AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Launch Your Career in a High-Demand Imaging Field

Sacred Heart University's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program will prepare students for employment as entry-level sonographers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical offices. The program will provide individuals with the academic and technical skills necessary to perform general and field-specific sonography procedures. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the national examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for licensure to become a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS).

Throughout their education, students learn to care for a diverse patient population—from expectant parents experiencing the excitement of seeing their baby for the first time to patients undergoing life-saving cardiac and vascular examinations used to detect signs of heart disease, stroke risk, and circulatory disorders.

Grounded in the College of Health Professions' commitment to practice-driven education, this program combines rigorous classroom instruction with real clinical experience in health care settings, preparing you to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) licensing exam and pursue a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer, abdominal sonographer, or OB/GYN sonographer.

The associate of applied science degree in diagnostic medical sonography at Sacred Heart University prepares you with the foundational knowledge, technical expertise, and clinical experience needed for a career in diagnostic medical sonography. Blending coursework in the sciences with hands-on clinical training, the program equips you for entry-level practice in a variety of health care settings while fostering the skills needed for lifelong professional growth.

Program coursework covers a range of topics in diagnostic medical sonography, including:

A Program Designed Around Your Life

SHU's AAS in diagnostic medical sonography is one of the region's only associate-level programs offered in an evening and weekend format. That means you can pursue a career in a high-growth, high-reward field without putting your current life on hold.

Program Mission

The associate of applied science in diagnostic medical sonography program prepares students to become compassionate, highly skilled sonographers who make a meaningful impact on patient care. Through a blend of rigorous coursework, hands-on laboratory experiences, and immersive clinical education, students develop the technical expertise, critical thinking, and communication skills needed to excel in today's health care environment. Graduates are prepared to provide high-quality, patient-centered care, confidently enter the workforce and continue growing as health care professionals throughout their careers.

Accreditation

Sacred Heart University is currently seeking accreditation for this program through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), the Committee on Accreditation (CoA) for diagnostic medical sonography programs under the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Program Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Deliver competent patient care that reflects both clinical knowledge and practical skill, applying ergonomic techniques and infection control principles to maintain a safe clinical environment
• Obtain, evaluate, document, and communicate relevant information related to sonographic examinations, using medical and sonographic terminology accurately in all professional and clinical settings
• Identify and evaluate anatomic structures using sonographic imaging and analyze disease processes in correlation with sonographic and Doppler patterns
• Produce and optimize diagnostic images using appropriate techniques, equipment settings, and sound knowledge of the biological effects of ultrasound
• Achieve clinical competency by meeting performance requirements that ensure quality patient care, optimal examination outcomes, and a commitment to ongoing professional development

Admission Requirements

Admission to SHU's diagnostic medical sonography program is based on the successful fulfillment of the college admission requirements. Review admission criteria details.

Real Clinical Experience, from Day One

Classroom knowledge is a foundation for hands-on practice. At SHU, you'll apply what you learn in real health care environments, building the hands-on scanning skills and professional judgment that employers are looking for.

Clinical experiences are provided at leading regional health systems and facilities, including:

With over 300 affiliated clinical sites across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, the College of Health Professions gives you access to a broad, educationally rich pool of clinical placement opportunities.

Affiliated Clinical Sites