CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS EDUCATION AND TRAINING POLICY: ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute (SEHWI) values prior learning and recognizes that students may enter the institution with prior college coursework, professional training, certifications or other educational experiences that may support progress toward completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree. The purpose of this policy is to ensure a fair, consistent, and academically sound evaluation of prior learning while maintaining the integrity of the institution’s educational programs and accreditation requirements. 

Eligibility for Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be awarded for coursework completed at institutions accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or an equivalent international accrediting body. 

To be considered for transfer credit: 

• Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the issuing institution

• Coursework must be substantially equivalent in content, learning outcomes, and academic rigor to the course for which transfer credit is being requested

• A minimum grade of “C” (2.0 GPA equivalent) must have been earned in the course

• Transfer credit must support the student’s declared educational program.

• The institution reserves the right to require course descriptions, syllabi, catalog descriptions, competency assessments or additional documentation when determining course equivalency. 

Recency of Coursework

General Education Courses

• General Education coursework, including English, mathematics, psychology, communications, social sciences and humanities courses, is not subject to a specific age limitation provided the coursework remains relevant to current program requirements.

Science and Health Science Coursework

• Healthcare knowledge evolves rapidly and competency in foundational sciences is critical to student success, science and health science coursework including, but not limited to, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, Biology and related healthcare courses must generally have been completed within the previous five (5) years. 

• Exceptions may be granted by the Program Director and Chief Administrative Officer based upon demonstrated competency, professional experience, subsequent coursework, licensure, certification, or additional evidence of current knowledge

Sonography-Specific Coursework

• Transfer credit for Diagnostic Medical Sonography coursework, clinical education, laboratory coursework, and other specialized sonography courses will be evaluated on an individual basis and may require additional documentation or competency validation.

• SEHWI reserves the right to deny transfer credit for specialized sonography coursework when equivalency cannot be adequately established. 

Prior Professional Training, Certifications, and Licensure

• Students may request evaluation of prior professional training, military training, certifications, licenses or other formal educational experiences.

• The institution may require competency examinations, portfolios, training records, credential verification, or additional documentation before awarding credit.

Transfer Credit Limitations

• No more than fifty percent (50%) of the total credits required for graduation may be satisfied through transfer credit, prior learning assessment, professional training, or other external educational experiences. 

• At least fifty percent (50%) of the credits required for graduation must be completed through coursework offered by Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute. 

• Credits awarded through transfer or prior learning assessment may satisfy graduation requirements but do not carry grade points and are not included in the calculator of the student’s institutional grade point average (GPA). 

Transfer Credit Review Process

• Student submits official transcripts and supporting documentation

• The Admissions Office forwards documentation for evaluation to the Program Director and Academic Administration to review course equivalencies and supporting materials. 

• Students will be notified in writing regarding transfer credit decisions.

• Approved transfer credit will be documented in the student’s academic record. 

Non-Transferable Credit

The following are generally not eligible for transfer credit:

• Developmental or remedial coursework

• Continuing education units (CEUs) without academic credit

• Courses completed with a grade below “C”

• Coursework determined not to be equivalent to SEHWI curriculum

• Coursework lacking sufficient documentation for evaluation

The institution reserves the right to make all final determinations regarding transferability of credit. 

Abdominal Sonography Concentration Goal

The goal of the Abdominal Sonography Concentration is to prepare competent, entry-level abdominal sonographers who demonstrate proficiency in performing diagnostic ultrasound examinations of the abdominal organs and superficial structures. Graduates will possess the scientific knowledge, technical skills, critical thinking abilities, ethical professionalism, and patient care competencies necessary to produce high-quality diagnostic images, collaborate effectively with the healthcare team, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care while meeting the expectations of today's medical imaging profession.

Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) Sonography Concentration Goal

The goal of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography Concentration is to prepare competent, entry-level OB/GYN sonographers who are proficient in performing comprehensive obstetrical and gynecologic ultrasound examinations. Graduates will demonstrate excellence in patient-centered care, fetal and maternal assessment, gynecologic imaging, clinical decision-making, ethical practice, and professional communication while providing safe, accurate, and compassionate diagnostic services to women and their families throughout all stages of reproductive healthcare.

Vascular Sonography Concentration Goal

The goal of the Vascular Sonography Concentration is to prepare competent, entry-level vascular sonographers who demonstrate proficiency in performing non-invasive vascular ultrasound examinations utilizing duplex, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler imaging techniques. Graduates will possess the knowledge, technical competence, hemodynamic understanding, critical thinking, and professional judgment necessary to evaluate arterial and venous disease, produce accurate diagnostic information, and contribute to high-quality patient care within vascular laboratories, hospitals, and outpatient healthcare settings.

Overall AADMS Program Goal

The goal of the Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute is to prepare competent, ethical, and compassionate entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers through a comprehensive education grounded in scientific knowledge, clinical excellence, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality patient care, demonstrate professional competence within their selected concentration, qualify for professional credentialing examinations, obtain gainful employment, and make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of the communities they serve.