Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also known as ultrasound, is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. These images are used to help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions; sonography is often the first imaging procedure performed when disease is suspected. Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly skilled professionals who work in hospitals, primary care clinics, and outpatient care centers.
As of Summer 2026, we are offering two 14-month tracks: CARDIAC and GENERAL. These tracks were determined by clinical partners working in the community to address local workforce shortages. Our regional clinical affiliates will assist in the training of our students, and they are eager to hire graduates from this program.
The curriculum consists of 45 credits (11 didactic, 34 clinical) over 14 months of study (early June through the following early August, year-round). Students attend clinicals 3-4 days per week throughout the program. There is a half-day of classroom lectures weekly.
This certificate program is intended for working healthcare professionals. Potential students must have an existing degree (Associates degree in an allied health field or a Bachelor's degree) and healthcare work experience (1000 paid hours). See the "Program Application" section below for additional details and eligibility requirements.
The Professional Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is designed to prepare certified healthcare professionals for an advanced diagnostic imaging specialization.
Academic Requirements for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Professional CertificateCardiac sonographers work directly and independently with patients:
- to utilize a “gold standard” imaging modality to access adult cardiovascular pathologies, neurologic events, and respiratory conditions that may all involve a component of the heart
- to perform an investigative work-up that provides vital information, quantitative measurements, and differentiating findings to help determine a diagnosis, its severity, and develop treatment options for the patient
- in multiple settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, emergency situations, and surgical environments
- while being mobile with a machine, adaptable to prioritizing orders, and able to handle fast-paced, high-volume caseloads
- while maintaining traits of confidence, professionalism, empathy, commitment, and accountability – both to the patients served and the cardiologists relying on high-quality, complete echocardiograms
2024 Median Annual Salary
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Job Outlook, 2023-2033
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The program will seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727.210.2350 | Email: [email protected] | Website: caahep.org
Application Deadline: March 15 (5 pm MDT)
Application Form: Link to be added here when applications open for Summer 2026 tracks
Applicants are encouraged to contact ARDMS directly (ardms.org or 800-541-9754 option 1) to confirm that their existing degrees will allow them to take the certification exams at the end of the DMS program
The following criteria (both education and clinical hours) are required to be considered for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program:
Education (option 1 or 2)
- Associates degree from a two-year allied health education program that is patient care related. The program must be either 24 full-time consecutive calendar months or 60 semester credits or 84 quarter credits and requiring a clinical internship/externship to complete the program. Allied health occupations include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Registered Nurse
- Bachelor’s degree
Minimum GPA = 3.0
Clinical pre-requisites
A minimum of 1000 PAID HOURS of hands-on direct patient care experience in a clinical setting. This experience may be acquired through hands-on patient care roles, including those obtained via additional certifications or licensure.
Recommended coursework
A foundation in sciences and interpersonal communication is strongly recommended for the clinical role of a diagnostic medical sonographer. The following courses must be completed at the postsecondary or college level:
- Communication (English composition/speech/writing)
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Mathematics
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- What academic degrees will make me eligible for the DMS program?
- The program follows the guidelines from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). See our “Program Application” section above or contact the ARDMS directly at ardms.org or 800-541-9754 option 1 for more information.
- Is there a minimum grade point average for admission?
- Applicants must have a GPA above 3.0 to be considered for enrollment.
- What will I gain from completing the 14-month DMS program?
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Cardiac track: The ability to sit for the ARDMS SPI (Sonography Principals and Instrumentation) and AE (Adult Echocardiography) exams.
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General track: The ability to sit for the ARDMS SPI (Sonography Principals and Instrumentation) and AB (Abdomen) exams. Students will also have clinical experience and didactic essentials in Obstetrics and Gynecology, which will provide a solid foundation for pursuing the OB/GYN board exam after passing the first two exams.
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- What is a certification?
- In the medical field, a certification is a professional credential awarded by a governing body after a candidate demonstrates mastery of a specific skill, knowledge, or specialty through rigorous training and passing a comprehensive exam. It validates a healthcare professional's competence, shows commitment to a field, and signals to employers and patients that they meet high standards of quality and safety.
- How does a certification differ from a license?
- A state-issued license is a minimum legal requirement to practice a profession; it grants the legal authority to do so. A certification is a voluntary process that validates specialized knowledge and skills beyond the basic requirements for licensure.
- Can I work full time while I am in the DMS program?
- No. However, the program is formatted to provide one weekday (day varies by semester) and weekends off should you want to consider part-time or PRN employment. Classes and clinical rotations are required both day and evening hours for the entire 14 months of the program.
- What are some courses I can take to strengthen my knowledge for this program?
- General Physics (i.e., 100-level college physics). Coursework in mathematics, human anatomy and physiology, and communication are also recommended.
- Do I have to reside locally?
- Yes, classes on CMU campus are required and clinical sites are all located within a 65-mile radius of the university.
- Do I have to choose a track (cardiac or general) before I apply?
- You may apply to one track or both tracks (and rank your preference). Each track will have its own application process and admitted cohort.
Kim Roschel, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Coordinator: [email protected]
Dave Weinzimmer, Professional Staff Assistant: [email protected]
