School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admissions Requirements

New Application Deadline: Jan. 30

The Sonography Program’s diverse applicant pool attracts college or Allied Health School graduates, professionals seeking a career change, and health professionals with a desire to advance their health care education.

All coursework and degrees must be obtained from an approved institution of the Higher Learning Commission and/or an approved Regional Accrediting Agency.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must have the following pre-requisite courses:

  • College algebra, statistics, or higher college math course
  • College physics or radiographic physics
  • Human anatomy
  • Human physiology
  • Oral or written communications
  • Medical terminology
  • CPR certification
  • 16-hour sonography observation 

In addition to the required college pre-requisites, all prospective students must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Be a graduate of a 24-month accredited allied health program:
    1. Radiologic technology (www.jrcert.org)
    2. Respiratory therapy (www.coarc.com)
    3. Physical therapy (www.capteonline.org)
    4. Nursing (www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation, www.acenursing.org)
    5. Other approved allied health programs (www.caahep.org)
  2. Have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a regionally/nationally accredited institution
  3. Be a part of our 2+2 affiliation program with Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU). In this program, students apply at NWMSU and complete their first two years of education at their Maryville, MO, campus. After declaring sonography as their major, they can apply to our sonography programs here at Saint Luke’s. If accepted, they then complete their last two years of education with Saint Luke’s. At graduation, they are granted a Certificate from Saint Luke’s and a bachelor’s degree from NWMSU. Information on this option can be found on NWMSU's website. 

Additional program requirements

  • All prerequisites must be completed with a “C” grade or above, prior to the application deadline. Degree or certificate completion must be accomplished prior to the program start date.
  • A cumulative 3.0 GPA, of all post-secondary education, is required for acceptance.

Observation

All applicants must complete an 16-hour observation in sonography. The applicant must obtain documentation on letterhead from the institution where the observation is completed that is signed by the chief technologist or instructor. This documentation should include your name and the date and time you observed. 

Observation Reflection Paper

  • All applicants must submit a two-page, double spaced, typed job shadow reflection paper
  • At a minimum, the reflection paper must address the following:
    • Explain the exams observed during your job shadowing opportunities
    • What is the role of the sonographer?
    • What characteristics do you possess that you believe will make you successful as a student and a sonographer?

To request a job shadow at Saint Luke’s, please contact us at 816-932-2786 or gbrojerdinejad@saintlukeskc.org. Observations are available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

All prospective (shadow) students must show evidence of COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination.

References

All applicants must have two reference forms (PDF) submitted directly by the referrer. References should be from a professional of no relation to the applicant (for example, a supervisor, manager, instructor, or professor).

Skill standards

Students must meet the skill standards appropriate to ultrasonography. View the skill standards (PDF) to verify your qualifications.

International Students

International students should refer to the international student policy and application requirements.

Application Process

Application deadline: January 30

Start date: September, annually

To apply:

  • Complete the online application.
  • Pay the $25 application fee (please make check payable to the SLH School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography).
  • Send in all official high school and post-secondary education transcripts. All official transcripts must come directly from the honoring institution.
  • Complete the reference form (PDF) from two professional references—mailed by the referrer in a sealed envelope.
  • Submit observation/job shadow documentation—documentation from an outside facility must be on institution letterhead specifying date and time of observation along with applicant's name.
  • Sign and submit the skill standards (PDF) acknowledgment of required skills.
  • Prospective Student Information Guide (PDF)

Mail completed application to:

Saint Luke’s Health System
ATTN: School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
901 E. 104th St., Mailstop 3000 South
Kansas City, MO, 64131

Applicant Selection

The school accepts up to five students annually. Each applicant is scored based on:

  • A cumulative GPA
  • Reference forms
  • Prior clinical experience/health care experience
  • Observation/job shadow
  • Interview scores

Approximately 15 of the top-scoring applicants will be selected for an interview with the selection committee. The interview will be conducted using the behavioral-based interview method. Final selections are based upon applicant scores and program leadership.

All applicants will receive written notification regarding their acceptance or denial of admission for the current program.

Applicants who accept a position in the program must pass a criminal background check, drug test, tobacco screening, and MMR test before final admission into the program.

Qualified applicants are not guaranteed a spot. Final decisions are made at the discretion of program leadership.