Frequently Asked Questions: Cardiovascular Sonography

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Johnston Community College (JCC) located?

JCC's main campus is conveniently located near the intersection of I-95 and Highway 70 East in Smithfield, North Carolina. 

2. How do I begin the admission process at Johnston Community College?

Step 1.  Apply to Johnston Community College

Step 2. Request official transcripts from your high school and each college attended.

Submit transcripts:

Johnston Community College
Office of Admissions and Student Engagement         OR          Email to: jccadmissions@johnstoncc.edu
P.O. Box 2350
Smithfield, NC 27577

Official transcripts are received in a sealed envelope from your high school or college(s).  Do not open the envelope! Official transcripts can also be sent electronically from one institution to another.

3. Do I have to be a high school graduate to enter a Sonography Program?

Yes, you must be a high school graduate before entering a sonography program.

4. What if I took the GED or graduated from an Adult High School do I still need my high school transcript?

Yes, this can assist in determining if you have met the admission requirements.

5. Do you accept the GED diploma?

Yes, we accept the GED diploma.

6. I took a class at a University in 1994 and the course doesn't pertain to the Sonography Programs. Do I need to obtain an official transcript?

Yes, we need official transcripts from your high school and all Colleges attended. 

7. What are the admission requirements for the Sonography Programs?

Our admission policy can be found here.

8. How can I meet the all prerequisite requirements?

Once you have applied to JCC, schedule an appointment with an advisor. 

9. Are there courses I can take while I am waiting to apply to a Sonography Program?

Yes, if you do not meet the requirements, courses are available to meet the program prerequisites. Please visit our website to view either the Cardiovascular Sonography or Medical Sonography curriculum. Any course without a SON or CVS prefix can be taken prior to applying to the program.

10. Do I need to complete all related courses before I can be admitted to the a Sonography Program?

No, but many students do complete all of the general education courses prior to beginning a sonography program.  

11. I have taken a math course at an out-of-state college and I wasn't given transfer credit and I feel like it is the same as your course. What can I do?

Obtain a course description from the College and contact the Registrar's Office. 

12. I have taken Anatomy & Physiology at another college over twenty years (20) years ago, will I need to retake the course?

We currently have no time limit.  But is may be recommended to do so as a refresher, since the occupation of sonographer require a thorough appreciation of anatomy and physiology.

13. Can I take a foreign language as my Humanities/Fine Arts Elective?

PHI 240 is the humanities course used to meet this requirement.

14. Can I complete the Associate Degree Sonography Programs part-time?

The related course work can be completed part-time, but once you are admitted to the program it is a full-time, day only commitment.

15. What day and approximate time are the day classes?

Sonography classes/clinical are daytime and usually over by 4:00 p.m. depending on the semester. Students taking general education requirements may have longer days.

16. Where do students complete their clinical training?

The Sonography programs utilize the following clinical sites (may change annually): Harnett Health, WakeMed, WakeMed Cary, Maria Parham, Duke Hospitals, Duke Health Raleigh, UNC Hospitals, Sampson Regional Medical Center, Johnston Health, Wayne Memorial, Rex Hospital, Central Carolina Hospital, Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Cape Fear Valley Systems, Raleigh Radiology (and more!).

17. Can I take classes on any JCC campus?

Some related courses are offered at the Work Force Development Center in Clayton; however, most courses are available only on the main campus in Smithfield.  Many of our general education courses are offered online.

18. Do you offer the Sonography programs in the evening?

No.  Our sonography classes are only offered during the day.

19. What if I meet the requirements and completed all the related course(s), can I be accepted into the program?

You can be considered for admission to the Sonography program. It is a competitive program and has many more applicants than seats available.

20. Do you have a waiting list?

No, applicants must apply each year to be considered. 

21. How are applicants selected for the Associate Degree Sonography Programs?

Currently, the College uses a point ranking system using your college course work and the Health Occupations Test (TEAS).   You can also take the Foundations of Sonography course for extra points.

22. How many students do you accept and do you admit each semester?

Approximately 10 Cardiovascular Sonography and 15 Medical Sonography students are admitted in the Fall Semester each year.

23. How many semesters is the Associate Degree Sonography program?

Five semesters - Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring

24. Can I work while in the Associate Degree Sonography program? 

We cannot tell students not to work; however, we suggest not letting your work interfere with your success in college courses. 

25. Is your Associate Degree Sonography program accredited? 

Johnston Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and the program is accredited by CAAHEP via the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Sonography Programs for GEN, Cardiac, and Vascular Sonography.

26. I live close to another Community College, can I take the CNA class at that College?

Yes, CNA must be completed at a State-Approved Training Program.

27. I am CPR certified by the American heart Association and my card does not read "Healthcare Provider". Do I need to retake the CPR class?

Yes.

28. Where can I obtain "Healthcare Provider" CPR certification? 

Contact the Division of Continuing Education at any Community College or if you are presently working in a health care facility, they may offer the course at the facility.

29. How long is the CPR certification valid?

Two years (2) however, you cannot let the CPR certification lapse while in the program.

30. How will the College know if I am CPR certified?

You will receive a card upon completion of the CPR class.

31. How can I prepare for the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Study guides are available in the bookstore.  You can also search the internet for study sites.  We may also have a prep program in our academic skills center. You can visit https://www.atitesting.com/Home.aspx for additional information.

32. How can I schedule to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Go to this page https://www.johnstoncc.edu/testing/teas.aspx

33. What is the cost of the Health Occupations Test?

Go to this page https://www.johnstoncc.edu/testing/teas.aspx

34. How many times a year can I take the Health Occupations Admissions test (TEAS)?

Twice per academic year

35. Will I receive my scores on the day of testing?

Yes, they will be available on the ATI website.

36. Can I take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS) admission test at another college and transfer the scores to JCC?

Yes, we accept scores from ATI.

37. I have a master's degree will I have to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Yes, all applicants applying to the Associate Degree Sonography Program must take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS).

38. I need a picture ID to take the Health Occupations Test (TEAS) admission test?

Yes, you must present a picture ID on your scheduled date of testing.

39. How many hours does it take to complete the Health Occupations Test (TEAS)?

Please allow 3.5 hours.

40. Will I be taking the Health Occupations Test (TEAS) on a computer?

Yes.

41. Do I have to submit to a criminal background check and a drug screening?

Yes, all accepted applicants are required by our clinical sites to submit a criminal background and drug screening, and random drug screens. Criminal background checks and drug screens must be completed through the college's designated provider.

42. Can the information from a criminal background jeopardize my ability to complete a Sonography Program?

Yes, the student's ability to participate in clinical experiences would result in the inability of the student to complete the program. 

43. Do I have to complete the criminal background and drug screening before acceptance?

No.

44. Does JCC review the criminal background checks?

No, the clinical sites have access.

45. I have lived out-of-state and moved recently to North Carolina.  Can information on a criminal background check be completed for another state?

Yes.

46. How do I apply to the Associate Degree Sonography Program?

We now offer an online Information Session.

Applications are required to be submitted in packet form. The packet should contain: 

• Program specific application for admission to the Associate Degree Sonography Program.
• A copy of your CNA certification (or certificate).
• Official transcripts from high school and all colleges attended must be on file in the Office of Admissions and Student Engagement.
• If you hold an Associate or Bachelors degree in Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, EMS (Paramedic) or Sonography, a copy of your certification/license is required.

47. What are some of the job duties/characteristics of a Medical Sonographer?

As a sonographer, you will use high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to obtain images of human organs or structures.  You will evaluate the abdominal organs, pelvic organs, breasts, scrotums, fetal structures, as well as cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular blood vessels.

48. What are the job duties of a Cardiovascular Sonographer?

As a sonographer, you will use high frequency sound waves to obtain images of the human heart and cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular blood vessels. You may also image the vasculature of the abdominal organs, adult brain, and other organs.

49. Do I have to touch people or body fluids?

Yes, you will have to work with patients who may need assistance with performing bodily functions.  You will also be exposed to blood, vomit, and other body fluids.

50. Do I have to work with needles in Sonography?

Yes, many patients in the hospital setting undergo intravenous infusion (IV). You may be required to assist with IV placements and handle needles prior, during, or after invasive procedures.

51. What is a typical day for a sonographer?

A sonographer is a highly-skilled medical professional.  Sonographers perform various sonographic procedures pertaining to their specialization.  You may average performing about ten 45 minutes studies per day.

53. Should I job shadow?

If you would like to job shadow, we recommend that you contact the Human Resources Department at your local hospital to see if they allow shadowing opportunities.  Job shadowing is not mandatory.

54. What are the Sonography programs Prerequisite courses?

Our prerequisite courses are found in our admission policy.

55.  Is there a way that I can learn more about the sonography profession before applying to the program?

Yes.  You can take our Foundations of Sonography course (SON 3000) and Intro to Cardiac Anatomy and EKG course (SON 3001).  These courses are offered throughout the year and they provide individuals with an overview of the sonography profession and our programs here at JCC. 

For more information, contact:

Steven M. Penny, MA, RT(R), RDMS
Sonography Programs Director
(919) 209-2502
smpenny@johnstoncc.edu