The associate of science in diagnostic medical sonography is a program that is designed for students who wish to explore the field of sonography, as well as those who have made a career decision to seek certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Diagnostic medical sonographers on the other hand are highly specialized members of the health care team. Their job is to provide patient services using ultrasound under the direction of a physician.
Furthermore, they provide care essential to diagnostic ultrasound imaging by operating equipment and also performing examinations for medical diagnosis.
Sonographers have an in-depth knowledge of physics, disease processes, physiology, cross-sectional anatomy, positioning, as well as sonographic techniques that are necessary to create ultrasound images.
Sonographers have a good knowledge of darkroom techniques, equipment maintenance, record keeping, and film processing.
In this article, we have provided information on associate of science in diagnostic medical sonography and the schools to start your journey from.
What Can You Do With an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree?
Digital sonographers use their skill to operate imaging equipment and testing equipment during the diagnostic process.
Sonographers are given the opportunity to focus on various types of imaging including:
- Pediatric sonography
- Breast sonography
- Gynecologic sonography
- Vascular sonography
- Cardiovascular sonography
With an Associate Degree in Sonography, diagnostic medical sonographers had a median salary of $69,650 as of May 2016.
The field is set to experience continued growth while offering new opportunities for sonographers for years to come.
What to Learn in the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- You will learn to collect and interpret diagnostic information from the ultrasound.
- You will learn to obtain, review, and record pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
- You will learn to communicate effectively in a culturally responsive manner with patients and the healthcare team.
- You will learn to exercise professional and ethical behavior in a medical setting.
- You will develop lifelong learning practices in sonography and healthcare.
Career Opportunities for Sonographers
Successful completion of the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Examples of related occupations are:
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians:
They conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes.
They may conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers:
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians and that Includes vascular technologists.
You can also find sonographers in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Doctors’ offices
- Mobile imaging centers
- Research
- Applications
- Teaching
- Marketing
How Long Does It Take to Get a Sonography Degree?
Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography takes around 24 months to finish.
This includes clinical rotation and coursework both in-person and online.
How Do You Get a Sonography Degree?
To receive a degree in diagnostic sonography, you will need to complete approximately two years of coursework through an accredited institution.
Some of the coursework you might complete includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacolog
- General Physics
- Sonography Anatomy
- Principles of OBGYN Sonography
- Principles of Abdominal Sonography
- Introduction to Vascular Sonography
The Schools with Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology
- Monroe College
- The College of Health Care Professions
- WCUI School of Medical Imaging
- The South College
- Southern Technical College
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- SouthHills School of Business and Technology
- MedQuest College
- Casa Loma College
- CBD College
- Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
- Andalusia, USA
- State: Alabama
- City: Opp
- Website: www.lbwcc.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
- Concentration: General
- Telephone: (334)493-5345
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College is a two year Associate in Applied Science Degree program.
A new DMS class is selected each year to begin the program in the fall semester.
In the DMS program students continue the program for five consecutive semesters and graduate with a degree at the end of the spring semester the following academic year.
As a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited program, graduates may become registered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in Abdomen or OB/GYN as early as 60 days prior to graduation.
Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology
Cambridge’s Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program gives you the knowledge and hands-on training you need to become a successful sonographer also known as an ultrasound technician.
Their Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography takes approximately 90 weeks to complete, including a clinical externship at local healthcare facilities.
This means you’ll be ready to start your career in around two years.
After graduation, you’ll receive an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree. Find out more.
Monroe College
The associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Songraphy prepares students for a dynamic and rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of diagnostic medical sonography.
Besides science classes to help you learn about the human body, you’ll learn how to expertly employ and interpret sonographic imaging, follow regulations, and effectively communicate with patients. Several clinical internships are a core part of Monroe’s program.
Program Overview:
- 66 credits
- Prepare to sit for the national certification exam
- Learn from experienced professionals
Check out their curriculum.
The College of Health Care Professions
In their Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in Texas, you will learn how to perform ultrasounds on the abdomen and in gynecology.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is designed to take 96 weeks to complete.
During this time, you will receive clinical, hands-on training in diagnostic sonography.
You will also learn theoretical sonography principles and engage in professional development.
After you complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program with The College of Health Care Professions, you’ll be prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to get an entry-level job as an ultrasound sonographer.
Each participant must possess a high school diploma or GED and can read and write English.
Students entering the program must first pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 21.
Participants must have good vision, coordination, health, be neat, and be professional.
Applicants must complete a criminal background check. Students who have criminal histories must have already completed the Declaratory Order of Eligibility (DOE) for licensure through the ARDMS and ARRT and provide a copy of the eligibility letter prior to acceptance into the program.
WCUI School of Medical Imaging
At WCUI, they pride themselves on having designed a well-rounded medical sonography associate degree program that combines classroom and lab work in topics like:
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Medical Terminology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
- Vascular Sonography
At WCUI, they have years of experience in educating upcoming medical sonographers in exactly the skills and knowledge they need.
Using online lectures, hands-on labs, and a 6-month externship, their Diagnostic Medical Sonography students learn:
- Vascular, abdominal, gynecology, and obstetrics
- Problem-solving techniques in the basic concepts of physical science.
- Ethics and professionalism
- How to demonstrate entry-level clinical knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the care of patients undergoing ultrasound procedures.
The South College
Through completion of the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at South College, you could be exploring career opportunities as an entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer in just over two years (27 months).
This is a growing field in the healthcare industry, offering a challenging, fulfilling work environment.
Their faculty in the medical sonography program are dedicated to helping you succeed, both ther at South College and in the workforce.
With their small class sizes and support from course tutors, you’ll receive more individualized attention along with support and insight to help guide your progress. This program can be found in their locations at Atlanta, Asheville, Knoxville and Nashville.
Southern Technical College
- Auburndale, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Tampa, USA
Southern Technical College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a program designed to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
The structure of the program includes didactic and classroom theory with laboratory experiences and clinical externship to provide a balance of interesting and informative experiences to mold a well-prepared Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Anchorage, USA +1 More
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers a 72-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree that takes 3-5 years to complete depending on completion of prerequisite, program, and application requirements.
The program trains individuals for employment as a general sonographer or ultrasound tech.
Their program is designed for those who already have training and experience providing direct care to patients.
SouthHills School of Business and Technology
- Altoona, USA
This sonography program at SouthHills will teach students the use of high-tech equipment utilizing ultrasound to assess human body.
This institution offers three pathways to enrol in sonography based on individual’s background.
Within each program, a student can choose between three specializations:
- General Sonography (OB/GYN, Abdominal)
- Cardiac Sonography (echocardiography/heart)
- Vascular Sonography
MedQuest College
- Louisville, USA
The Cardiovascular Sonography program offered at MedQuest College provides students with the option to pursue an Associate Degree in Cardiac Sonography or Vascular Sonography.
Cardiac Sonography is ultrasound used to produce images of the anatomy of a patient’s heart chambers, walls, valves and blood vessels.
On the other hand Vascular Sonography is ultrasound used to produce images of the patient’s veins and arteries.
Casa Loma College
- Los Angeles, USA
At Casa Loma College, their Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a seven-semester program that combines classroom instruction with practical experience in labs, as well as clinical work in a wide variety of healthcare settings.
An Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in this college will prepare you to complete the certification exams to help you in your future job search.
For example, upon successful completion of their DMS program, Casa Loma graduates are eligible to apply for national certification examinations of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the areas of Abdomen, Obstetrics, and Gynecology and Sonography Principles and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the Sonography Primary Pathway Certification.
CBD College
- Online USA
- State: California
- City: Los Angeles
- Website: www.cbd.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
- Concentration: General
- Telephone: (213)427-2200
In as little as 22 months, CBD College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program will prepare you for what it takes to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer/Ultrasound Technician.
Other Schools with Sonography Programs Include:
As you already know, associates degrees in sonography include courses that emphasize communication, thus raising skill levels, since diagnostic medical sonographers must be able to clearly give directions to patients and consult with physicians concerning imaging results.
The following schools have associate degrees in other areas of Sonography. However there are so many other schools that are not on the list.
H. Councill Trenholm State Community College
- State: Alabama
- City: Montgomery
- Website: www.trenholmstate.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
- Concentration: General
- Telephone: (334)420-4358
Virginia College
- State: Alabama
- City: Birmingham
- Website: www.vc.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited
- Concentration: Vascular, General
- Telephone: (205)802-1200×1147
Wallace State Community College
- State: Alabama
- City: Hanceville
- Website: www.wallacestate.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
- Concentration: General
- Telephone: (256)352-8318
GateWay Community College
- State: Arizona
- City: Phoenix
- Website: www.gatewaycc.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
- Concentration: Vascular, General
- Telephone: (602)286-8486
Foothill College
- State: California
- City: Los Altos Hills
- Website: www.foothill.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited
- Concentration: General
- Telephone: (650)949-7304
Cosumnes River College
- State: California
- City: Sacramento
- Website: www.crc.losrios.edu
- CAAHEP or ARRT: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
- Concentration: General
- Telephone:(916)691-7345
Final Thoughts
After taking the associate of science in diagnostic medical sonography program and earning your ARDMS sonography certification, consider yourself ready for employment.
The median annual wages for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers per the May 2017 U.S. occupational survey were $71,410 or $34.33 per hour.
However, the current projections depict excellent job growth at a rate faster than all other occupations.
Credentialed Diagnostic Medical Sonographers holding an Associates degree will have greater employment opportunities than those who are holding a certificate in sonography as their primary educational attainment.