In Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound), sound waves are used to produce images of human anatomy that radiologists use to diagnose and interpret medical conditions. The Sonography programs at COD are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in sonography.
Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography that includes general and vascular training, as well as a certificate in ultrasound and vascular sonography. Sonography courses range from introduction to diagnostic medical imaging sonography, sonographic physics, patient care and hands-on scanning.
Sonography is a selected enrollment program. Students need to qualify to apply for the program by completing prerequisite classes and other admissions requirements. Learn more about how to apply by following the directions in your program's packet:
- Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Application Packet
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Advanced Certificate Application Packet
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging Vascular Sonography Certificate Registration Packet
In order to apply, you must follow specific admission criteria before being admitted into the program and follow the admission checklist located in your program's packet. Please review the Sonography Information Session Video to help you navigate the application process.
Please note: DMIS 1105, DMIS 1110 and MATH 1120 are only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.
First Step to Apply - Attend an Information Session
The majority of the accepted applicants are typically in-district residents. Please see the packets listed above for more information.
For more information on the degree and certificate programs, read the program's frequently asked questions.
Determine Your Path
Sonographers work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, physician offices, public health facilities and laboratories. As a sonography student, pursuing
Advance your career by earning a degree or certificate in sonography. At COD, you'll discover:
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Instruction utilizing state of the art equipment.
- Affordable programs without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Program at College of DuPage 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). COD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound), Certificate
The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound) is an advanced certificate program designed for graduates of accredited Medical Imaging programs in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, etc. Clinical education is provided at assigned clinical affiliates. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to obtain licensure in American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the following: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI); Physics Instrumentation; Abdomens & Superficial Structures; and Obstetrics and Gynecology. The certificate program consists of 40 credits in the required courses listed below.
Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography, A.A.S.
The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography program includes extensive didactic and clinical applications in the specialties of general and vascular sonography. Clinical applications include abdominal/superficial structures, obstetrics/gynecology and vascular imaging techniques. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to obtain licensure in American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the following: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Physics Instrumentation; Abdomens & Superficial Structures; Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Vascular Technology. This degree requires 85 credits in program requirements and general education. All general education courses must be completed prior to admission to the sonography program.
Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography, Certificate
The Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography program is an extension of the current Diagnostic Medical Imaging program designed to provide trained sonographers in the specialty of vascular imaging for the clinical institutions and clinics in the Chicago area. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to obtain licensure in American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the following: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Physics Instrumentation and Vascular Technology. This certificate program consists of 15 credits in the required courses listed below.
The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Program at College of DuPage 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). COD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(800) 621-7440
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(737) 210-2350
Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (JRC-DMS)
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(443) 973-3251
Seminole, FL 33775
View the Sonography program's most recent program effectiveness data.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Sonography is to read the packet for your program:
- Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Application Packet
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Advanced Certificate Application Packet
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging Vascular Sonography Certificate Registration Packet
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Sonography
To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s) it offers:
- Abdominal sonography - Extended
- Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
- Vascular sonography
Graduates will be able to:
- Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results
- Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician
- Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician
- Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and/or other diagnostic services
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues
- Act in a professional and ethical manner
- Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and/or other diagnostic vascular techniques, and promote principles of good health
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in sonography. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Northern Illinois University, AAS in Diagnostic Medical Imaging- Sonography to BS in Health Sciences
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.
Career Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about earning a degree in sonography or a certificate in sonography or vascular sonography through our program frequently asked questions.
