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Diagnostic Medical Sonography

If you’re curious, detail-oriented, and interested in helping diagnose illness or injury, a career in sonography may be a good fit.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a medical imaging field that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. In this accredited program, you’ll learn to operate ultrasound equipment and perform diagnostic exams on patients. Your coursework covers normal and abnormal anatomy and pathophysiology of the abdomen, small body parts, OB/GYN, and vascular structures.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to work in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or specialty clinics—and you can enter the sonography workforce in as little as 21 months.

Program Goals

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program prepares you to become a competent, entry-level sonographer in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (professional behavior) learning domains, with concentrations in Abdominal-Extended and Obstetrics & Gynecology.

You’ll learn through an integrated curriculum that includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, and clinical internship experiences. Your progress is evaluated through exams, lab assignments, clinical scans, competency assessments, and faculty observation in classroom, lab, and clinical settings.

Earning ARDMS credentials after graduation further validates your training and the quality of the program.

Application Process

You may apply to the DMS program after completing the required support courses, along with a minimum of 40 hours of patient care experience with 10 of those hours working in a sonography department.

Students must meet or exceed the following admissions requirements to be accepted in the program:

  • Completion of required college-level support courses including:
    • General Biology (BIO160)
    • Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO241)
    • Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO242)
    • English Composition I (ENG&101)
    • Medical Terminology (HED125)
    • Human Pathophysiology (HED109)
    • Communications (CMST&210)
    • Intro to Physics (PHYS100)
    • Statistics (MATH&146)

Comparable coursework may be submitted for substitution review and approval.

  • Your unofficial transcripts (copies) must be uploaded as part of your application, and all official transcripts sent to SCC Transcript Office.
  • Provide contact information for three professional references who can complete a recommendation form on your behalf.
  • Provide documentation of 40 hours as a volunteer and/or employee in a patient care setting and 10 of those hours much be completed in echocardiography/sonography.
  • Complete an interview with the selection committee.
  • Complete a clear national background check after being accepted into the program.
  • Sign the consent and release for authorizing SCC to perform a 10-panel drug screening required after being accepted into the program.

If you are not a current or recent student at Spokane Community College, apply for admission to the college first.

Apply to SCC

In addition to the general college application, submit the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Application by the June 30 deadline to be considered for Fall 2026.

DMS Application
Volunteer/Work Hours Form

If you’ve previously applied to another competitive healthcare program using our online portal, login to your existing account.

Additional Application Details

Program start: Fall (competitive entry)
Pre-requisites: Yes
Program length: 7 quarters
Number of students each start: 16
Contact: Michelle Gendusa 509-533-8196 | Bill Rambo 509-533-7038 | Megan Fadeley 509-533-7039
Applications deadline: June 30

Accreditation

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, Florida, 33775-7709
Phone: 727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

JRC-DMS

6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 443-973-3251
Fax: 866-738-3444
www.jrcdms.org/

  1. Communicate effectively and in a professional manner with physicians, patients and other members of the healthcare team.
  2. Competently perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures and obstetrics & gynecology disciplines on patients, while tailoring the examinations to enhance the presence of abnormalities.
  3. Comprehend a clinical understanding of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of the major adult and fetal diseases and deformities.
  4. Establish the ability to quantify, subjectively evaluate and interpret the data collected to assist the physician in arriving at a diagnosis.
  5. Strive to meet the health care needs of the community.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Prepare for College-level Math

Math placement is required for this program. If your math placement is below MATH& 146, you’ll need to take the following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
AE 48 → MATH 87 → MATH 88 → MATH& 107 or MATH& 146

Placement

English placement is not required for this program.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an allied Health Profession where non-physician professionals perform a diagnostic procedure using high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.  Sonography is used to examine many parts of the body:  abdomen, breasts, OB/GYN, thyroid, scrotum, and blood vessels.  It is also used to guide needles for tissue biopsy or drain an abnormal fluid collection from a body cavity.  Sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality and procedures are performed at the request of a physician.

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.  Prior to starting a procedure, the sonographer must obtain an appropriate history, assess physical findings and review pertinent laboratory data.  This information is used to tailor the procedure to ensure comprehensive and diagnostic images are acquired.

The program meets the criteria set forth by the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography and is accredited by CAAHEP.  Upon completion and graduation of the program, graduates are able to take the national Abdomen and OB/GYN registry examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Admission Requirements:

  • Sonography courses are limited to students of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
  • Active email account required
  • Appropriate math score
  • Self-place into English
  • A 2.5 grade in each prerequisite course is required. 
  • Completion of all math and science prerequisites within the last five years to ensure current competency in content.
  • Admission to the DMS program is competitive and based on panel interview, pre-requisite course GPA, additional math, science, and healthcare-related coursework, quality of reference letters, and completion of 40 hours volunteerism in healthcare and ultrasound.
  • A 2.0 (79%) is required in every program course to proceed to the next quarter
  • A national background check is conducted 1st and 4th quarters of the program
  • Immunizations, current healthcare provider CPR, and 7-hour bloodborne pathogen training are required prior to the clinical internship in the 4th quarter
  • Selective clinical sites require a ten-panel drug screen within 30 days of clinical internship
  • Return to the program is based on "space available" and requires remedial work to demonstrate knowledge base appropriate with program re-entry point.
  • After re-entry, students may only repeat a class one time. A repeat of courses must be completed within two years.
Admission Recommendations:
  • Computer skills are recommended
  • Some students find completion of CHEM 120 Organic and Biochemistry for Health Sciences, and CHEM 121 helpful to learning in the program
After entering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, students are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade in each class before proceeding to the next quarter.  Students need to realize that clinical site placement could require relocation outside of the immediate Spokane area for 10 months.

Program Map for

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Total Prerequisites Credits: 45

Total Program Credits: 99

Prerequisites

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BIOL&160
General Biology with Lab   1
5
ENGL&101
English Composition I  
5
MATH&146
Introduction to Statistics   2
5
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BIOL&241
Human A & P 1  
5
CMST&210
Interpersonal Communication  
5
HED 125
Medical Terminology  
5
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BIOL&242
Human A & P 2  
5
HED 109
Human Physiology and Disease  
5
PHYS 100
Introductory Physics  
5
Total Credits
 
15

Program Courses

NOTE: You must apply and be accepted into the program before taking the following courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 111
Introduction to DMS  
2
SONO 112
Vascular for General Sonographer  
4
SONO 121
Human Cross-Section Anatomy  
4
SONO 125
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I  
5
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 131
Diagnostic Ultrasound; Abdomen & Male Pelvis  
4
SONO 132
Abdominal Case Studies & Journal Review  
4
SONO 133
Diagnostic Ultrasound; Female Pelvis & 1st tri OB  
4
SONO 135
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II  
5
Total Credits
 
17

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 123
Cardiac for General Sonographer  
4
SONO 141
Diagnostic Ultrasound; 2nd and 3rd trimester  
4
SONO 144
OB/GYN Case Studies and Journal Review  
4
SONO 145
Diagnostic Ultrasound; Small Parts  
3
Total Credits
 
15

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 142
Seminar in Sonography  
4
SONO 143
Sonography Clinical I  
9
Total Credits
 
13

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 253
Sonography Clinical II  
13
Total Credits
 
13

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 263
Sonography Clinical III  
13
Total Credits
 
13

Seventh Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
SONO 273
Sonography Clinical IV  
13
Total Credits
 
13

1 This course is a prerequisite for BIOL& 241 but may be waived for transfer students who have completed Anatomy and Physiology at another institution. Please consult your adviser.
2 Or any counselor approved 100 level math course.

Career Info and Technical Standards

A clear understanding of a sonographer’s role will help an applicant inventory their personal mental and physical abilities to ensure success in their new career. Here a few important topics taken directly from the occupational summary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at O*NET OnLine.
Anyone interested in Diagnostic Medical Sonography as a career are encouraged to visit this website and other helpful links listed below for more detailed descriptions and additional information.

Tasks

  • Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.

  • Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.

  • Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, adjusting equipment as required.

  • Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.

  • Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.

  • Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including aiding during invasive procedures.

  • Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.

  • Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.

Abilities

  • Oral comprehension – the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Near vision – the ability to see details at close range.

  • Oral expression – the ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Problem sensitivity – the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

  • Written comprehension – the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions

Skills

  • Active listening – giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

  • Social perceptiveness – being aware of other’ reactions and understanding the way they react as they do.

  • Speaking – talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical thinking – using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Monitoring – monitoring and assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Active learning – understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Time management – managing one’s own time and the time of others

  • Coordination – adjusting actions in relation to the actions of others.

  • Complex problem solving – identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Service Orientation – actively looking for ways to help people
 
  • The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an organization for sonographers to promote, advance, and educate its members and the medical community about ultrasound application. This website provides a great overview of careers, job posting, and educational opportunities for members.
  • The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography administers examinations and awards credential in areas of ultrasound. Graduates of the DMS program at SCC are able to take both the Abdomen and OB/GYN registry 60 days prior to graduation.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics website offers in-depth information on the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography including average wages, work environment and more.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 16,060
$ 20,877
$ 37,167
Books
$ 1,647
$ 1,647
$ 1,647
Course Fees
$ 779
$ 779
$ 779
Institutional Fees
$ 1,120
$ 1,120
$ 5,324
Supplies and Materials
$ 1,590
$ 1,590
$ 1,590
Total Costs
$ 21,196
$ 26,013
$ 46,507

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

The DMS program goal is to prepare competent entry level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdominal-Sonography-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography.

DMS Program Effectiveness Data

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Cassandra Stein

Program Director
Cassandra.Stein@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8127

Britta Jacobsen

Clinical Coordinator
Britta.Jacobsen@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7314

Kimberly Eikum

Department Co-Chair
Kimberly.Eikum@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8613

Clarissa Shearer

Department Co-Chair
Clarissa.Shearer@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7305

Pathway Specialists

scc.reg-office@scc.spokane.edu

509-533-8400

Leslie Plum

Workforce Transition Specialist
Leslie.Plum@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8210

Academic Counseling

counseling@scc.spokane.edu

509-533-7264