Echocardiography Program Admission Criteria

Applicants to the medical imaging programs are ranked via a point system and must meet all requirements to be eligible for acceptance. Point System can be found here:

• Echo Point System Table

1. Applicants to the Echocardiography (Echo) program must have an official high school transcript or GED on file at DACC.
2. Before being considered for admission to the Echo program, applicants must meet the following criteria, and will be given points according to grades, GPA, TEAS test score, and pre-existing healthcare certifications.
   1. Successful completion (Grade "C" or better) of the required prerequisite courses within the last five years.
      • MATH 109 or MATH 111 (or Math Placement into MATH 111)
      • PHYS 141 (Physical Science 1)
      • BIOL 136 and BIOL 137 (Anatomy & Physiology)
   2. Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS Test) Version 7 within 1 year of applying, which can be scheduled through the DACC Testing Center. Helpful links for TEAS registration and prep materials may be found below:
      • All applicants are required to take the TEAS test.
      • Students will register for TEAS by going to https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register and selecting In-Person, Proctored by an Institution
      • Step-by-step Registration: Click here for instructions
      • Prep Material Website: https://www.atitesting.com/teas
      • Students are allowed 2 TEAS test attempts within 1 year of applying
   3. Attend a mandatory Echocardiography Informative Session - sessions may be scheduled using the following link:
      • Echo Informative Session Sign Up
      • If additional help is needed, reach out to Allied Health Administrative Assistant, Katelyn Roberts at k.roberts@dacc.edu
   4. Submitted transcripts from all other colleges attended and a completed DACC application (separate from program specific applications)
   5. Applications will be open on February 1st and must be submitted by Map 15th of the year the applicant wishes to enter the program.
3. Students who have received a Bachelor's degree or higher are eligible for consideration. Students who have received their degree within the last 5 years are preferred. Bachelor's or Master's degrees in a science or health field are preferred.
4. Required prerequisites must be successfully completed by the end of the Spring semester before the Echo program starts. (Summer start) Acceptance will be contingent upon the successful completion of these courses.
5. Residency
   1. Out of district applicants are eligible for acceptance.
6. Prerequisite courses taken outside of DACC must transfer in as the equivalent of the required prerequisite courses, or be approved by the appropriate DACC staff.
   1. The anatomy and physiology prerequisite requires the completion of a cadaver lab. If the applicant has completed an anatomy and physiology course that did not include a cadaver lab, the cadaver lab offered at DACC must be taken.
7. Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the Program, and must therefore meet the Technical Requirements of the Echocardiology program. Students will have multiple semesters of clinical rotations. Depending on the student's home location, for some sites, this may require a commute time of at least 1 hour each day.
8. Typically, 8 students are accepted into the program. If qualified applicants exceed seat availability, the applicants will be rank-ordered according to the previously mentioned point system. Ties will be broken using TEAS test scores.
9. Application includes a $50.00 application fee. The fee must be paid at the Cashier's Office in Vermillion Hall. The Allied Health Office cannot accept payment of any type. Once payment is made at the cashier's office, a receipt of the payment is to be submitted with the application.
10. After acceptance, a physical exam, background check, 10-panel drug screen (including marijuana), and current immunization status must be completed prior to the first day of classes. A medical history form and a physical exam must be completed indicating the applicant meets the technical requirements of the Echo program regarding physical, emotional, and mental skills and abilities or that reasonable accommodations will be requested.
11. Students must adhere to DACC's drug free policy and must meet the criteria of the clinical site assigned to them.
12. Students must have proof of active health insurance coverage must be provided before the first day of classes.
13. Applicants must possess the ability to use the English language to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals of all professional and social levels. DACC offers English speaking classes that may be taken prior to entering the program, if necessary.
14. Applicants accepted into the program must respond with an acceptance or declination letter by the date specified on the acceptance letter. No response or a late response will be considered a declination, and the seat will be offered to the next qualified applicant.
15. If all seats are filled for the current year, remaining qualified applicants must submit another application the following year to be considered for the subsequent cohort. Applications and waiting lists of qualified applicants will not be maintained from a year to year.

Admission to the Medical Imaging Programs is competitive and the number of students accepted is limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.