Sonography Selective Admissions

Cardiovascular and Medical Sonography Program Information and Information Session

Sonography Options Fall 2025 Application Criteria

Application Period: February 3, 2025 to March 14, 2025

Thank you for your interest in the Sonography programs at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. A-B Tech offers degrees in both Medical Sonography and Cardiovascular Sonography.

Please note: Cardiovascular Sonography also has a diploma option for those who currently work as a practicing sonographer registered in Vascular.

Please read this information thoroughly. We want to make sure you have the best possible chance of being selected by completing all processes and submitting all necessary application documents completely, and correctly. Please email admissions@abtech.edu if you have questions regarding enrolling at A-B Tech or email advising@abtech.edu if you have questions about applying for any of the Sonography programs.

You must be a high school graduate or have an Adult High School or High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma to be eligible to enter any allied health program and have self-certified this requirement on your A-B Tech College application.

 

Dates and Deadlines

  • Application Period Opens: February 3, 2025
  • Application Period Closes: March 14, 2025
  • Deadline to Submit Documentation for Points: March 14, 2025
  • TEAS Deadline: March 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

(Note: Do not schedule the TEAS before meeting with a Student Advisor to complete a Verification/Selection Form)

All deadlines and requirements in this document must be met to be eligible to apply.

Please note: Alternates may be accepted after the application deadline of March 14, 2025, if deemed necessary to fill the class. Notification of this will be posted on the Selective and Limited Programs Application Period Information page after the application deadline.

Program Information Session Requirement

The information session for the Sonography programs will be posted at the top of this webpage approaching the application period. Applicants should email the Sonography Chair with any questions after viewing the information session. Details are in the information session, review them carefully.

 

Medical Sonography Associate Degree

Successful completion of the following four (4) courses with a grade of “C” or higher from a regionally accredited institution is required prior to the Fall 2025 semester. Course completion will be verified by the Sonography department prior to acceptance into the program.

  • Basic Anatomy and Physiology (BIO-163 or acceptable substitute)
  • Intro to Interpersonal Communication (COM-120 or acceptable substitute)
  • Mathematical Measurement (MAT-110 or acceptable substitute). To apply only, an applicant may use MAT-110 or higher, no points are given for MAT-110.
  • Health Science Physics (PHY-125, no substitute)

 

The Cardiovascular Sonography Program Offers an Associate Degree and Diploma

Associate Degree Program

For the Associate Degree Cardiovascular Sonography (CVS) program, successful completion of the following four (4) courses with a grade of “C” or higher from a regionally accredited institution is required prior to Fall 2025 term start.

  • Basic Anatomy and Physiology (BIO-163 or acceptable substitute)
  • Intro to Interpersonal Communication (COM-120 or acceptable substitute)
  • Mathematical Measurement (MAT-110 or acceptable substitute). To apply only, an applicant may use MAT-110 or higher, no points are given for MAT-110.
  • Health Sciences Physics (PHY-125, no substitute)

Diploma Options (For Registered Sonographers Only)

The Cardiovascular Sonography (CVS) diploma is designed for practicing sonographers registered by a recognized accrediting agency and registered in VASCULAR. American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registered sonographers can earn a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) credential with an Adult Echocardiography (AE) specialty.

The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam is required for AE registry eligibility through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Prior to application, all students who wish to apply for the CVS Diploma program must have successfully completed the following three (3) courses with a “C” or higher from a regionally accredited institution:

  • A college-level Anatomy and Physiology course BIO-163 (or BIO-168 & 169) 5 credits
  • A college-level Math course. Interested applicants who need to meet the Math requirement may take MAT-110 3 credits
  • COM-120 3 credits

The ATI TEAS exam is not required for CVS diploma applicants.
If you meet the requirements for the diploma program, you must contact the Sonography Chair by emailing chastitylcase@abtech.edu to discuss further.

 

Introduction to Sonography Course

Thirty (30) applicants with the highest point totals will be invited and required to enroll in the Introduction to Sonography course that will be taught in the summer of 2025. After successful completion of this course, the applicants with the highest grades in this course will be selected to enroll in a Sonography program and will work with the department on placement into either the Medical Sonography program or the Cardiovascular Sonography program. The Introduction to Sonography course covers both general and cardiac sonography and will be paid for by the applicant (estimated cost $75 to $85). More details to follow.

Note: The Introduction to Sonography course is taught through A-B Tech’s Continuing Education Department; therefore, it is not covered by financial aid. Any fees associated with this course will be the student’s responsibility.

 

How to Apply

  1. Review the Information Session provided by the Sonography Department. Information Session can be found at the top of this webpage approaching the application period.
  2. Complete and submit the general A-B Tech Application. (This is not an application to a Selective Program. The application to the Sonography programs will be done separately after you meet with a Student Advisor and are approved as eligible to apply.)
  3. Applicants must certify on their college application that they are a high school graduate from a valid institution, an adult high school graduate from a valid institution, or have a valid HSE diploma. High school graduation or the equivalent from a regionally accredited, valid institution is required for Financial Aid purposes. You must have a high school diploma or equivalency by the first day of classes for the Fall 2025 term to enter the selective allied health programs.
  4. Applicants must complete New Student Orientation. Waivers may apply.
  5. Eligible applicants must document college readiness in English and Math. Visit Placement Overview for detailed information or contact a Student Advisor to learn about the acceptable options. Placement must be completed prior to meeting with a Student Advisor to complete the Verification/Selection Form during the application period.
  6. Once you meet the minimum requirements to apply to the program, you will meet with a Student Advisor to complete the Verification/Selection form and be given permission and instructions to schedule the ATI TEAS Exam. You must complete this step and the Verification/Selection form by the deadline listed above. Applicants must ensure ATI TEAS scores are received by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline. No exceptions.

 

Admission to the Program Once Minimum Requirements Have Been Met

  1. Applicants will be ranked based on the total points awarded. See the point system in the section below.
  2. Successful completion of BIO-163, COM-120, MAT-110 or acceptable substitutes and PHY-125 (no substitute for PHY-125) with a grade of “C” or higher is required prior to Fall 2025 term start (associate degree) or prior to application (diploma). Course completion will be verified prior to full acceptance.
  3. Applicants with the highest point count totals must attend the program Welcome Session which will be scheduled in the summer. The program Welcome Session details will be provided by the department after the application period ends. Information on required criminal background checks will be given out at this time as well as information on the required drug screenings, immunization requirements, CPR certification, TB testing, physical exam, etc. which will have to be completed before fall clinical rotations. Details about the required Introduction to Sonography course will be provided during the program Welcome Session. Failure to attend the program Welcome Session will result in the loss of a seat in the class.
  4. Thirty (30) applicants with the highest point count totals will be invited and required to enroll in the Introduction to Sonography course that will be taught in the summer of 2025. After successful completion of this course, applicants with the highest grades will be selected to enroll in one of the Sonography programs in Fall 2025. Selected applicants will work with the department on placement into either Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Sonography after successful completion of the introduction course.

 

How the Point System Works

  1. You will receive points equivalent to your ATI TEAS exam cumulative score (the maximum ATI TEAS score is 100).
  2. You can receive 30 points for the successful completion of an accredited, college credit, allied health program degree (AAS, BA, BS, or Masters) and 20 points for the completion of any accredited, college credit, diploma-level allied health program. Points will be awarded for allied health disciplines on the pre-approved list from the Dean of Allied Health. The program must be accredited by an accrediting board recognized by A-B Tech.
  3. You can receive 30 points for Nurse Aid I (NAI) certification. NAI certification must be documented.
  4. You can receive points for the successful completion of the following college courses (or acceptable substitutes): BIO-163, COM-120, MAT-152, and PHY-125 (no substitute). A grade of “A” = 30 points, a grade of “B” =15 points, and a grade of “C” = 5 points.
  5. Currently enrolled high school seniors who have successfully completed Health Science I can receive points. A grade of “A” = 15 points, a grade of “B” =10 points, and a grade of “C” = 5 points. An official high school transcript detailing this must be submitted to the Admissions Office by the documentation deadline.

The summation of the points outlined above will be used to rank applicants within the allied health program.

Important: It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all documentation and follow up as necessary to ensure it has been received. All documentation for points outside of the ATI TEAS Exam must be submitted by the documentation deadline at the top of the page. Applicants must take the TEAS exam and/or submit scores by 5:00 p.m. on the TEAS deadline.

Sonography applicants who are selected based on their point count and final grade taken from the introduction course are conditionally accepted into the program pending the submissions and review of a medical history form provided by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Acceptance is also conditional on the results of a required urine drug screen and criminal background check.

 

Important ATI TEAS Information

Applicants should NOT schedule the ATI TEAS until after meeting with a Student Advisor and having been approved as eligible to apply.

To be eligible for admission to the Fall 2025 class, all qualified Sonography applicants will be required to take the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam. The only exception is the registered sonographers applying for the Cardiovascular Sonography diploma. Applicants for the CVS diploma are not required to take the TEAS exam. The ATI TEAS exam may only be completed at a location within the United States of America per ATI guidelines.

The ATI TEAS exam will be paid for by the student at the time of online registration on the ATI website. Information on the ATI TEAS exam and associated costs can be found at ATI Testing.

Applicants may select only one of the following at the time of completion of the Verification/Selection Form:

  1. Testing during the application period at the Testing Center at A-B Tech Asheville Campus on Victoria Road in Asheville, NC.
  2. Testing during the application period at an approved testing facility in another location. If multiple test scores are received (regardless of the reason for or the source of the error), the earliest composite score will be used.
  3. Use an existing score already on file at the College provided the score is 5 years old or newer.
  4. Submit only one score report from a testing session that occurred prior to the application period at another testing facility. Scores must be 5 years old or newer. If multiple test scores are received (regardless of the reason for or the source of the error), the earliest composite score will be used.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up and ensure scores are received by the deadline.

Please Note: Test scores will not be accepted, and applicants may not schedule the ATI TEAS exam until after the applicant has completed the Verification/Selection Form with a Student Advisor.

If an applicant does not follow through and take the ATI TEAS exam, they will be disqualified from moving forward in the admission process.

Applicants in need of testing accommodations should contact Support Services at supportservices@abtech.edu at least three weeks prior to testing.

Important: Students who submit TEAS exam scores must ensure scores are received by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to email the Testing Center at testingcenter@abtech.edu to confirm scores were received prior to the testing deadline listed at the top of this page.

 

Notice to Non-U.S. Citizens

A-B Tech welcomes non-citizens with work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to our Selective Allied Health programs. Clinical site eligibility is determined by the sites and can be impacted by immigration status. Non-citizens should discuss their non-citizenship status with their Selective program advisor as soon as they are accepted so that accommodations can be made.

As stated above, non-citizens who are eligible for the Selective programs may not be eligible for certain clinical sites. Successful completion of clinical rotations is required for program completion. If a student drops the program after being denied clinical site privileges, the college refund policy will apply. Non-citizens are encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing/certifying agency to determine if they are eligible for licensure /certification upon graduation – decisions regarding licensure/certification are solely the responsibility of the licensing/certifying agency.

Questions regarding program admission for non-citizens may be directed to advising@abtech.edu.

 

Other Important Information

  • Criminal background checks and drug screenings will be required by clinical sites for students entering the selective allied health programs. These screenings will be conducted at the student’s expense by a professional and independent vendor. Failure to achieve acceptable standards for these screenings may result in denial of clinical privileges. Successful completion of clinical is required for program completion. The college refund policy applies if a student drops the program after being denied clinical site privileges.
  • Applicants should be aware that North Carolina State or National Boards may deny licensure or certification to individuals “convicted of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude.” Questions regarding this issue should be directed to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers at (800) 541-9754.
  • Applicants for the Selective Allied Health Programs must demonstrate the ability, with or without reasonable accommodations, to meet certain technical standards critical to the successful completion of the program. These standards include skills and abilities essential for such things as operation of equipment; evaluation and manipulation of patients; evaluation of microscopic components and color reactions; and communication with patients, families, and other medical personnel. For an explanation of specific physical and cognitive requirements for the Sonography programs, refer to the Program Technical Standards. For further clarification, contact the Sonography Department Chair at (828) 398-7470.
  • Any Allied Health student deemed to have violated the College Student Code of Conduct may not be eligible for application or re-admission to Allied Health programs.
  • If you are not selected for a Sonography program beginning Fall 2025 and wish to apply for the Fall 2026 class, you may re-apply during the next application period.
  • All documents that you submit with your application for the Sonography program must be true, correct, and complete. Falsification of documentation may result in denial of admission or dismissal after admission.
  • Admission criteria are reviewed each year and are subject to change from year to year.
  • Allied Health students will be required to complete clinical rotations which may require them to travel more than one hour from campus. Clinical rotations may be conducted during weekend and/or evening hours. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

 

Selective Allied Health Readmission Policy

The following readmission policy applies to students who receive an unsuccessful grade in a selective allied health program, or who voluntarily withdraw from such a program. Unsuccessful grades are defined as “D” or “F”.

  1. If you receive an unsuccessful grade in a selective allied health program, you may not proceed to any subsequent course, which has the course in question as a prerequisite. You must repeat the course in question before proceeding to the next higher course in the program.
  2. Most allied health courses are offered only once annually.
  3. Since a new class of students is admitted to each program annually, it will be necessary for the students who have received an unsuccessful grade in a major course during their first semester to reapply for readmission to the program for the following fall.
  4. Students who do not successfully complete a subsequent semester may seek approval from the department chairperson to ask special permission from the division dean to be re-admitted to the program for the next academic year if the application deadline has passed. Requests will be taken and considered on an individual basis.

 

We appreciate your interest in A-B Tech and the Sonography programs.
Updated July 26, 2024