Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Career Opportunities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonography, also known as ultrasound technology, is among the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the United States.

UMI's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) programs prepares students for careers in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, physician practices, and specialty clinics through a structured educational pathway leading to an Associate of Science Degree and a seamless pathway into UMI's Bachelor of Science degree completion programs.

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Why Students Choose UMI

Integrated Clinical Education

Degree Programs

Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography
Seamless Transition from AS to BS degree
Program availability varies by state and is subject to applicable state approvals.

Clinical Education Through Community Service

Faculty-Led Clinical Education
Hands-on Clinical Experience from Day One
Teaching Partner Clinics

Flexible Learning

Live Online Faculty Instruction
Simulation-Based Learning
Clinical Education Integrated Throughout the Curriculum

Accreditation & Approvals

Institutionally Accredited (DEAC)
ARRT-Approved Programs

The UMI Educational Experience

Clinical Education Through Community Service

At United Medical Institute, education combines structured online learning with faculty-led clinical education in real patient-care settings. Beginning on Day One of the Associate of Science program, students develop hands-on scanning skills while working alongside experienced faculty at UMI's Teaching Partner Clinics.

Unlike traditional laboratory-based training, students gain clinical experience while helping provide ultrasound services to uninsured and underserved patients. This unique educational environment allows students to develop professional competence through meaningful patient care while making a direct impact in the communities they serve.

Whether completing the Associate of Science Degree or continuing into one of UMI's Bachelor of Science degree completion programs, students graduate with a strong academic foundation, extensive supervised clinical experience, and the confidence developed through real patient interactions.

Degree Pathways

Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography

Faculty-Led Clinical Education

Clinical Education Begins on Day One
Teaching Partner Clinics
Faculty Supervision in Real Patient-Care Settings

Flexible Hybrid Learning

Live Online Faculty Instruction
Independent Coursework
Simulation-Based Learning
Clinical Education Integrated Throughout the Program

Clinical Education

Associate of Science Program

Clinical education begins on Day One of UMI's Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (AS-DMS) program.

During the first 60 instructional weeks, students participate in scheduled faculty-led clinical education at UMI Teaching Partner Clinics, where they develop hands-on scanning skills while learning in a real patient-care environment.

Following the didactic portion of the program, students complete an individual clinical practicum at an affiliated healthcare facility under qualified clinical supervision. Clinical education is available to eligible students throughout California, Arizona, and Florida.

Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Programs

Students enrolled in UMI's Bachelor of Science degree completion programs complete supervised clinical education specific to their chosen specialty.

The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (BS-DMS) includes a 480-hour clinical internship, which may be completed through qualified employment, approved volunteer experience, or another approved healthcare facility in accordance with UMI policies.

The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography (BS-DCS) includes 800 hours of supervised cardiovascular clinical education, consisting of a concurrent clinical practicum and a professional internship completed at approved cardiovascular clinical sites.

Mesa

Arizona

Wix Media Library

Faculty-led clinical training at UMI's designated Teaching Partner Clinic, serving students throughout Arizona.

Fair Oaks

California

Justin Smith / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Faculty-led clinical training at UMI's designated Teaching Partner Clinic, serving students throughout California.

Greater Orlando

Florida

Faculty-led clinical training at UMI's designated Teaching Partner Clinic, serving students throughout Florida.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Start your career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with UMI's Associate of Science Degree.

This hybrid distance learning program combines live online instruction with faculty-led clinical education beginning on Day One at a UMI's nonprofit Teaching Partner Clinic, where students learn under the guidance of experienced faculty in a real patient-care environment.

Students receive comprehensive training in abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, small parts, and other ultrasound specialties. Designed for high school graduates, career changers, and adult learners, the program does not require prior college coursework or an associate degree for admission.

Students complete professional sonography coursework, general education, simulation-based learning, and supervised clinical education. The program culminates in an individual clinical practicum at one of UMI's clinical affiliate sites, providing additional real-world experience in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, physician practices, and specialty clinics.

Students are eligible to sit for ARDMS's SPI exam during program enrollments and for ARRT sonography certification examinations immediately upon graduation, with additional pathways available toward ARDMS credential eligibility based on individual education and clinical experience.

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PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Program Length: 20–24 Months
Degree Awarded: Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Clinical Education: Begins on Day One at a UMI Teaching Partner Clinic
Delivery Format: Hybrid Distance Learning
Learning Format: Live Online Lectures • Faculty-Led Clinical Practicum
Program Focus: Abdominal • OB/GYN • Vascular • Small Parts

Credentialing:
ARRT-Approved Program
ARRT Sonography Certification Eligible Upon Graduation
ARDMS SPI Examination Eligibility During Enrollment
Additional ARDMS Credentialing Pathways

Admission Requirements:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
No College Prerequisites Required
Entrance Exam (SLE)

Continued Education: Eligible graduates may continue into one of UMI's Bachelor of Science degree completion programs.

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY

Degree Completion Program

Designed for graduates of institutionally accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma and associate degree programs, UMI's Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography builds upon existing clinical knowledge while expanding professional communication, leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice through bachelor's-level education.

The program provides a seamless degree completion pathway for eligible graduates of UMI's Associate of Science program and graduates of other institutionally accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma and associate degree programs.

The curriculum includes fully online bachelor's-level coursework together with a 480-hour clinical internship, which may be fulfilled through qualified employment, approved volunteer experience, or other clinical arrangements in accordance with UMI policies.

Graduates strengthen their qualifications for career advancement, clinical instruction, management, and leadership roles while completing a Bachelor of Science degree.

Program Type: Degree Completion
Program Length: Approximately 12–18 Months (Transfer Pathway)
Delivery Format: Fully Online Coursework
Clinical Internship: 480 Hours
Admission: DMS Diploma or Associate Degree Required
Credentialing: ARRT and ARDMS Credentialing Pathways

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DIAGNOSTIC CARDIOVASCULAR SONOGRAPHY

Degree Completion Program

Designed for graduates of institutionally accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma and associate degree programs, UMI's Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography combines bachelor's-level education with specialized cardiovascular sonography coursework and supervised cardiovascular clinical education.

Students build on their existing sonography education while developing the knowledge and clinical skills needed to practice in the cardiovascular sonography specialty.

The curriculum includes fully online coursework in bachelor's-level studies and specialized cardiovascular sonography, together with 800 hours of supervised cardiovascular clinical education.

Students complete 200 hours of concurrent clinical practicum and a 600-hour professional internship at approved clinical sites while completing bachelor's degree requirements.

Graduates are prepared for professional opportunities in diagnostic cardiovascular sonography and may also strengthen their qualifications for clinical instruction and sonography education.

Program Type: Degree Completion
Program Length: Approximately 15–18 Months (Transfer Pathway)
Delivery Format: Fully Online Coursework
Cardiovascular Clinical Education: 800 Hours
Admission: DMS Diploma or Associate Degree Required
Credentialing: ARRT, ARDMS, and CCI Credentialing Pathways

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Career Advancement Portfolio Showcase

Featured Student Projects

CAREER DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

UMI provides career development services designed to prepare students for employment as diagnostic medical sonographers and ultrasound professionals. While employment cannot be guaranteed, students receive individualized career guidance, clinical placement assistance, professional development, and employment resources throughout their educational journey.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT PORTFOLIO PROJECT (CAP)

UMI's Career Advancement Portfolio (CAP) is a structured, multi-stage professional development project completed throughout the program. Working one-on-one with an assigned Career Coach, students progressively build a professional LinkedIn profile, develop a career portfolio, complete skill demonstration videos and reflection essays, strengthen interview and communication skills, and prepare for employment through guided career coaching sessions. The Bachelor of Science Degree includes an additional advanced CAP stage focused on professional leadership and career advancement.

SONOGRAPHIA STUDENT SCANNING COMPETITION

Students have the opportunity to participate in Sonographia, UMI's annual sonography scanning competition, where they demonstrate technical scanning proficiency in a professional setting. Participation strengthens resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interview portfolios, while top performers receive recognition through the Sonographia Career Development Scholarship.

CAREER COACHING

Individual and group career coaching focused on interview preparation, professional communication, career planning, and employment readiness.

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

Students have access to employment opportunities, employer connections, professional networking resources, and career information through UMI's Career Portal and UMI LinkedIn page.

TUITION AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

UMI establishes tuition separately for the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science Degree Completion programs.

Eligible students have access to UMI institutional payment plans and approved third-party educational financing. Review detailed tuition schedules, payment options, refund policies, estimated cost of attendance, and financing information.

UMI does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs. Eligible students may instead utilize UMI's institutional payment plans and approved third-party educational financing.