Diagnostic Medical Sonography

ONLINE APPLICATION

A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

85 Credits
Program Length: 90 Weeks
Track One Total Clock Hours: 2115
Track Two Total Clock Hours: 2130

Train for a Career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Mandl School – The College of Allied Health. Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program is designed to prepare students for careers in ultrasound imaging through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and supervised clinical experience.

Students may choose from two specialized career tracks, allowing them to focus their education based on their professional interests in women’s health, general imaging, cardiac imaging, or vascular diagnostics.

Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly skilled healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology to create images that help physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

Why Choose Mandl’s Sonography Program?

• Two specialized career tracks
• Hands-on clinical training in healthcare settings
• Small class sizes for individualized instruction
• Provides targeted support to help students develop strong scanning skills
• Career-focused curriculum aligned with industry standards
• Preparation for professional certification pathways
• Training in real-world patient care environments
• Experienced faculty with healthcare industry expertise

Choose Your Career Path

Track A: Abdomen, OB/GYN and Basic Vascular Sonography

This track prepares students for careers in general diagnostic ultrasound with a focus on abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, and introductory vascular imaging.

Students Learn to Perform Ultrasound Exams Of:

• Liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal organs
• Female reproductive system
• Pregnancy development and fetal growth
• Pelvic structures
• Basic vascular circulation and Doppler flow studies

Ideal For Students Interested In:

• Women’s health
• Family-centered care
• General medical imaging
• Obstetrics and pregnancy imaging
• Multi-specialty sonography careers

Track B: Adult Echocardiography and Advanced Vascular Sonography

This track prepares students for careers focused on cardiac and vascular ultrasound imaging.

Students Learn to Evaluate:

• Heart chambers and valves
• Cardiac structure and function
• Heart disease conditions
• Blood vessels and circulation
• Advanced Doppler imaging
• Vascular abnormalities, stenosis, grafts, and bypass vessels

Ideal For Students Interested In:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular imaging
• Advanced diagnostics
• Technical imaging specialties
• Hospital and specialty practice settings

What You’ll Learn

Students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program develop knowledge and skills in:

• Ultrasound physics and instrumentation
• Cross-sectional anatomy
• Physiology and pathology
• Patient positioning and scanning techniques
• Doppler principles and hemodynamics
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Professional communication
• Patient-centered care
• Safety procedures and quality control

Clinical Training Experience

Mandl students gain supervised clinical experience in professional healthcare environments where they apply classroom learning in real patient care settings. Clinical education helps students build confidence, technical skills, and professionalism needed for entry-level employment.

Certification Pathways

Students who successfully complete either program track may apply to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination during the fourth semester of the degree plan program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Successful completion of ARDMS SPI and specialty examinations is required to earn applicable credentials including:

• RDMS
• RDCS
• RVT

Track B graduates may also pursue applicable cardiovascular credentialing pathways based on eligibility requirements.

Students are required to take and successfully pass the ARDMS SPI exam during the

fourth semester prior to beginning their externships. Students who successfully complete the Track A program are eligible to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Sonography exam, while students in Track B program may apply for the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) exam. Comprehensive review courses are provided to support students in preparation for these certification exams. Upon successful completion of these certification exams, graduates are also eligible to pursue additional ARDMS certification exams.

Is Sonography Right for You?

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a rewarding healthcare profession that requires:

• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Professionalism and compassion
• Comfort with science and anatomy coursework
• Basic math proficiency
• Commitment to study and clinical training

Students who are prepared and motivated in math and science often perform strongly in sonography coursework.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek entry-level opportunities in settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Imaging centers
• OB/GYN practices
• Cardiology offices
• Vascular laboratories
• Specialty medical practices

Program Mission

The mission of Mandl School – The College of Allied Health’s Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is to provide a quality and comprehensive education in sonography in a learner-centered environment.

Graduates are expected to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to perform quality sonograms, function as members of the healthcare team, think critically, solve technical and patient-care challenges, and embrace lifelong learning in the evolving field of sonography.

Program Goals

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program aims to:

• Prepare competent entry-level sonographers in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains
• Develop technical proficiency in abdominal, OB/GYN, cardiac, and vascular concentrations as applicable
• Promote communication skills, professionalism, and ethical conduct
• Maintain high academic standards and student retention
• Provide quality clinical education experiences
• Support healthcare partners throughout the tri-state area
• Prepare graduates for certification and employment opportunities

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
A.A.S. Diagnostic Medical Sonography Track One
Concentration in Abdomen & OB/GYN Sonography
Prepares students for RDMS Credentials

Core Requirements (23 credits)
ALH175 Law and Ethics for Allied Health Professionals 3 credits
BIO115 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIO215 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
ENG101 English Composition 3
MAT102 Advanced College Math 3
PHY101 Physics 3
SPH101 Interpersonal Communications 3

Elective General Education Courses (3 Credits)
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology 3

Major Requirements (59 Credits)
DMS100 Intro to Sonography, Medical Terminology & Patient Care 3 credits
DMS105 Ultrasound Physics 4
DMS110 Cross Sectional Anatomy/ Superficial Structures 3
DMS115 Ultrasound Physics II 3
DMS120 Pathophysiology (Abdomen) I 3
DMS125 Pathophysiology (OB/GYN) I 3
DMS130 Pathophysiology (Abdomen) II 3
DMS135 Pathophysiology (OB/GYN) II 3
DMS140 Pathophysiology (OB/GYN) III 2
DMS145 Advanced Topics 2
DMS150 Pathophysiology Superficial Structures 3
DMS155 SPI Registry Review for Specialty Exams 1
DMS500 Registry Review 2
DMSC100 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Clinical I 12
DMSC200 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Clinical II 12
TOTAL CREDITS              85

 
A.A.S. Diagnostic Medical Sonography Track Two
Concentration in Vascular and Adult Echocardiography
Prepares students for RDCS & RVT Credentials

Core Requirements (23 credits)
ALH175 Law and Ethics for Allied Health Professionals 3 credits
BIO115 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIO215 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
ENG101 English Composition 3
MAT102 Advanced College Math 3
PHY101 Physics 3
SPH101 Interpersonal Communications 3

Elective General Education Courses (3 Credits)
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology 3

Major Requirements (59 Credits)
CVT120 Echocardiography I 3 credits
CVT125 Vascular Pathology I 3
CVT130 Echocardiography II 3
CVT135 Vascular Pathology II 3
CVT140 Cardiovascular Pharmacology 3
CVT145 Cardiovascular Clinical Research 4
CVT500 Registry Review 2
CVTC100 Cardiovascular Technology Clinical I 12
CVTC200 Cardiovascular Technology Clinical II 12
DMS100 Intro to Sonography, Medical Terminology & Patient Care 3
DMS105 Ultrasound Physics 4
DMS110 Cross Sectional Anatomy/ Superficial Structures 3
DMS115 Ultrasound Physics II 3
DMS155 SPI Registry Review for Specialty Exams 1
TOTAL CREDITS              85