Our program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a lock-step, full-time, two-year program (five semesters) that will prepare you to secure your American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) credentials. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program qualifies you for employment as an entry-level sonographer in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical offices. In this program, you’ll learn the academic and technical skills needed to perform abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological imaging techniques.

The DMS program is 22 months of full-time study. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge during clinical rotations at affiliates throughout New York City. After completing the program, you will be eligible to apply to take the national registry examination from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

During the program, you will learn a range of essential healthcare knowledge including:

• Anatomy
• Ultrasound Physics
• Ultrasound Image Optimization
• Pathology
• Patient Care

Sonography Program Curriculum

The curriculum consists of both diagnostic sonography class work and clinical experience. Under the supervision of professional sonographers, you will perform various sonographic examinations and procedures. By the end of the program, you will be well-versed in applying sonographic techniques in healthcare settings.

During your first semester, you will take introductory courses and labs on topics like physics, anatomy and physiology. Once you have that foundation you will dive into learning about sonography and the basics of relevant imaging technologies like ultrasound. As early as your second semester, you will have your first clinical rotation, where you will gain real lab experience and apply techniques you learned in class.

The last three semesters will explore focused sonographic imaging techniques and topics in both a classroom and lab setting. Through the course of the program, you will have experience applying what you've learned in four clinical rotations. Your final two semesters explore specialized sonography topics like obstetrics, gynecology, and abdominal & superficial structures. By the end of the program, you will understand how advanced sonographic imaging and analysis works and will be ready for certification. After a total of 50 ultrasound procedures during the course of study, you'll be a confident and knowledgeable medical professional.

Program Specializations

Combined with your didactic coursework, your clinical practice experiences will give you the opportunity to put into action what you learn in the classroom. You will master the necessary technical skills during hands-on training sessions at various hospitals and medical centers throughout the city. Our program gives you the foundation in:

• General Sonography
• Abdominal Sonography
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN)

With further training you can specialize in:

• Vascular Sonography
• Cardiac Sonography

What Do Sonographers Do?

A Medical Sonographer is a highly skilled medical professional who uses specialized ultrasound equipment to record visual images of internal structure. Sonography utilizes high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce a dynamic visual image of internal organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.

While most of the demand for sonographers is concentrated in hospitals, you might also work in a variety of outpatient settings, including clinics, labs, research universities, private medical offices, mobile companies, educational facilities and more. As technology and new clinical indications are identified, new opportunities for sonographers emerge. Within this field, there is also a need for researchers, administrators, educators, and business experts.