Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program
If working in the medical field appeals to you, Blue Cliff College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree program may be right for you. After completing your studies and passing an exam, you can begin an entry-level career as an ultrasound tech.
We are currently not enrolling new students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. In the meantime, please explore our full list of programs to find another you may be interested in.
Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is the practice of using ultrasounds to help physicians monitor or treat a patient correctly. Ultrasound technicians may take a patient’s medical history, prepare them for their external or transvaginal ultrasound, perform the ultrasound, and summarize their findings to their managing physician. Though they may be able to recognize red flags on a sonogram, they cannot diagnose or alert the patient to any issues.
How Long Is Blue Cliff College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program?
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Blue Cliff College typically takes 19 months.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Curriculum
Students will learn basic sonography knowledge and history, gain an understanding of the different ultrasound specialty areas, and complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. As a degree program leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), this Diagnostic Medical Sonography program also offers courses in general education to provide a well-rounded set of skills.
The DMS degree program is a hybrid learning program. A handful of courses, such as Medical Terminology 1, Ethics of Patient Care, English Composition, and Professional Development, are conducted online. The vast majority of the coursework takes place in person or at a worksite.
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Blue Cliff College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Locations
The DMS program is offered at the following Blue Cliff College campus:
Post-Graduation Paths
Upon graduating from the DMS program, you are eligible for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification. Passing an exam and meeting other education and clinical experience prerequisites will allow you to apply for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification. This certification is not required by law for entry-level ultrasound technician jobs—that is, it is not a license—but it is a nationally recognized certification that may make you more competitive on the job market and showcase your competence in your new field.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Requirements
Before enrolling in the DMS program, you need to meet a variety of age, health, education, and other requirements.
All Blue Cliff College applicants must:
- Be at least 17
- Have graduated from high school (or the equivalent)
- Be able to physically perform the duties of the job they hope to get
- Meet with admissions
The DMS program has additional requirements. To enroll in this program, you must have:
- Completed an interview with DMS faculty
- A negative urinary 10-panel drug screen
- Up-to-date vaccines for several diseases, including the most recent flu shot
- Health insurance
- CPR BLS certification
- Completed the health care provider statement/medical release
- Passed a criminal background check (or, if you have felony or misdemeanor convictions, get approval from the program director)
- A valid driver’s license
- A Wonderlic score of 18
- A minimum SmarterMeasure score of 60%
If you have questions about some of these requirements, please contact one of our Admissions representatives to ask.
How Much Does Blue Cliff College's DMS Program Cost?
As of the 2024-2025 school year, the DMS program at Blue Cliff College costs $36,524 in total. This includes tuition, fees, graduation, and registry exam expenses.
Financial Aid at Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College students may be eligible for several financial aid opportunities, including federal aid. You can also apply for outside scholarships.
For additional assistance, contact the financial aid office.
Why Choose Blue Cliff College for Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
Blue Cliff College strives to help every student succeed in school and beyond. Our hybrid DMS program allows you to complete some of your coursework online, on your own schedule, so you can make school fit around your life – not the other way around. We also have many on-campus resources, from computer labs and internet access to tutors to connections with mental health counselors, people who can help you find resources to meet your day-to-day needs, and more.
Graduates of the DMS program can obtain their American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography certification. Your tuition covers that cost.
Blue Cliff College Licensing and Accreditation
Blue Cliff College maintains current certification and accreditation, so you know you’re learning skills that are valued in your field. We are:
- Licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration. Certificate No. C-736
- Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)‡
‡The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is a recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education.
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