Mountain State University-regarding their diagnostic medical sonography online program

Kathy which classes will you be taking in sept and which classes are in nove?

I am taking Human Anatomy & Physiology I and Lab and Intermediate Algebra starting in September and then Medical Term II and English 102 in November. This is my first semester at MSU, I had some credits transfer over.

ok because this is my second semester I took the summer classes and sept i will have english comp II 102 and med term 1 and in nove I will have beginner's algebra and intro to computers It was nice meeting you are you in facebook as well? I've meet a lot of nice people who are attending MSU and they are all on facebook. Maybe we can help each other!!!!!!

Yes I am on facebook my name is under Kathy Marsells Miller in IL. What about you? I am all for helping each other to succeed. Nice to meet you too.

Hi, I also came to know about this online sonography program at MSU through this forum. My biggest concern are the clinicals. I live in C.A and I am wondering if they will be able to secure clinical sites for me that are reasonably close to home. What Iam concerned about is that, what will happen if they come back later during the program and tell you that they were not able to secure a clinical site reasonably close to home and i have to travel along distance to get there. Has anybody graduated from their program.

Lauren in Killeen, Texas said: I'm in the actual DMS program at Mountain State. I've just completed my first semester in the program. Not to scare anyone but ultrasound physics is EXTREMELY difficult. There were several who failed. I barely passed with a 78...you have to make at least a 75 to pass when you're in the program. I'm not saying this to discourage anyone, just want everyone to be aware of what is ahead.

Hi Lauren,
If you can please answer a couple of my questions. Have you started your clinicals yet and was it difficult to find clinical sites. Another question is that, how good is MSU's reputaion in securing a job after graduation.

Hello Cougars well IM attending MSU also in the DMS program you can look me up on FaceBook Houston Donald so how hard is this program when you getinto taking the DMS classes. Lets try to help each other out

Sheena if lauren just finished the 1st semester of the dms classes then she hasn't started clinicals yet. The first dms semester are just dms intro classes. They begin working on your clinical sites and background checks in the first and second dms semester.

I've only completed my first semester, and I won't start clinicals until the 3rd semester. So, I'm not really sure yet where I will be headed for clinicals. As far as job placement, the college doesn't help you get a job I don't think, but with a BS in ultrasound, it shouldn't be difficult.

Shannon in North Richland Hills, Texas said: Fahnee,

You absolutely 100% do not have to buy books from MSU. Of course, they would prefer for you to because thats how they make their money, but for me, it is much cheaper to buy my textbooks on Amazon. com or half.com or by googling for other cheap textbook sites. Once you have your regsitration, you can go to the MSU bookstore, put the class name in and find out the book number of the textbook and name. Check the used price, then do the research, you will more than likely find books cheaper on another site.
The only positive to buying books from MSU is that if you are using finacial aid and you dont have the cash on hand at the moment. You can order the books and apply them to your fin aid, which for most is easy because who has money laying around all the time? lol
You will end up probably spending a little more, but you will get your books a few days after before your fin aid even applys to your account. Now, if you do have the money, you could save some in the end by ordering a used textbook for cheaper, just make sure the book ISBN numbers match and the edition matches, otherwise, do whats best for you!

Actually Shannon, when you get into the DMS program you will be required to buy a nearly $1000 book package from the school that will be for the first several semesters. It makes it hard because most people's financial aid didn't cover the full amount of tuition and books. You will be looking at between 6 to 8K a semester. I nearly freaked out when I saw that my balance for the first semester was $7900!! I had to get a private loan to cover the rest of my tuition. For the few months you will be in DMS, including books, you are looking a $52,000 cost for this program.

Lauren,

What is wrong with you? Are you kidding me? I mean seriously for one, OBVIOUSLY I was only discussing the pre-req courses and anyone who has read this thread would understand that. Why do you feel the need to be so negative to people on this thread? This forum is for positive, honest feedback about the program, not attitudes or negativity. The program will not cost 52,000 for everyone, it is highly, I mean HIGHLY dependent upon the pre-reqs needed and what grants and aid you get to pay back and if you are going for bachelors or associate. I just dont understand where you have been all this time when everyone has asked questions and needed help, I mean come on, you only comment when you have a chance to be rude?
You seem very unhappy with this program, why are you a student still if it is SO difficult and expensive, arent there other programs out there in Killeen, lol? I understand each student has a different perspective, however, there is no room for rudeness or misnformation on this site and I have emailed the program and was told there was not a huge fail rate for u/s physics? Whats up with that? Oh and I really dont appreciate discouragement to the rest of the people on here, if you had difficulty in a class, share the info that helped you pass, the pre-reqs are not easy, aswell as the DMS course, this group is for positive, honest feedback, not attitudes or negativity.
I dont know about you but my aid totals well over what you quoted per semester, plenty of money for me because of my student status, this is not the case for everyone, but why do you have to be so hateful? Where have you been all of this time that multiple people have asked questions about the program??!!! Also, for you to mention that pre-reqs are easy, they are not easy, this entire course is a process for everyone that will be worth it in the end! Each step is a struggle and if the course is that bad, why dont you find another school. I am proud of this program!

Hey donald
which one are you on facebook there are a couple of donald houston's I'm also in the DMS program but I'm doing pre-reqs right now.

Shannon in North Richland Hills, Texas said: Lauren,
"this group is for positive, honest feedback, not attitudes or negativity.
I dont know about you but my aid totals well over what you quoted per semester, plenty of money for me because of my student status, this is not the case for everyone, but why do you have to be so hateful? Where have you been all of this time that multiple people have asked questions about the program??!!! Also, for you to mention that pre-reqs are easy, they are not easy, this entire course is a process for everyone that will be worth it in the end! Each step is a struggle and if the course is that bad, why dont you find another school."

Shannon,

I totally agree with you! I also receive plenty of financial aid to cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees, and I am very grateful for it! I too wonder where Lauren was before this thread reached 4 pages worth of dialogue!!!! It doesn't make very much sense that Lauren would continue to scrounge around for funds to pay her tuition to continue in a program that she feels is so dreadfully difficult and expensive. There are 2 other CAAHEP accredited online DMS programs for her to attend if MSU is truly THAT unbearable!!!

For the people who are looking for me on facebook

my first name is HOUSTON

my last name is Donald

look forward to meeting you on facebook

Oh Wow! I in no way meant to be negative. I was just stating the truth. Call the school and ask them..once you get into the DMS program and I mean the ACTUAL program the cost of that is $430 PER CREDIT HOUR...again...call the school and ask them. I only needed 17 pre-req hours when I started and I am in the BS program. Some of my classes totaled over $1700. The first semester with books totaled over $7900. You DO have to buy a book package FROM THE SCHOOL that totals nearly $1000 in your first semester of the program and are not told what is in it because you are REQUIRED to buy it from them. This will last until you get your associate degree. I never said that the pre-reqs were easy...I believe what I said was that they were nothing compared to the physics in the first semester of the DMS program...since you know everything, you should do well. I was not prepared for the difficulty, nor were my classmates. I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from getting into this program, and I am happy to be in it, I just wish someone would have told me what I was really up against. Before I started the program I was getting over $2500 back every semester. In the 1st semester after entering the program my FA was $6500 and I still had to get a private loan in the amount of $1400 to cover the rest of my tuition. To be aware of what you are facing is not negativity. It just urks me to no end to read so much advice from someone who has no idea about some of the things they are talking about. So, to anyone else who was offended, I'm very sorry. It's a rigorous program and you will have to dedicate LOTS of time to it. As far as the comment on the pass/fail rate for u/s physics I believe what I said was several people in MY class failed and there was one person that was going to have to take it a 3rd time. Also, I don't spend lots of time on this site, I only comment on the threads that are emailed to me. Looks like you have all the answers, so I'll leave you to it.

Sheena in Newbury Park, California said: Hi Lauren,
If you can please answer a couple of my questions. Have you started your clinicals yet and was it difficult to find clinical sites. Another question is that, how good is MSU's reputaion in securing a job after graduation.

Sheena,
I was told by the head of the department at another school that MSU has one of the best programs IN THE COUNTRY. From what I understand, there are hospitals who actually fly reps in to hire students who go through the regular program on campus. I haven't heard about my clinical site yet..Don't start clinicals until Jan or Feb...I'll let you know!
Lauren

Lauren in Killeen, Texas said: Actually Shannon, when you get into the DMS program you will be required to buy a nearly $1000 book package from the school that will be for the first several semesters. It makes it hard because most people's financial aid didn't cover the full amount of tuition and books. You will be looking at between 6 to 8K a semester. I nearly freaked out when I saw that my balance for the first semester was $7900!! I had to get a private loan to cover the rest of my tuition. For the few months you will be in DMS, including books, you are looking a $52,000 cost for this program.

To clarify, the $52K is what you will pay if you go through the entire program with pre reqs and all in the BS program.

Shannon, you clearly are not taking the actual DMS classes yet... The people that come here for information want to hear the pros and cons of different schools. They should be prepared for situations and information that is not always given upfront at most schools. Alot of people are not unemployed like I am assuming you are and able to qualify for full grants and loans, so they should know what the costs are and Lauren is correct, when she stated that if you take all of your pre-reqs and all of the DMS classes the total cost is around $52,000... yes some people will qualify for grants but not everyone is as lucky as you are. Loans actually need to be paid back, so in the end you would owe $52,000.
I am also in MSU classes and I am currently in the DMS program. The Pre-reqs were nothing compared to the actual DMS classes. The only really difficult pre-req class was Physics. I am usually an A/B student and I got a C in both physics and ultrasound physics. In physics, I was only able to get through it and pass, with a Georgia Tech Physics teacher tutoring me, and even with his help, I only got a C. Lauren is not being negative, she is just telling people what they really need to know before spending this much money. It is an awesome program and is one of the top programs around. I love it because I have little ones and even though it is incredibly expensive, it has allowed me to be home through most of my education and through a difficult pregnancy on bedrest, I would never have been able to accomplish what I have with my education if it was not for programs like Mountain State's. A lot of the drawbacks that Lauren has mentioned are real, but they exist at most of the schools, not just MSU, however, people do need to be aware of them if they are researching educational institutions.
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I have to say here that in no way did I intentionally try to say something that I have not yet experienced. The discouragement I felt was from the delivery and the fact that this is the first time that anyone has posted after months and months of discussion. This is absolutely ridiculous. I can tell you that I am disapointed that this forum has turned into a catty discussion about who knows what and has taken a direction that is absolutley absurd. I dont understand why a good deed from someone has to be attacked. Regardless, I hope that everyone enjoys whatever experience they choose with this school or another. I have been posting and trying to help others when NO ONE else, including you two would answer any questions. I will not post on this site or lend a hand to help or discuss this school with anyone again.

Much luck to all

Shannon in North Richland Hills, Texas said: Teebird,

Im not quite sure I understand your question about volunteering. The MSU classes have on-site clinicals just like other schools and when you work your clinicals, thats when you make your contacts and network. The clincals are not online and I believe we will have 30+ hours of clinicals weekly once that time comes.

This is incorrect. Some of your clinicals are online for the first couple semesters once you are accepted into the program.

Shannon in North Richland Hills, Texas said: Kathy,

Once you are completed with the actual pre-req program, you take an entrance exam that is based upon all of the pre-req courses. They accept 15-20 online students into the actual porgram 3 times a year, I believe. When they are looking to accept students, they base the decisions off your entrance exam grade, I believe worth 15%, and the rest is based upon your transfer gpa and your MSU pre-req gpa. The top 15-20 get accepted 3 times a year.

Shannon

This is incorrect.. they accept you based on your GPA if you have taken your pre-req's through them. You do not have to take an entrance exam. I did not have to and I am already taking some of my clinical classes.

I completely agree with you on this!

houston donald where are you from as I stated there are a lot of houston donald's which one are you?

Lauren,

I must admit that I was very reluctant to trust your opinion about the program because of they negative undertone in your original post, but I also realize that the tone of a message can be misunderstood when using texts, emails, forums, etc.

Please do not think that me nor Shannon are trying to fuel a debate as to the inner workings of the program, as it is clear that we are both PRE-DMS students. However, because Shannon has been in pursuit of a DMS degree from MSU for longer than those of us who have been in frequent contact with her, we have looked to her for guidance where certain aspects of the program (prerequisites included) are concerned, because there was no one else on this forum who has gotten as far as she has, or better yet who was willing to take time out to answer our questions until now, and for that I personally am grateful to Shannon for that.

I do want to thank you Lauren, for clearing up the misconceptions about your intentions and certain aspects of the program. Any experience-based knowledge that is provided by current students whether pre-dms or current DMS students is an asset to this forum. I think that it is pertinent that those of us in pursuit of a DMS degree from MSU stick together, and at least make an attempt to be on one accord for the sake of maximizing our learning potential, because there is so much that we might be able to learn from each other on this journey. Those of us who have been in contact with each other by way of this forum, have kept in contact with each other outside of it for this very purpose.

I hope that you are able to understand where I'm coming from in this message. There is no malice intended, and Shannon's intentions are good.

Jen in Cumming, Georgia said: This is incorrect. Some of your clinicals are online for the first couple semesters once you are accepted into the program.

You are contradicting what your friend Lauren said. Now you are attacking me and that is too far. Do you think that I pulled this information from the sky??!! Go to the website and see, there is a new entrance exam scheduled for summer 09, then read my following posts that state that the entrance exam has been put on hold until summer 10, call Ashley!! Everything, everything, that I have posted has been told to me by people in the DMS course or from the program manager, Tammy, Katie, or Ashley, if anyone disagrees with anything that I have written on this site, call the DMS office, because that is where the information comes from. I have spent months, researching, discussing, and talking to the DMS office about this program, whatever is incorrect information comes from the program itself, I do not pull this information magically from the air!!! Read the online tab of the DMS program, you will see there is a new online entrance exam requirement, or just read the posts as a whole and get all the facts, in fact, why dont you read the entire thread, call and verify the information and see where I heard it from??!! This is ridiculous!!!!! Now I know you are spreading misinformation about the entrance exam, it is posted on the website!!!!! Please everyone, consider this before you trust information from people, call, research, find out for yourself because obviously there is a wealth of misconception going on here. Regardless, I just couldnt cancel my request without standing up for my reputation!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks a lot Shannon. You have been great help for me as well as for others who are trying to find answers. Please keep us posted about this program. I am looking in to this proggrm because there are no CAAHEP accredited programs in my area and Iam sick of waiting to get into a radiologic technologist program at the local community college.

Jen in Cumming, Georgia said: This is incorrect. Some of your clinicals are online for the first couple semesters once you are accepted into the program.

And just for clarification because I feel the need, I was obviously talking about the in-person clinicals in the 3rd semester that I was told about from the DMS department, online clinicals are online classes, when you work clinicals, what is incorrect about networking in person? I have just been allowed to take intro classes because I am down to a few pre-reqs for fin aid, I was told that because they do not have the exam ready, it will still be based on the GPA until around the summer 10, unless they have it ready by then, why dont you call Ashley, because this is where I am getting my information from???!!!!

Jen in Cumming, Georgia said: Shannon, you clearly are not taking the actual DMS classes yet... The people that come here for information want to hear the pros and cons of different schools. They should be prepared for situations and information that is not always given upfront at most schools. Alot of people are not unemployed like I am assuming you are and able to qualify for full grants and loans, so they should know what the costs are and Lauren is correct, when she stated that if you take all of your pre-reqs and all of the DMS classes the total cost is around $52,000... yes some people will qualify for grants but not everyone is as lucky as you are. Loans actually need to be paid back, so in the end you would owe $52,000.

I wouldnt call myself lucky hun, I suffer from a painful autoimmune disease and I have been on disability until now. I just learned how to walk again in Novemeber and i am fortunate enough to be able to even consider a new career, let alone a new life that doesnt involve a cane or heavy sedated medications. My husband luckily makes 80,000 a year and I had to take out loans just like everyone else. Because this is my second degree, I have a high student status and therefore; I get about 5500 back in overage checks every semester. This is not the case for everyeone, and if you read the thread that you attacked, you would have seen that I said, not everyone has this... The program costs just went up for the DMS program, from 420 to 430 per semester hour, the pre-req semester hours are less, therefore, when the fin aid dept puts together the student status report, look at the total aid you are qualified for, then look at the cost of books estimated, then look at the student responsibility, that is the estimate of what you will owe if the credits were charged at DMS charges. Of course only estimates, but that is a good starting place. I never said that 52,000 wasnt what others would pay, again, if you read the thread ...

then you would have read where I stated not everyone has full grants and loans. Is it just me or do I feel attacked? You can call it whatever you like, but every piece of information has come from the DMS office and if you are calling that information wrong, then you might want to call the office and clarify. I can give everyone names, dates, copies of emails, however, even if I did that, I think you two would still attack me. Do you think it is easy for me to email multiple people all the time, look up isbn numbers, ask the dms dept questions for people when they arent getting a response, look up information myself, help people with the admisssions process (and no you cant knock me for the admissions process because guess what, I am admitted!)? Do you think its fun for me to answer questions that are not relevant to my educational evolution? NO! But I do it because I was once that person and I am still that person.
You can attack me all you want but you will not spread misinformation about the information I have posted on this site because that is 110% correct!!!!!!!!!!! I urge everyone of you reading this information to not settle for what you read here. Do what I did, call the DMS office, email Ashley, email Katie, call Tammy when you dont get a response, call the fin aid office, call the transcript office, email the online clinical coordinator, keep emailing, keep calling until you get the answer that you need. Thats what I did and thats what I continue to do and you will see the information that you find.
I will not fall for some silly argument when the obvious information can be researched by everyone who is interested. I gain nothing from posting on here and I will lose nothing by deleting my account. I hope that you two are up for helping others when they have questions about everything from admissions to fin aid, because I have lost all faith in doing a good thing and I will no longer be apart of this site.

Jen in Cumming, Georgia said: Shannon you are incredibly defensive and paranoid. No one is attacking you. We are just stating what we have been through at MSU and I never had to take an entrance exam yet you are scaring people by leading them to believe they have to take an entrance exam. If you found out later that this is not true until 2010 then you should have pulled your post or updated it. Yes, you are correct than no one should believe everything here and should check facts for themselves and that includes the information you are providing. You write your posts like they are facts about attending MSU and maybe you should reference your facts since you have not been through whatever you are writing about ie. clinicals or entrance exams.
If you are going to threaten to get off the boards, then get off the boards already and you can take your holier than thou attitude, and stop acting neurotic already.

I did update my post and tell everyone it is not until summer 10, why dont you go back to page 1 and read to the last. You are so rude and so hateful, I cannot believe I am going to the same school as you and you are one day going to be a professional. Very sad!

Jen in Cumming, Georgia said: Shannon you are incredibly defensive and paranoid. No one is attacking you. We are just stating what we have been through at MSU and I never had to take an entrance exam yet you are scaring people by leading them to believe they have to take an entrance exam. If you found out later that this is not true until 2010 then you should have pulled your post or updated it. Yes, you are correct than no one should believe everything here and should check facts for themselves and that includes the information you are providing. You write your posts like they are facts about attending MSU and maybe you should reference your facts since you have not been through whatever you are writing about ie. clinicals or entrance exams.
If you are going to threaten to get off the boards, then get off the boards already and you can take your holier than thou attitude, and stop acting neurotic already.

I agree with you completely Jen. I have read this entire post, and if I am not mistken, the very first negative-toned post was by Shannon. You might have helped people on this thread previously, but your posts are getting riduculous...keep your promise and stop posting!

I think that this is already getting out of hand. Let us be reminded that posting in forums such as this, just like with texting, most of the time we don't really read things right. Someone could come across as negative but in reality, she isn't.

Shannon has been very helpful to us all. I don't think that she is putting herself out here to make us feel she knows better. She's just passing on to us what she knows since it's so difficult to get hold of people in MSU. Please don't gang up on her. She's a very nice person. Let's help each other with this journey. Don't fight.

Jen, enough is enough let it go, Shannon makes a good point she was the only one on this site answering questions and helping others to achieve the information that they needed about the MSU program. I've been on this site since March and Shannon has been the ONLY one to reach out to me and others. So enough is enough why keep going back and forth, this is not what this forum is about. Your point has been made there is no need to keep this going going on. Shannon is no longer a part of this forum any longer so move on to something else. Shannon input and experience will be missed on this forum but myself will be contacting her thru facebook. And I know a lot of other people that has made contact with Shannon with do the same as myself. This back and forth doesn't make any sense Move on with something else!!!!

Fahnee I agree with you Shannon has been a great help to me from day one and she didn't have to put herself out there. This has really gotten out of hand it's terrible. I'll see you Fahnee on facebook!!!!!!!!!!!

Shannon,

Thanks for the help! I just got the books from Amazon and I know I saved some money which helps a bunch!

Tina

Well, sorry folks...guess that argument was all my fault! I really didn't mean to stir anything up, and I was in no way trying to scare anyone out of entering this program. There are definitely some drawbacks to the program, however, I didn't mean to major on those. As a matter of fact, this has been a great experience! ALL colleges that offer DMS, as I'm sure most of you know, have a VERY HIGHLY competitive entrance process. With MSU, if you keep a good GPA with your pre reqs, they offer entrance like 3 times a year and take 14-15 at a time so if you do the math, they are able to take around 45 people a year as opposed to the 15 a year in most programs that don't offer a BS. If you go to the CAAHEP site you can see the accredited schools in the nation that offer a BS in DMS..there are not many and NONE in Texas. So this program has been a God send for me because this is what I always wanted to do. If anyone has any questions, I may not have all of the answers but I'll certainly give it a shot.

teebird in New Orleans, Louisiana said: Shannon,

Thanks for the help! I just got the books from Amazon and I know I saved some money which helps a bunch!

Tina

If anyone is interested, and I didn't know this until I was nearly done with pre reqs, there are places that you can rent your books. You have to send them back, but they only cost you a fraction of what a book would cost to buy. They send you the book with a self-addressed envelope to send it back to them when you are done. Really neat. In my last semester of pre reqs I rented a book that was regularly $165 for $45!! You can do a search for college book rentals and compare prices. When I did it Chegg was the cheapest, but there are several places out there.
www.chegg.com

Lauren

Thanks for the info Lauren, I am very limited in aid so renting books may be a great option for me! I will save this link, if you have any other neat tricks to offer, I am all ears!

Tina

teebird in New Orleans, Louisiana said: Thanks for the info Lauren, I am very limited in aid so renting books may be a great option for me! I will save this link, if you have any other neat tricks to offer, I am all ears!

Tina

Oh and it's free to send it back

I am very interested in pursuing an online AAS degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I have been really taking my time to find the right college to go through. Thanks to you all, I have decided on MSU. It just seems like it would be a great fit. I am too a stay-at-home mom like some of you, and I would appreciate any help/support I could get. I will be starting off with the prerequisites. I only have a few completed so far. I'd love to keep in contact with you guys and hopefully we can help each other get through this and make it easier on each other!

I do have one question to start off with... does anyone know which application I should fill out online? There appear to be 4 forms to choose from. I've already e-mailed MSU...haven't heard anything back yet.

Another thing...I'm interested in the cardiac sonography but I don't think that it's offered online at all...does anyone know anything more about this specialty and what I'd have to do after I am finished with this program? I'm guessing maybe take some additional classes and maybe get a certificate?

Thanks a lot. I look forward to meeting everyone.

Hi Rachel and welcome to the forum. Cardiac sonography is offered online but you have to get a Bachelor's degree in sonography. It is also very hard to reach someone in the DMS program but I would advise you to contact student services and request to speack with Darilyn McGraw, Katie Sadler, or Ashley Coleman and they would be able to assist you from there. Good luck and hopefully you would join the MSU family I think you will really like it.

Hi Tireka. Thank you for the information. I'm not sure if I should contact MSU or not because I have applied via the online application and I've also submitted all of my financial aid information (FAFSA and an interview through MSU) and I've sent a check for the application fee. Do you think maybe I should wait to be contacted from them?

A few questions.... where are you in the course of study? Are you in the program or doing your prerequisites? Are you participating in online classes? Do you find them to be more difficult than taking them in person?

I'm concerned about the math classes. I'm not very good in math at all and I'm worried about taking them online. I understand there is free tutoring and all but I'm afraid it won't be enough. Hopefully the classes are reasonable as far as difficulty.

Hey Rachel,
Tireka is right, through MSU they give training for echo with their BS degree. I'm in the online program at MSU as well. I did talk to a friend of mine who is in ultrasound, and I am kind of at a crossroads myself with respect as to what direction to go. Here's the reason why. I'm enrolled in the BS program and in the first semester of the actual DMS program and will be starting clinicals in February. This friend of mine told me that there is no reason to get a BS degree because as far as money goes it's all about your licensing. So, what she suggested was getting the AAS and once you have your degree and initial license take training for whatever additional licensing that you want. So now I'm really confused myself! I want to go into echo myself, but I'm looking at an additional $14,000 for two more semesters. It still seems to me that a BS would make me more marketable. If anyone out there has any suggestions, I'd love to hear it!

Lauren in Killeen, Texas said: Hey Rachel,
Tireka is right, through MSU they give training for echo with their BS degree. I'm in the online program at MSU as well. I did talk to a friend of mine who is in ultrasound, and I am kind of at a crossroads myself with respect as to what direction to go. Here's the reason why. I'm enrolled in the BS program and in the first semester of the actual DMS program and will be starting clinicals in February. This friend of mine told me that there is no reason to get a BS degree because as far as money goes it's all about your licensing. So, what she suggested was getting the AAS and once you have your degree and initial license take training for whatever additional licensing that you want. So now I'm really confused myself! I want to go into echo myself, but I'm looking at an additional $14,000 for two more semesters. It still seems to me that a BS would make me more marketable. If anyone out there has any suggestions, I'd love to hear it!

OK...oops! I'm actually in the second semester of the DMS program!! LOL!! I've been taking drugs for the flu...I'm so loopy I'm setting myself back a semester!! LOL!

Rachel Green in Sellersville, Pennsylvania said: I am very interested in pursuing an online AAS degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I have been really taking my time to find the right college to go through. Thanks to you all, I have decided on MSU. It just seems like it would be a great fit. I am too a stay-at-home mom like some of you, and I would appreciate any help/support I could get. I will be starting off with the prerequisites. I only have a few completed so far. I'd love to keep in contact with you guys and hopefully we can help each other get through this and make it easier on each other!

I do have one question to start off with... does anyone know which application I should fill out online? There appear to be 4 forms to choose from. I've already e-mailed MSU...haven't heard anything back yet.

Another thing...I'm interested in the cardiac sonography but I don't think that it's offered online at all...does anyone know anything more about this specialty and what I'd have to do after I am finished with this program? I'm guessing maybe take some additional classes and maybe get a certificate?

Thanks a lot. I look forward to meeting everyone.

Rachel,
Can you be more specific about what forms you're talking about? Where are they, maybe I can help. You can email me at lauren.eastland@yahoo.com if you'd like. I'm also on Facebook listed under Lauren Bounds Eastland.

Lauren in Killeen, Texas said: Rachel,
Can you be more specific about what forms you're talking about? Where are they, maybe I can help. You can email me at lauren.eastland@yahoo.com if you'd like. I'm also on Facebook listed under Lauren Bounds Eastland.

Hey Lauren,

I hear what you are saying about getting your AAS vs. your BS degree. I have read and heard the same comments from people in the field. I've also heard as far as income, they make just about the same. You're right you would think a BS degree is more marketable, however I would go with what people are saying that have gone through it. You could always go back and get it, or just go for a certificate after you've gotten your AAS degree. Congratulations that you're in your second semester! Did you find the prerequisites hard? I'm nervous... they are a bit rigorous.

About the online application forms...I was confused as to which one to fill out. They have like four forms listed but I figured it out. Anyway, I've applied, filled out my FAFSA, applied for financial aid through the school (created an interview) and sent the check for the application. I guess now all I can do is wait? I'm so eager to start a class, I keep checking my e-mail in desperation. It's so nice to let off some of my enthusiasm on the forum with you guys. I can't wait to register for a class. How long should it take for me to hear back?

I'm on Facebook as well. Rachel Green Tradewell.

Rachel,

I would definitely contact MSU because even though you submitted the info via email that hardly ever call back. I am also still taking my prerequisites which is online and this is my second semester at MSU. I have 16 more credit hours to take before I can apply for the DMS program.

I found my first math class to be a bit more difficult than my second one but the good news is there is help. There is a tutor website that is offered free to the students at MSU and there is also a math lab that help a lot. Another way to get help is just to ask your instructor or a classmate and you would be fine.

How much did the pre-reqs costat MSU for DMS?

The classes that I took, and I only needed 19 pre req hours, most of them were $900.. $300 per college hour. I don't know if that is true for all those classes. My financial aid covered everything before I got into the program, usually with a refund every semester. It's very expensive, no doubt, but it will be well worth it once I'm working.

Does anyone know when they will post the online winter schedule (starting november 30th)?