AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Launch Your Career in a High-Demand Imaging Field

Launching in fall 2027, Sacred Heart University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program will offer a focused, hands-on education that prepares students for entry-level careers as sonographers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and other health care settings. Through rigorous classroom instruction, laboratory and simulation experiences, and progressive clinical education, students will develop the technical skills, clinical judgment, communication, and professionalism needed to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

Diagnostic medical sonographers are credentialed health care professionals who use specialized ultrasound technology to support the diagnosis and management of disease. The curriculum is designed with professional certification, emerging technology, and the evolving needs of health care at the forefront. Students will gain exposure to multiple areas of sonographic practice while building a strong foundation for continued growth within the profession.

Throughout the program, students will care for diverse patient populations—from expectant parents experiencing the excitement of seeing their baby for the first time to patients undergoing critical diagnostic examinations. Emphasis on communication, compassion, professionalism, and clinical reasoning will help students understand not just the image, but the person and story behind it.

Grounded in the College of Health Professions’ commitment to practice-driven education, the program connects academic learning, hands-on skill development, and clinical experience to prepare students for confident, compassionate patient care.

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:

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.

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 will be offered at leading regional health systems and facilities in the state of Connecticut and surrounding areas.

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