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Diagnostic Medical Sonography technologists are employed throughout the state and nation in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and industry. Suitably qualified educators, researchers, and administrators are also needed.  Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a highly specialized area of diagnostic imaging and is an integral part of the health care team concept. This unique, non-invasive technique utilizes high frequency sound waves, along with the appropriate detectors and graphics computers, to produce cross-sectional images of internal organs and associated structures.

The diagnostic medical sonographer provides patient services by using sonographic equipment to provide physicians with important diagnostic information. The sonographer assists the physician by providing pertinent anatomical, physiological, and/or pathological sonographic data and images necessary to diagnose a variety of medical conditions and diseases.

Sonographers must demonstrate a high degree of motivation and good judgment, and are expected to work independently. In addition, sonographers work well with other health care professionals in providing quality service to the patient. DMS professionals must demonstrate empathy, compassion, and ethical behavior in the practice of the profession. 

Allen College graduates are encouraged to take a national registry exam administered by one of several organizations. Graduates may be eligible to apply to the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) www.ardms.org or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) www.arrt.org to sit for the certification exam. In most states, a national exam in sonography is voluntary but obtaining this credential does enhance employment opportunities and may be required by some facilities for employment. Prerequisite eligibility for specific national registry exams varies by organization. 

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the  Diagnostic  Medical Sonography track of the Bachelor of Health Sciences program is to provide an excellent educational program for men and women seeking careers in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography profession.  This mission complements the Allen College and the Bachelor of Health Sciences program.

Program Goals

"To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains"

• Provide the medical community with individuals that have attained the knowledge and skills appropriate for an entry-level sonographer
• Facilitate the development of effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Promote the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Provide an environment that supports and promotes professional growth, a commitment to life-long learning and prepares sonography professionals who function as competent members of the health care team

Program Competencies

• Demonstrate the technical and critical thinking skills required to perform as entry level sonographers, providing accuracy and proficiency in general diagnostic sonography examinations and procedures 
• Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results 
• Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic and /or physiologicdata for the interpreting physician 
• Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and /or other diagnostic services 
• Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct when interacting and communicating with patients and their families, physicians, other health care professionals and the public
• Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and promote principles of good health 

Program Description

The Allen College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is a 5 semester (21 month) full-time diagnostic or general concentration ultrasound program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.  The program provides students with the didactic and clinical training necessary to become professionals in the field of diagnostic ultrasound.  General or diagnostic ultrasound includes abdominal, pelvic, gynecological, obstetrical and special parts imaging. Students will complete classroom and laboratory work on campus and clinical education in an affiliated ultrasound department assigned by the DMS program faculty.  Course work includes effective communication and patient skills combined with knowledge of physics, instrumentation, human anatomy and physiology and pathology.  All sonography courses relate to each other, are offered only once during the program and must be taken in sequence. Program enrollment is limited and based upon the availability of clinical affiliates.  Because there may be more applicants to the program than there are available positions, completion of prerequisites classes and the BHS application does NOT guarantee admission into the DMS program.     

Clinical Practicums

The clinical experience is an essential component in the education of a sonographer. This time allows the student to integrate the knowledge acquired in the classroom and lab to the clinical environment and acquire the skills necessary to become a qualified sonographer and thus constitutes a large portion of the program curriculum. Students will experience a variety of exams, ultrasound equipment, protocols and pathology.  Students may be assigned by the Program Faculty to one or more clinical facilities. The clinical facilities vary in location and   distance. Students are responsible for their own transportation and living accommodations during the clinical practicums.  Students can expect to be at clinical practicums during the weekdays, weekend hours are not available.  Clinical practicums are based upon 40 hrs per week. 

Program Completion Options:

• Certificate Program
  Students must hold one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Associate degree from a 2 year allied health* program that is direct patient care related
  • Certificate from a 2 year allied health* program that is direct patient care related
  • Completion of prerequisite/co-requisite coursework with minimum GPA
  • Graduates may be eligible for a national registry examination (must meet registry eligibility requirements as determined by agency)
    • ARRT
    • ARDMS 

*Allied health occupations include, but are not limited to, diagnostic medical sonographer, radiologic technologist, respiratory therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist and registered nurse.

•  Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree
  • Completion of prerequisite/co-requisite coursework with minimum GPA
  • Graduates may be eligible for a national registry examination (must meet registry eligibility requirements as determined by agency)
    • ARRT(s)
    • ARDMS 

• Admission Requirements  
• Application
• Admissions Process
• Clinical Affiliates 
• Curriculum - Certificate Option (Includes General Education requirements)
• Curriculum - Degree Option (Includes General Education requirements)
• Essential Functions of a Sonographer
• Financial Assistance
• Tuition & Fees

Your credits from a certificate or associates degree in radiography can transfer to a Bachelors degree in Health Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Nuclear Medicine Technology!  Request a degree audit to find out how your credits may transfer. 

Earn an Associate’s Degree in Radiology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  Below are sample curriculum plans for each option. 

ASR + DMS