Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Sonography, also known as ultrasound, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and other structures inside the body. These images help healthcare providers diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers typically work in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and doctors' offices.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for sonographers in 2024 was $82,570.

Yes, our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), based on the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The program has been accredited since March 2013. For more details, visit www.CAAHEP.org

Graduating from an accredited program ensures you've received a quality education that meets national standards. Many employers prefer or require graduates from accredited programs, making you more competitive in the job market.

The DMS program lasts 14 months and begins each year in June.

Program eligibility and application timeline for the 2027–2028 program year will be posted in June. Check back soon!

We accept up to 25 students each year.

We offer two concentrations:

• General Sonography (abdomen-extended and OB/GYN)
• Vascular Sonography (vascular anatomy and physiology)

No, but you can complete them consecutively. If you return for the second concentration, you won’t need to retake the virtual lab, Introduction to Sonography, or Physics courses.

Yes, the lecture (didactic) portion is online. Clinical rotations are completed at an approved site near your location.

To be eligible to apply, you must have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (any major) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Required prerequisite courses include College Algebra, English Composition or Public Speaking, Anatomy & Physiology (completed within the last five years), Medical Terminology, and Physics—all with a grade of “C” or better. If you have completed a Radiography program, you will not need to retake Physics or Medical Terminology.

Applicants must also have hands-on patient care experience through one of two options: completing a health science program such as Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, or Nursing; or completing at least 300 hours of direct patient care in roles such as CNA, EKG Tech, Phlebotomist, or PCT. This experience must include tasks like taking and recording vital signs, assisting with exams and treatments, helping physicians, turning or moving patients, bathing and grooming, and transporting patients.

To earn the Sonography Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, students must complete a minimum number of credit hours. When transferring courses from other institutions, some credits may transfer with fewer hours than required at LCC. For example, if you completed a 2-credit medical terminology course elsewhere that meets the CAAHEP prerequisite but doesn’t meet LCC’s 3-credit requirement, you may be placed on the Certificate track if accepted.

What does this mean for you? The program curriculum and training remain the same whether you are on the AAS or Certificate track. You will still be eligible to take the ARDMS board exams upon completion. This policy ensures fairness and equal opportunity for applicants coming from schools with different credit hour systems.

During the fall and spring semesters, students complete 24 hours per week. In the last summer semester, this increases to 32 hours per week. For scheduling, students will attend their clinical rotation at the most convenient times, which may vary based on the site's scheduling preferences. Typically, this will align with regular business hours to coordinate with the schedules of staff and patients.

As part of the application process, you are required to complete an 8-hour observation day at a potential clinical site. After the observation, if the site is interested in hosting you for clinicals, Labette Community College (LCC) will reach out to begin the affiliation agreement process. If the site declines, you will need to complete another observation at a different location.
Please note: If you're applying under Option #2 of the medical component (based on direct patient care experience), the clinical site must also sign a form confirming they are willing to accept you as a student without having completed a formal health science program, such as Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, or Nursing.

No, clinical rotations are completed at an approved site near your home.

The total cost ranges from $14,000 to $20,000, depending on your residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state tuition) and concentration.

Yes, financial aid and scholarships may help cover the cost of the program, depending on your eligibility. For more info, visit our Financial Aid & Scholarships page.