semester of the program and 5 days/week during the remaining 3 semesters. Most courses meet during the weekday between the hours of 8am-5pm; however, some events may run till 8pm. While most course content is delivered in-person at LCC’s Downtown Lansing campus, some lectures are online. Classes are not held on the weekend but students may rotate through 1st shift, 2nd shift, and weekend rotation for clinicals. Clinical experience begins during the 2nd semester of the program. Clinicals are 3 days per week during the Fall semester, 4 days per week during the Spring semester, and 5 days/week during the final Summer semester. The course load for this program is equivalent to a full-time job. Therefore, participants are encouraged to reduce their work hours as much as possible while in the program.

The majority of clinical sites are within a 200-mile radius of LCC’s Downtown Lansing campus. There is also a clinical site in Marquette, MI. Students can be placed at any clinical site regardless of distance. Participants should expect to drive upwards of 2.5 hours to at least one of their clinical sites. Students are responsible for their own transportation and any cost associated with it.

Upon program completion, students earn an Ultrasound: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Associate of Applied Science degree. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for certification. Passing this allows them to practice as a registered diagnostic medical sonography (RDMS).

A complete program pathway, including course layout and course sequence, is available on the college’s Degree and Certificate Program Pathways page.

Please be advised that all verbal, written, and patient care are delivered in English.

Program Cost

The approximate cost in 2025-2026 for a DMS student who receives in-district tuition rates is $22,336.25; this includes the cost of the admission requirements and in-program courses along with DMS supplies and textbooks.

Be advised some in-program classes have a portion of the course fee that is non-refundable. Any student who registers for the class and then drops, withdraws, or is otherwise ineligible for the program will not be refunded the non-refundable portion. The non-refundable amount and the items included in course fees vary by class. More information will be provided at the program orientation that occurs after admission decisions are made.

Program Cost

Criminal Background Check

In order for this program to be in compliance with Michigan Public Act 26 of 2006, a Criminal Background investigation is required for all students. Directions for completing a Background Check, which may include fingerprinting and drug testing, will be given at the program orientation that occurs after admission decisions are made. Please note digital fingerprinting may be required by the State of Michigan at the time of application for career licensure. To comply with State and Federal statutes, admission to this program will be denied for any of the following:

  • Any felony conviction within 15 years + three years’ probation prior to application.
  • Any misdemeanor within ten years prior to application that involved or is similar to the following:
    • Abuse, neglect, assault, battery
    • Criminal sexual conduct
    • Fraud or theft against a vulnerable adult (as defined by the Michigan penal code)

It is the student’s responsibility – prior to pursuing the program – to know whether they are prohibited from providing clinical services.

The Michigan Workforce Background Check Program provides detailed information regarding the types of crimes and their implications to employment suitability in health care facilities and agencies.

Any student who has been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor crime after admission to the program must contact the Program Director within 72 hours of the charge. Students convicted of certain crime(s) may become ineligible for clinical/externship privileges and/or professional certification/licensure, and therefore, may be dismissed from the Program.

Environmental Conditions - Standard Precautions

Applicants must be aware students in this program and profession will be exposed to blood, body tissues, and fluids. There is the potential of exposure to electrical hazards, hazardous waste materials, radiation, poisonous substances, chemicals, loud or unpleasant noises and high stress emergency situations. Students enrolled in this program and career path are at risk for exposure to blood and body fluids and transmission of blood-borne and other infectious diseases, including HIV. The Americans with Disabilities Act forbids discrimination against patients with infectious diseases; therefore, students are required to treat all patients assigned, regardless of the disease-state of the patient. Standard precautions must be followed when treating each patient.

Immunizations and Clinical Requirements

Applicants admitted to this program are required to present evidence from a licensed healthcare provider that they have completed ALL of the following immunizations.

  • Covid**
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza (flu)**
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
  • Tdap
  • Varicella

**Immunization exemptions may be accepted by the third-party healthcare facilities with whom we partner. Should a student request an exemption at a third-party healthcare facility, it is their responsibility to secure that exemption from the facility. They will be required to request the exemption for every clinical rotation site during their time in the LCC Imaging Program. Students must be aware that if there is a change in the immunization requirements at healthcare facilities it is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet all requirements. If not, it may impact their ability to complete the Imaging Program.

Admitted applicants must also provide the following documentation:

  • TB test results showing they are free from infection
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (healthcare provider)
  • A physical from a licensed healthcare provider
  • Negative results of a 10-Panel Drug screen
  • Results of a Background Check

These requirements are in accordance with professional standards and third-party clinical site requirements. Students are responsible for the cost associated with obtaining immunizations, physicals, BLS certification, and any other items relating to clinical eligibility. Clinical hours must be completed in-full in order to successfully complete this program as mandated by the program’s accrediting body and/or professional licensure/certification governances. Students who have not met all of the required clinical requirements, including vaccinations, are not eligible to participate in this program.

Applicants should be aware some vaccinations require a series of injections. In these instances, the entire series must be complete to participate in clinical activities. Titer results showing immunity are accepted for some of the vaccinations in lieu of proof of immunization. For most students the easiest way to verify your current vaccination status is to visit the Michigan Immunization Portal and access your State of Michigan immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). Students are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before starting the program to ensure they can meet these immunization and physical requirements.

More information about these requirements and how to submit them will be provided at the program orientation that occurs after admission decisions are made; do not submit these documents prior to being instructed to do so by program administration. Contact the Program Director for questions regarding clinical requirements.

Allergies

Latex sensitivity and allergy has grown as a health care concern in recent years. Beginning one’s professional life with a latex allergy presents unique problems because of the increased need to don gloves in both medical and non-medical settings, and unavoidable direct contact with products containing latex rubber (gloves, syringes, tubing, etc.), or by inhaling powder from latex gloves. Applicants with latex sensitivity and allergy are therefore encouraged to consult with their primary care physician to ensure their health and safety while participating in the program.

Insurance

Be aware Lansing Community College does not provide accident and health insurance coverage for students. The College provides liability insurance coverage for students in practicum for injuries and damages they cause to others. It does not cover injuries students sustain as a result of their own actions. Students must use personal funds or personal medical insurance as a primary medical coverage payment if accident or injury occurs or if emergency treatment is required.

Technical Skills Essential for the Field

In keeping with its mission and goals, and in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lansing Community College promotes an environment of respect and support for persons with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations. The definition of individuals with disabilities are those who currently have, have a record of having, or are regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, and working.

In order to fulfill the requirements of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Lansing Community College, students must be able to meet the physical demands associated with the profession. Listed below are physical demands, mental demands, and requirements identified for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.

If for any reason you are unable to meet 100% of the standard, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Center of Student Access to discuss your situation. For questions regarding these requirements, please contact the Program Director at 517-483-1412.

Motor, Cognitive, & Psychological Requirements

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is considered a strenuous profession. In order to perform the duties of this profession, the student must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be able to stand and walk for 80% of clinical time.
  • Must be able to assist, lift, and position patients for at least 50% of the clinical time.
  • Has the verbal and written skills sufficient to respond promptly in communications with patients, co-workers, and physicians.
  • Has sufficient sight to observe the condition of the patient, to adequately view sonograms, and to distinguish different colors.
  • Has verbal skill to instruct the patient while performing the duties of a Sonographer.
  • Has sufficient hearing to respond to patient needs and to interact with the patient, to hear instructions in a variety of situations, such as in a trauma room in the emergency room and in surgery, where the person may be facing away from you or be wearing a surgical mask. Has the ability to distinguish audible sounds of the equipment, such as Doppler.
  • Has an intellectual and emotional skill to exercise discretion.
  • Ability to interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured.
  • Has the cognitive ability to perceive environmental threats and stresses dealing with them appropriately. Continues to function safely and effectively during high stress periods.
  • Protect self and others from hazards in the health care environment, such hazards as infectious disease, contaminated equipment, sharps (particularly needles), chemical fumes and radiation.
  • Exhibits professional behaviors to meet required professional standards such as attendance, punctuality, and appropriate interpersonal skills.
  • Have organizational skills to follow protocols of sonographic procedures in the proper sequence.
  • Has sufficient motor skill to be able to respond to medical emergencies and to manipulate the equipment. These motor skills may include, but are not limited to the following:
    • Has full use of hands, wrists, and shoulders. Extend the hands and arms in any direction often reaching 3-4 feet above the head. Seize, hold, grasp, turn and otherwise work with both hands. Pick, pinch, twist or otherwise work with wrists and fingers of both hands.
    • Move the hand and foot coordinately with each other in accordance with visual stimuli.
    • Bend and stoop routinely.
    • Perform frequent lifting, carrying, pulling, and pushing of objects weighing 50 lbs or more, such as wheel chairs, patient stretchers, and ultrasound equipment.
    • Lift and transfer patients to and from the examination table safely, without injury to patient, self or other health care workers.
    • Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.

Reference: Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Federal American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) bans discrimination of persons with disabilities. In keeping with this law, Lansing Community College makes every effort to ensure quality education for all students.

Disclaimer

The above statement of criteria is not intended as a complete listing of behaviors required for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, but is a sampling of the types of abilities required by the student to meet program objectives and requirements. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or its affiliated agencies may identify additional critical behaviors or abilities needed by students to meet program or agency requirements. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program reserves the right to amend this listing based on the identifications of additional standards or criteria for Diagnostic Medical Sonography students.

Chosen/Preferred Name

LCC has adopted a policy providing all members of the campus community the opportunity to use their chosen or preferred name in records and communications across the campus. A chosen/preferred name refers to a first name which is different than the legal first name. Students may request this option via their LCC profile. The student's Chosen/Preferred Name may be used in many contexts, including class rosters, ID Cards (by request), Desire to Learn (D2L) course sites, and more. However, LCC is legally required to use a student's Legal Name for some things. This includes at all clinical and externship sites, on immunization and medical records, official transcripts, diplomas, financial aid records, and more.

Contact Selective Admissions

Questions about the application process and/or about your application status, should go to:
Selective Admissions selective_admissions@star.lcc.edu

Questions about the program, should go to: