Essential Information
A diploma in diagnostic medical sonography prepares graduates to sit for Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer exams leading to credentials. Both diagnostic medical sonography diploma and degree programs are offered with varying levels of distance learning options, depending on the school and the curriculum. These programs are found at both public and private, for-profit and non-profit schools and use common technology, such as streaming video, instant messaging and email. Though some courses can be completed online, institutions may also require students to complete specific classes on campus. Most programs also require students to complete a substantial number of clinical hours through a local hospital or clinic affiliated with the program.
Diploma in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Courses for this diploma generally take about five semesters to complete.
Students take a number of general education courses, followed by occupational courses in:
- Health science physics
- Foundations of sonography
- Anatomy and physiology
- Sonographic physics and instrumentation
- Abdominal sonography
- Medical terminology
Associate's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
An associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography is a 2-year program.
Course Topics
Coursework includes basic classes in biology, anatomy and patient care. Core classes concentrate on the operation and proper use of medical technologies, such as ultrasound machines. Coursework topics include:
- Pathological images
- Medical terminology
- Communicating with patients
- Professional ethics
- Cross-sectional anatomy
Bachelor's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
A distance learning bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography offers students a comprehensive education in the use of diagnostic medical ultrasonic technologies for the purposes of medical imaging and diagnosis. Distance learning students can earn a diagnostic medical sonography bachelor's degree in roughly four years.
Course Topics
Students must complete general education classes in history, social sciences and literature. Core coursework includes:
- Ultrasound physics
- Pharmacology
- Abdominal and vascular sonography
- Medical legislation
Distance learning diploma programs in diagnostic medical sonography are available are a variety of schools, including public, private, for-profit and non-profit schools. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs are also available.
