Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program
ABHES Accredited
JRC-DMS CAAHEP Accredited*
On Campus | Hybrid**
At a Glance
~22 Months
Course length
82.5
Total credits
405
Lab hours
675
Class hours
1,080
Externship hours
*Only applicable at El Paso, Houston and San Antonio campuses
**Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
About the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program
This diagnostic medical sonography program prepares you for an entry-level career as a sonographer, combining advanced imaging technology with hands-on patient care. This associate degree takes approximately 22 months to complete, building real, guided experience with the equipment and techniques used in hospitals and imaging centers every day. This program is available at Pima Medical Institute’s Arizona, Texas and Washington campuses.
Where the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program Can Take You
Certification
Certification varies by campus location. El Paso and Houston graduates apply for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Tucson, Renton, Phoenix, and San Antonio graduates apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).*
Entry-level roles
Diagnostic medical sonographer, abdominal sonographer, vascular sonographer, OB/GYN sonographer or musculoskeletal sonographer.
Career advancement
Pursue specialty credentials independently, such as abdominal, breast, cardiac, musculoskeletal, pediatric, obstetric/gynecologic or vascular sonography.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
PHYSICS
IMAGING
PATIENT CARE
DIAGNOSTIC
PROFESSIONAL
Program Objective
To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level general sonographers through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, ultrasound scanning techniques and protocols, the sonographer’s scope of practice, medical terminology, patient care, communications, medical law and ethics, and other topics necessary to be effective members of the sonography team.
Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Hybrid Learning Options
For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.
*Not all programs offer hybrid learning options; Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Find a Campus Near You
Clinical Externships
At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.
In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.
Learn More About Externships→Continuing Education
Graduating with an associate degree is a vital pathway toward pursuing higher education later on. Interested in building on your sonography credential? Pima Medical also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences for ARDMS-certified sonographers looking to advance. Interested in breaking into leadership or healthcare administration? Pima Medical also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration that will give you the skills needed to move up within your field, all with the flexibility of virtual instruction.
Job Outlook
14% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $96,590 per year.*
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm (visited September 7, 2026).
What careers can you pursue with a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree?
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:
- Sonographer
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Ultrasound Technologist
- Ultrasonographer
These roles exist across a variety of environments, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, medical and diagnostic labs, outpatient imaging departments and free-standing urgent care facilities.
Career Services
When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.
View Career Services→Student Services
Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.
View Student Services→Application Process
- Submit the form below
A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
- Chat with our team
They’ll ask about your goals, your background, and what’s drawing you to healthcare. From there, they’ll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
- Attend your campus tour
Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We’ll walk you through programs and what to expect.
- We help you complete your application
Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Program Eligibility Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
- Additional requirements may apply by campus
Tuition & financial aid
Federal aid (FAFSA), institutional scholarships and payment plans are available for those who qualify to help make your education affordable.
FAQs About our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
What is a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do day to day?
What will I learn in this program?
How do I get certified as a diagnostic medical sonographer after graduation?
Completing this program makes you eligible to apply for certification. El Paso, Houston and San Antonio graduates are eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Tucson, Renton and Phoenix graduates are eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Eligibility pathways and requirements can vary depending on your specific campus and program. Confirm the details that apply to your campus with your medical career specialist.
How does Pima Medical prepare me for the ARDMS or ARRT certification exam?
Your final semester includes Sonography Examination Review (DMS 285), which builds on the imaging and clinical knowledge from earlier semesters to help prepare you for ARDMS certification or ARRT certification, depending on campus location, and your transition into professional practice.
Are there other sonography specialties I can pursue?
Is there a clinical component to this program?
Is this program accredited?
Pima Medical Institute is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the El Paso and Houston campuses is additionally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Is financial aid available?
Eligible students may be able to fund their education through federal financial aid programs, including Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans and scholarships. Speak with our financial services team or visit our Financial Aid page to learn more.
Program Outline
Learn more about the courses in this program.
Semester l
Semester lI
Semester III
Semester IV
Semester V
Semester VI
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Accreditations and Disclosures
Accreditation and Program Information
The DMS program at Pima Medical Institute El Paso and Houston Campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.jrcdms.org).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
6021 University Blvd. Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
P: 443-973-3251
F: 866-738-3444
E: mail@jrcdms.org
View accreditation information for all programs by campus
View program costs, additional disclosures and outcomes for this program (if applicable)
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, Texas, and Washington, and meets applicable licensure requirements in those states. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Associate Degree
Contact information for state licensing boards in which Pima Medical Institute has determined the program does not meet state licensure requirements or where Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the program meets state licensure requirements can be found below.