STC’s Sonography program celebrates 10th anniversary

A decade ago, South Texas College launched its Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program to address an increasing demand for sonographers nationwide.

With an outstanding 100% job placement rate over the past 10 years, what started as an extension of STC’s Radiologic Technology program has now transformed into one of the most respected and most affordable sonography opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Over the past years, we’ve graduated numerous students who are providing exceptional care to patients across the region, prepared to meet the challenges of modern health care,” said STC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Chair Crystal Bird. “We’re thrilled to celebrate 10 years of doing this and the incredible opportunities this program offers to the RGV. Today, we celebrate our graduates, the growth of our program and the fantastic success we’ve had.”

Established in the spring of 2015, the three-semester program began as one of the college’s first Advanced Technical Certificates (ATC), designed for radiology graduates looking to expand their expertise and certifications.

“I found myself constantly referring students to other institutions, and then it hit me, why not create a program here at STC? That’s where it all started,” explained Bird. “It took a lot of research and curriculum development, but we created something truly unique for STC, a program designed specifically for radiologic technologists who wanted to earn an additional certification.”

As the program and profession grew, many health care professionals expressed interest, prompting the college to expand eligibility to others in the field, with a minimum requirement of an associate degree in a patient care-related discipline.

In 2020, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate of Applied Science program was officially launched, offering opportunities to students with no prior education or experience required.

“Not only has the program grown, but the profession itself has expanded tremendously,” explained STC Sonography faculty member Mark Gonzalez. “Doctors are increasingly recognizing the benefits of sonography. It helps reduce radiation exposure that would typically come with an X-ray, is cost-effective compared to computed tomography (CT) scans or MRIs and offers the added benefit of portability. We no longer need to take patients to a department; we can now bring the machines to them. Plus, it provides real-time results.”

With over 15 years of experience as both a radiology technologist and sonographer, Gonzalez emphasized that STC is one of the best options for studying this profession.

“I believe what sets STC apart is our long-standing partnership with hospitals and clinical sites across the entire region,” he said. “Also, the affordability of our programs, $13,000 for the ATC and $15,000 for the associate degree, makes it the best option.”

Nora Pena, an STC faculty member and graduate of the program’s first cohort, highlighted the program’s growth and resources, specifically the college’s state-of-the-art ultrasound lab, which features eight different types of ultrasound equipment, giving students hands-on experience with any tool they encounter in the workplace.

“It’s grown so much. Everything is incredibly different and more advanced now, and we have so many resources at our disposal to show our students,” she said. “I absolutely love what I do. It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve grown so much within the field and the program, and it’s rewarding to see how it’s being recognized more and more. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

For 25-year-old student Valeria Garcia, who began the program this spring, STC’s local offering is a blessing, allowing her to pursue her aspirations without relocating.

“A former sonography student told me how enjoyable this career is and how much room there is for growth, it’s a field you can retire in,” she said. “I think it’s amazing that STC offers this associate degree because it’s not something you can easily find in the RGV. For STC to offer it locally means I don’t have to leave. It’s convenient and right here at home. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

For more information about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or other programs offered at STC’s Nursing and Allied Health campus, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-3100.