Frequently Asked Questions: Sonography Programs

Q - Where is Johnston Community College (JCC) located?

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

Q - How do I begin the admission process?

1. Apply (submit the application to the college) this can be completed on-line at https://www.johnstoncc.edu/_future-students/admissions/apply-aspx/_future-students/admissions/apply-now.aspx
2. Request official transcripts from your high school and each college attended.
   Submit transcripts to:
   Office of Enrollment and Student Services
   P O Box 2350
   Smithfield, NC 27577
   OR
   Email JCC Admissions
   
   Official transcripts are received in a sealed envelope from your high school or college(s). Do not open the envelope! Transcripts can also be sent electronically from your high school or College attended.

Q - Do I have to be a high school graduate to enter the program? 

A - Yes, all applicants must have graduated before entering the program.

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

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

Q - Do you accept the GED diploma?

A – Yes

Q - I took a class at a University in 1994 and the course doesn’t pertain to the Sonography Program. Do I need to obtain an official transcript?  

A - Yes, we need official transcripts from your high school and all Colleges attended. No exceptions!

Q - I took the GED at JCC or another Community College in North Carolina. Where do I obtain a copy of my GED scores?

A - All High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas, transcripts, and verification requests for the GED® , HiSET, and TASC tests are processed online at Diploma Sender or by calling 855-313-5799 for your transcript requests or queries regarding your transcripts or diploma.

Q - I took the GED in another state. How do I obtain the GED scores?

A - Contact the State Board of Education in that state and they should be able to assist you. If you have a copy of your scores the information and where additional scores can be obtained is indicated on the score sheet.

Another option is to contact Diploma Sender at www.diplomasender.com or at 855-313-5799 for your transcript requests or queries regarding your transcripts or diploma.

Q - I graduated twenty years ago will my high school still have my transcripts?

A - Yes, they are required to keep transcripts.

Q - How long does it take to complete the application, transcripts, and /or testing process?

A - Approximately four to six weeks to complete the application process. Please plan accordingly. Transcript arrival, obtaining TEAS scores, and other required documents can sometimes take longer.

Q - What are the admission requirements for the Sonography programs?

• Review GPA requirements on Admission policy.
• Graduated from high school or the equivalent before entering the program.
• Have completed or in process and will complete by May 15 of the application year:
  1. BIO 163 or both BIO 168 and 169-Anatomy and Physiology
  2. PHY 110 & PHY 110A- Conceptual Physics & Lab or college level physics with a lab.
  3. COM 231-Public Speaking
  4. MAT 152- Statistical Methods I or a college level statistics course
• CNA certification-See specifications in the admissions policy
• Meet the JCC minimum requirements for placement in ENG 111 and MAT 143 or MAT 171 without a corequisite.

Q - Are there courses I can take while I am waiting to be admitted to the program?

A - Yes, if you do not meet the requirements, courses are available to meet the science or math requirements.

Please visit our web-site to view the sonography curricula for the medical sonography (SON) degree and the cardiac vascular sonography (CVS) degree.

Any course without a SON or CVS prefix can be taken prior to gaining admission into the program. Applicants can also take the Foundations of Sonography course for extra points for both CVS and SON.

Applicants who are only interested in CVS can also take the Intro to Cardiac & EKG course for additional points.

Q - Do I need to complete all related courses before I can be admitted to the program?

A - No. Many students do complete all the general education courses prior to beginning the SON or CVS coursework because it lightens their course load.

Q - I have taken Anatomy & Physiology at another college over twenty years (20) years ago do I need to retake the course?  

A - Currently, we do not have a time limit on Anatomy & Physiology for the Sonography programs.

Q - Can I take a foreign language as my Humanities/Fine Arts Elective?
A - PHI 240 is the humanities course to meet this elective

Q - Can I complete the Sonography program part-time?  

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

Q - How can I view the Sonography curricula outlines?

A – You can view the Cardiac Vascular Sonography (CVS) Degree and the Medical Sonography (SON) Degree online.

Q - What day and approximate time are the day classes?  

A - Sonography classes/clinical are daytime and usually over by 4:00 pm depending on the semester. Students taking general education requirements may be longer.

Q - Where do students complete their clinical training?  

A - The Sonography programs utilize the following clinical sites (may change annually):

Q - Do you offer the Sonography programs in the evening?

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

Q - Can I take classes on any JCC campus?

A - Some related courses may be offered at other JCC sites; however, most courses are available only on the main campus in Smithfield.

Q - What if I meet the requirements and completed all the related course(s), can I be accepted?

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

Q - Do you have a waiting list?

A - No, applicants must apply each year to be considered.

Q - How are applicants selected for the Sonography Program?

A - Currently, the College uses a point ranking system. Your college course work and the Health Occupations Test (TEAS). A score of “proficient” must be achieved to be considered. The point ranking is reviewed annually and subject to change. Please review the current admission policy for details pertaining to required scores.

Q - How many students do you accept and do you admit each semester?

A - Approximately ten (10) CVS and (15) SON students are admitted each Fall.

Q - How many semesters is Sonography program?

A - Five (5) - Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring

Q - Can I work while in the Radiography program?

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

Q - Is your Sonography program accredited?

A - Johnston Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and the program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) via the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Sonography Programs for General, Cardiac, and Vascular Sonography.

Q - How long is the Certified Nurses Aid (CAN) class?

A - Please contact the Nurse Aide program for details.  

Q - I live close to another Community College can I take the CNA class at that College?

A - Yes, CNA must be completed at a State-Approved Training Program. You can view or download a list of approved schools (PDF) 

Q - 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?

A - Yes.

Q - Where can I obtain “Healthcare Provider” CPR certification?

A - Contact 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. JCC offers a variety of healthcare certification courses which are scheduled year-round.

Q - How long is the CPR certification valid?

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

Q - How can I prepare for the Test of Essential Academic Skill (TEAS) test?

A - Study guides are available in the book store, Google search internet study sites and JCC has a prep program in our academic skills center. You can visit the ATI Testing website for additional information.

Q - What is the cost of the TEAS test?

A - The cost is approximately $65.00 per test attempt on campus and approximately $120.00 per attempt online and subject to change without notice. The cost of the TEAS varies on the location that the test is taken-please refer to your specific location of testing.

Q - How many times a year can I take the TEAS test?

A - Three (3) times per academic year.

Q - Will I receive my scores the day of testing?

A - Yes, they will be available on the ATI website.

Q - Can I take the (TEAS) Test at another college and transfer the scores to JCC?

A - JCC will accept TEAS scores directly from ATI.

Q - I have a master’s degree will I have to take the TEAS test?

A - Yes, all applicants applying to the Radiography Program must take the TEAS test.

Q - Is there a minimum score that I must make on the TEAS test for program consideration?

A - Yes, applicants must score proficient (58.7) on the TEAS test for consideration for program acceptance.

Q - Do I need a picture ID to take the TEAS test?

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

Q - How many hours does it take to complete the TEAS test?

A - Please allow three and one-half hours (3 ½).

Q - Will I be taking TEAS test on a computer?

A - Yes.

Q - Do I have to submit to a criminal background check and a drug screening?

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

Q - Can the information from a criminal background jeopardize my ability to complete the Sonography program?

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

Q - Do I have to complete the criminal background and drug screening before acceptance?

A - Once you receive your letter of acceptance, you will complete the drug screen and background check based on program specifications and before you start the program.

Q - Does the College review the criminal background checks?

A - The clinical affiliates review the background for placement in their respective facility.

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

A - Yes.

Q - What other requirements do I need? 

A - You will be required to show proof of immunizations (childhood, Rubella titer, Hepatitis, PPDs, Tdap, Flu, COVID, etc.) and an annual physical exam while enrolled in the program. This is subject to change as directed by our clinical affiliates.

Q - Do I need health insurance?

A - You will be required to show evidence of Health Insurance coverage and maintain coverage while enrolled in the program.

Q - How do I apply to the Sonography program?

A - Please refer to the Program Admissions Policy on the JCC web page. The deadline to apply and have all contingent admission requirements completed (Steps I and II) and submitted to the Health Science Student Navigator jcchealthprograms@johnstoncc.edu is March 1^st of the admitting year. If the deadline falls on a weekend, all materials and documents are due the Friday before the stated deadline.

• Meet JCC College admission requirements.
• Official transcripts from high school and all colleges attended must be on file in the Admissions Office at JCC.
• You will need to attend a face to face/virtual Health Science Information Session-dates and more information can be found on the program web page.
• Submit Sonography Program Application.
• Take TEAS TEST.

Q - What are some of the job duties/characteristics of a Medical Sonographer?

A - 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.

Q - Do I have to touch people or body fluids?

A - 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.

Q - Do I have to work with needles in Sonography?

A - 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.

Q - What can I expect as a typical day for a Sonographer?

A - A sonographer (YouTube Video) 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

Q - Should I job shadow?

A - 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.

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

A - Yes. You can take our Foundations of Sonography course (SON 3000). This course is offered throughout the year and it provides individuals with an overview of the sonography profession and our programs here at JCC.

For more information, contact: