Diagnostic medical sonography is the process of using ultrasound on an area of the body to produce an image that can lead to a diagnosis.
There are three primary categories of diagnostic medical sonography: general, which includes abdominal and OB/GYN, cardiac, and vascular.
To work as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you'll need to earn at least an associate degree. Keep reading for our top picks for Associate of Applied Science degrees in diagnostic medical sonography.
Top Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degrees
Associate degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography are primarily available through community, career, and technical colleges.
We've listed our top picks for Associate of Applied Science in diagnostic medical sonography degrees below.
All programs listed are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
1. Bellevue College
Bellevue College is a public college in Bellevue, Washington. It offers an Associate of Applied Science in diagnostic ultrasound technology.
The program offers three tracks: general sonography, which covers abdomen and OB/GYN sonography, adult cardiac sonography, and vascular sonography.
All programs require 112 credits and include courses such as:
- Human Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Practical Aspects of Sonography
- Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation
Upon graduation from the degree program, graduates are eligible to apply for and take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers' (ARDMS) National Certification examination.
2. Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College is a public technical college in Georgia with campuses in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta. It offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
This program takes five semesters to complete and includes courses like:
- Pelvic Sonography and First Trimester Obstetrics
- Sectional Anatomy and Normal Sonographic Appearance
- Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation Registry Review
- Specialized Sonographic Procedures
The program also requires hands-on clinical experience through the college's many affiliated clinical sites.
Students who complete this program will be eligible to take the certification exams through the ARDMS during their final semester.
3. Jackson College
Jackson College is a public college in Jackson County, Michigan. It offers three Associate of Applied Science degrees in diagnostic medical sonography.
The first is a general sonography program for students wanting to learn abdominal, superficial structure, and OB/GYN sonography. It includes courses like:
- Abdomen and Small Parts Sonography
- Comprehensive Sonography
- Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography
- Sonographic Techniques
The degree in cardiac sonography is for students who want to learn how to perform echocardiograms. It includes courses such as:
- Adult Echo
- Cardiovascular Principles
- Introduction to Cardiac Clinical
- Sonographic Orientation & Technique
The third degree is in vascular sonography, for those wanting to perform arterial and venous diagnostics procedures. It includes courses like:
- Arterial Duplex and Physiologic Imaging
- Basic Cardiovascular Principles, Hemodynamics, and Doppler Waveforms
- Introduction to Vascular Technology and Professional Lab Practice
- Vascular Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology
All programs are offered online, but include some amount of in-person clinical experience. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the relevant ARDMS exam.
4. Lone Star College
Lone Star College is a system of public community colleges in the Houston, Texas, area. It offers associate degrees in diagnostic medical sonography through its Cyprus campus.
Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in diagnostic medical and vascular sonography. It includes courses such as:
- Advanced Obstetric Sonography
- Cerebral Vascular Evaluation
- Sectional Anatomy For Sonographers
- Sonography of Superficial Structures
The second degree offered is an Associate of Applied Science in adult cardiac and vascular sonography. Courses include:
- Advanced Vascular Technology
- Cardiac Sonography Pathophysiology
- Cerebral Vascular Evaluation
- Principles of Adult Cardiac Sonography
Both programs take two years to complete and include clinical and practicum experience. Graduates of both programs can sit for the certification exams.
A post-degree program in non-invasive vascular diagnostic sonography is also available. This program is for those wanting to become registered vascular technologists.
5. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private health science university in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It offers three associate degrees in sonography.
The first program is an Associate of Applied Science in diagnostic medical sonography. It covers several areas of sonography and includes courses such as:
- Abdominal Sonography
- Common Vascular Procedures
- Obstetrical & Gynecological Sonography
- Ultrasound Physics
Students can also earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in cardiac sonography. This program includes courses like:
- Advanced Echo and Therapeutic Techniques
- Cardiac Pathophysiology
- Echo Hemodynamics
- Ultrasound Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
The third degree is an Associate of Applied Science degree in vascular sonography. Courses offered in this program include:
- Common Vascular Procedures
- Ultrasound Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology
- Vascular Sonography Advanced Topics
- Vascular Sonography Procedures
All programs take two years and require clinical rotations. Graduates of all three programs will be prepared for certification.
FAQs About Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degrees
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about Associate of Applied Science degrees in diagnostic medical sonography.
What's the Difference Between an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science Degree?
Generally speaking, Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed as career degrees. They typically focus specifically on one career area and are often the terminal degrees in the field.
Associate of Science degrees are designed to allow students to transfer into a bachelor's program. They often include general education courses, as well as major courses.
How Long Are Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs?
Most Associate of Applied Science in diagnostic medical technology degree programs take between two and three years of full-time study.
Can I Earn My Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree Online?
Some programs in diagnostic medical sonography, including a few listed above, offer online courses. However, most still require students to appear in person for clinical experiences.
Find Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degrees
Associate of Applied Science degrees in medical sonography can be found at many community and technical colleges throughout the country.
Check out the programs listed above to find your perfect match today.