An Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers a fast path to a rewarding healthcare career. In about two years, students build strong skills in anatomy, imaging technology, and patient care while gaining valuable real-world experience through clinical training.
With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices, earning a DMS degree prepares graduates to make an immediate impact in the healthcare field. By meeting the admissions requirements and completing the program, students position themselves for success as certified diagnostic medical sonographers.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Degree: What to Expect
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography prepares students for careers as diagnostic medical sonographers, often called ultrasound technologists. These programs typically take two years to complete and combine classroom instruction with clinical training. Graduates work alongside physicians to capture images of organs, tissues, and blood flow, helping diagnose and monitor a range of medical conditions.
What You Study
Students study human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, physics, and ultrasound instrumentation. Core topics include:
- Abdominal Sonography
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Cross-sectional Anatomy
- Patient Care and Ethics
Some programs, like Valencia College’s Sonography A.S. program, also introduce students to sonographic imaging of surgical diseases and vascular technology.
Most programs also require hands-on practicums at hospitals or imaging centers. For example, Monroe University’s DMS program includes three semesters of real-world clinical experience.
Program Length and Structure
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS program usually requires between 65 and 91 credit hours, depending on the institution and concentration.
Full-time students can complete the program in about 5 to 6 semesters (approximately two years). Schools like ECPI University allow students to graduate in as little as 21 months under an accelerated schedule.
Courses are delivered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format depending on the school. Some programs require attendance during the daytime only, such as the Charter College AAS Sonography program.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS program is often competitive. Typical requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses like Anatomy, Physiology, College Algebra, and Physics
- Background check and drug screening
- Healthcare Provider CPR certification
Programs such as Broward College and Jackson College require all prerequisites to be completed before application.
Some schools, like Washburn University, require applicants to already have an associate degree or higher in an allied health field.
Program Costs
Tuition costs vary by location and school type:
- Valencia College (FL): Public rates, ~$6,000–$7,000 total.
- Monroe University (NY): Private rates, more than $20,000.
- Washburn University (KS): ~$17,000–$20,000 depending on specialization (view details).
- State Fair Community College (MO): ~$8,000–$10,000.
Additional costs often include uniforms, clinical fees, textbooks (~$600–$1,600), certification exam fees, and health requirements like vaccines and physical exams.
Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs are available at most institutions. Some schools, like Saint Joseph’s University, guarantee clinical placements to help students gain experience while studying.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032.
Graduates work in:
- Hospitals
- Imaging centers
- Physician offices
- Specialty clinics (OB/GYN, cardiology, vascular)
Entry-level salaries typically range between $50,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on location, specialty, and employer.
Graduates are eligible to take certification exams from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and/or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which employers often require.
Top Schools
When considering a career in diagnostic medical sonography, choosing the right program is essential to ensuring a successful and rewarding entry into the healthcare field. The following schools offer a range of specialized and flexible training options, each designed to equip students with the technical skills, clinical experience, and certification support needed to excel as sonographers.
Whether you’re looking for an accelerated program, flexible online learning, or a traditional on-campus experience, these institutions provide a variety of pathways to suit different learning preferences and career goals. Below, we’ll explore the unique features and offerings of each of these sonography programs, helping you make an informed decision about your educational journey.
| School Name | Location | Program Duration | Key Features and Specializations | Unique, Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECPI University | Newport News, VA | 21 months | Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Abdominal, OB/GYN, Vascular) | Accelerated program with clinical rotations, ARDMS and ARRT exam prep |
| Keiser University | Clearwater, FL | Varies (Track 1: 81 credits, Track 2: 91 credits) | Abdominal-Extended, OB/GYN, Vascular Sonography tracks | Specialization in two tracks, focus on professional ethics and technical proficiency |
| Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) | St. Paul, MN | 2 years | General and Echocardiography Sonography | Small cohorts, hybrid format with focused instruction, board exam prep |
| Saint Joseph’s University | Philadelphia, PA | 19 months | Abdominal, OB/GYN, limited vascular sonography | State-of-the-art simulation facilities, guaranteed clinical placements |
| Washburn University | Topeka, KS | One year (certificate program) | Abdominal-Extended/OB-GYN, Cardiac, Vascular Sonography | Flexible, online learning with clinical placements near student’s location |
| Monroe University | Bronx, NY | 5 semesters (approximately 2 years) | OB-GYN, Abdominal, Vascular, Echocardiography sonography | Located in a high-demand area (NY metro), three-semester academic calendar |
| Jackson College | Jackson, MI | Varies (based on prerequisites) | General Sonography (Abdomen, OB/GYN) | Competitive admission, dual specialization (Abdomen, OB/GYN), ARDMS certification prep |
| The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) | Austin, TX | 96 weeks (Hybrid) | Abdominal, OB/GYN Sonography | Hybrid learning format, ARDMS registry exam prep |
| Charter College | Anchorage, AL | 17 months | OB/GYN, Abdominal Sonography | Accelerated program with frequent start dates, ARRT exam prep |
| State Fair Community College (SFCC) | Sedalia, MO | 22 months | General and Cardiac Sonography | Dual track options, hands-on training with internships |
ECPI University
https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/diagnostic-medical-sonography-associate-degree
Newport News, VA
Accelerated, Career-Focused Training in Sonography
ECPI University’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography prepares students for entry-level careers in ultrasound imaging in as little as 21 months. This 80-credit program blends classroom instruction with hands-on training across abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and vascular sonography. Students benefit from a rigorous schedule of six semesters divided into 5-week terms, combining in-person classroom instruction, lab practice, and immersive clinical rotations. The program includes 1,920 contact hours and is structured to develop cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills necessary to meet industry demands. Tuition support is available, and the program is designed to meet eligibility for key credentials including ARDMS and ARRT certification exams.
Robust Curriculum with Emphasis on Practical Application
The ECPI curriculum is designed to produce highly competent general sonographers. Students take courses in anatomy, physics, obstetric imaging, vascular procedures, and medical coding, while learning professional behaviors, ethics, and patient care. Clinical rotations begin in the fourth semester, offering five-day-a-week immersive experience in medical settings. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and OB/GYN practices. In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes physical readiness for sonography’s demands—requiring strength, coordination, and stamina. Graduates may pursue roles such as Sonographer, Ultrasound Technologist, or Ultrasonographer in a growing and well-compensated field.
Keiser University
https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/diagnostic-medical-sonography-as/
Clearwater, FL
Comprehensive Sonography Training with Specialized Tracks
Keiser University offers an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that blends classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical experience. Students are prepared to function as entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers working under physician supervision to assist in diagnostic decision-making. The curriculum includes two concentration tracks: Track 1 focuses on Abdominal-Extended and Obstetrics/Gynecology, while Track 2 includes Abdominal-Extended, OB/GYN, and Vascular Sonography. Track 1 requires 81 credit hours, and Track 2 requires 91 credit hours. Both tracks emphasize technical proficiency, patient care, and professional ethics, and include clear learning outcomes such as performing routine sonographic exams and demonstrating professional behavior in clinical settings.
Rigorous Prerequisites and Emphasis on Lifelong Learning
To be admitted, students must pass a background check and drug screening, and complete prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, math, physics, and English with at least a “C” grade and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must also maintain a “C” or higher in all program courses to progress. The program’s mission includes fostering lifelong learning to adapt to evolving healthcare needs. Graduates are eligible to pursue certification and are equipped for positions in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs, making this an intensive and career-focused pathway into the healthcare imaging field.
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP)
https://www.csp.edu/program/diagnostic-medical-sonography-aas/
St. Paul, MN
Hybrid Sonography Training with Focused Concentrations
CSP’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a two-year, 70-credit program offering two specialized concentrations: General and Echocardiography. The General concentration includes training in abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and interventional procedures, while the Echocardiography concentration focuses on cardiac sonography and disease assessment. The program is delivered in a hybrid format with in-person instruction, open lab sessions, and clinical rotations. Students spend three semesters learning core sonographic principles, one semester on review, and six months in clinical practice, fully preparing them for board certification.
Small Cohorts and In-Depth Clinical Preparation
With a capacity of just 12 students per cohort and fall/spring intakes, the program ensures personalized instruction and hands-on training. Students benefit from rigorous lab sessions and supervised clinical experiences that develop technical skills and patient care competency. Graduates are eligible to sit for national board exams and are well-prepared to enter the workforce in hospitals, imaging centers, or private clinics. The intimate setting and focused instruction create an ideal learning environment for those entering the ultrasound field.
Saint Joseph’s University
https://www.sju.edu/degree-programs/associate-degree-diagnostic-medical-sonography
Philadelphia, PA
Intensive, On-Campus Sonography Program with Guaranteed Clinicals
Saint Joseph’s University offers a 66-credit Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, designed to be completed in just 19 months. The program trains students to perform ultrasound exams on abdominal structures, OB/GYN, and limited vascular systems. It includes classroom instruction, hands-on scanning in an ultrasound suite, and clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to take ARDMS certification exams in sonographic physics, abdomen, and OB/GYN upon completion. The program is ideal for students new to higher education and includes guaranteed clinical placements across Pennsylvania.
Cutting-Edge Simulation and Small Group Learning
Students receive personalized attention through small class sizes and 1:1 faculty interaction. The program utilizes the Center for Excellence in Practice, a state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot simulation facility that mirrors real-world healthcare environments. This immersive learning, combined with experienced faculty and guaranteed hands-on clinical training, positions students for success in a growing healthcare field. The on-campus delivery model also fosters collaboration and real-time feedback throughout the learning process.
Washburn University
Flexible One-Year Online Certificates for Healthcare Professionals
Washburn University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is designed for students who already hold an associate degree or higher in an approved healthcare field. The program offers three one-year advanced certificates in Abdominal-Extended/OB-GYN, Cardiac, or Vascular Sonography. All didactic coursework is delivered online, while clinical training is completed at an affiliated site near the student’s home. This flexibility makes it an ideal option for working professionals looking to specialize and advance in the sonography field.
Accredited Program with Competitive Tuition and Broad Opportunities
The program has been CAAHEP-accredited since 2006 and emphasizes high-quality education through a well-established online platform. Estimated total program costs range from $17,161 to $20,340, depending on the specialization. Students receive support for board exam preparation (ARDMS or CCI) and benefit from a wide variety of clinical experiences, including partnerships with major medical centers and local hospitals. Employers can also sponsor employees through the program, making it both accessible and career-focused.
Monroe University
Hands-On Training in a Growing Healthcare Field
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Monroe University is a five-semester, on-campus program that prepares students for fast-growing healthcare careers. Located in the New York metro area, where demand for sonographers is highest, this program combines a solid academic foundation with hands-on training in sonography specialties such as OB-GYN, abdominal imaging, vascular imaging, and echocardiography. Students receive real-world experience through three semesters of clinical placements in top-tier facilities. With 81 total credits—69 in the major and 12 in general education—the curriculum also emphasizes patient care, anatomy, physics, and pathology. The program is accredited and credentialed by the ARRT in Abdomen, Ob/Gyn, and Vascular Sonography.
Accessible Tuition and Promising Career Outcomes
Monroe University keeps education affordable with competitive tuition, financial aid opportunities, and flexible payment plans. Graduates are equipped to enter a high-satisfaction field with strong job prospects—employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow by 10%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and a three-semester academic calendar, students can complete their degree in under two years. This program offers a direct pathway into a critical medical role, making it a strong choice for students looking to enter the healthcare workforce quickly.
Jackson College
https://www.jccmi.edu/degree/general-sonography-associate-in-applied-science/
Jackson, MI
In-Depth Clinical Training and Dual Specialization
Jackson College offers a CAAHEP-accredited Associate in Applied Science in General Sonography that blends classroom instruction with a minimum of 1,350 hours of supervised clinical practice. The curriculum equips students for employment in both abdomen/superficial structures and obstetrics/gynecology specialties. This rigorous program focuses on the use of high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images and emphasizes the need for independent judgment in clinical settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for ARDMS certification exams in Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen, and OB/GYN—credentials highly valued in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
Competitive Admissions and Strong Industry Preparation
Admission to the program is competitive and based on a point system that considers prerequisite grades and interview performance. Students must complete general education and related courses before applying and must submit applications by January 31 for summer semester entry. The program is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in the field, with job-ready skills and the qualifications needed for national certification. This makes it ideal for individuals seeking a structured, career-oriented pathway into diagnostic medical sonography.
The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)
https://www.chcp.edu/degrees-certificates/on-campus/diagnostic-medical-sonography-aas-degree/
Austin, TX
Blended Learning in a Flexible Format
CHCP’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 96-week hybrid program combining online coursework with in-person clinical training. Offered across multiple Texas campuses, including Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston, the program trains students to become skilled sonographers with specialization in abdominal and OB/GYN sonography. Students learn to perform accurate scans, analyze ultrasound images, and communicate effectively in clinical settings. The program emphasizes compassion and professionalism in addition to technical skill, preparing students for both the technical and human aspects of patient care.
Certification Support and Career Readiness
CHCP’s program culminates in a review course to prepare students for the ARDMS registry exams—essential credentials for employment and state licensure. Students must complete the accredited program and pass the SPI and a specialty exam to become Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS). With a curriculum tailored to meet employer demands and a flexible hybrid delivery model, CHCP offers a dynamic learning environment for students ready to enter this growing healthcare profession.
Charter College
https://chartercollege.edu/programs/health-care/diagnostic-medical-sonography-aas/
Anchorage, AL
Accelerated and Comprehensive Training
Charter College’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 17-month program delivered in a blended format that allows students to balance academics with personal commitments. Available at several campuses including Anchorage, Reno, and Salt Lake City, the program covers anatomy, OB/GYN and abdominal sonography, pathology, and medical terminology. Through classroom learning, lab work, and clinical practicums, students gain the skills necessary to perform diagnostic ultrasounds and provide patient care in various medical settings.
ARRT Certification and Entry-Level Preparation
Students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on training required to take the ARRT exam, opening doors to roles in radiology and sonography. The program emphasizes ethical standards, patient communication, and professional adaptability—qualities essential for success in healthcare. With frequent start dates and focused instruction, Charter College offers a fast-track route to a meaningful career in medical imaging.
State Fair Community College (SFCC)
https://www.sfccmo.edu/academics-programs/areas-of-study/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
Sedalia, MO
Dual Track Options and Real-World Experience
SFCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers two tracks—general and cardiac—each completed over 22 months. The curriculum includes online coursework, on-campus labs, and clinical internships. General track students train in abdominal, vascular, and OB/GYN sonography, while the cardiac track focuses on detailed heart and vascular exams. Students graduate eligible for national certification exams, enhancing job market competitiveness in a field where precision and empathy are equally valued.
Competitive Admission and Nationwide Certification
The program requires a separate application due by March 1 and includes prerequisites, a background check, and drug screening. Fully accredited by CAAHEP, the SFCC program prepares graduates for employment in all 50 states and offers a blend of flexibility, specialization, and hands-on training. With an emphasis on diagnostic accuracy, patient care, and professional readiness, SFCC sets students up for successful entry into a vital healthcare profession.
Tuition Payoff Timeline
When considering a diagnostic medical sonography program, one key factor to evaluate is how long it will take to pay off your student loans after graduation. Let’s use an average tuition of $30,000 (which can vary by program) and an average starting salary of $70,000 per year for a newly graduated sonographer. By dedicating different percentages of your starting salary to student loan repayment, you can estimate how long it would take to pay off the debt.
Breakdown of Loan Payoff Based on Salary Allocation:
- 5% of Starting Salary: Dedicating 5% of your $70,000 salary would equate to $3,500 per year toward paying off your loan. With a $30,000 debt, it would take approximately 8.57 years to fully repay the loan.
- 10% of Starting Salary: Allocating 10% of your salary, or $7,000 per year, would reduce the repayment time to 4.29 years. This approach significantly shortens the debt payoff period.
- 15% of Starting Salary: If you increase your payment to 15% of your salary ($10,500 per year), you would pay off your loan in 2.86 years, making it a much faster path to financial freedom.
- 20% of Starting Salary: Committing 20% of your salary ($14,000 per year) would allow you to eliminate the $30,000 loan in just 2.14 years, significantly reducing the interest you would pay over the life of the loan.
By adjusting the percentage of your income dedicated to loan repayment, you can manage your debt more effectively and achieve financial independence sooner. Remember, the quicker you can pay off your loan, the less you will pay in interest over time, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your new career even more.