The Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology provides training in ultrasound patient services and related diagnostic techniques. The program offers training in the following curricular tracks: General (Abdomen-Extended & OB/GYN); Vascular Technology; and Adult Cardiac. Multi-track combines OB/GYN, Abdominal, and Vascular sonography. Students must apply for General (Ab-Ex and OB/GYN), Vascular or Adult Cardiac at the time of their application to the program. Students admitted to the program in either the general or vascular tracks may apply to the multi-track during the winter quarter. The program uses a selective admissions process, with admissions guidelines published annually. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the American Registry of Radiologic Technology examinations. The adult cardiac track of the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.

Program Goals

Our tracks are structured as follows: General - Abdomen-Extended and OB/GYN, Vascular - only vascular, Adult Cardiac - only adult cardiac, and Multi-track (established 2025) - Abdomen-Extended, OB/GYN, and Vascular).

Overarching Program Goal

• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the concentrations it offers.

Goals of the Abdomen-Extended Concentrations

• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal extended sonography concentration.

Goals of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Concentrations

• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the obstetrics and gynecology sonography concentration.

Goal of the Adult Cardiac Concentration

• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the adult cardiac sonography concentration.

Goal of the Vascular Concentration

• To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the vascular sonography concentration

Learning Outcomes

Degree recipients should possess the skills & abilities described below:

• Function in the capacity as an entry-level sonographer; acquiring diagnostic ultrasound images of the patient’s anatomy to aid the physician in the diagnosis of various pathological conditions;
• Act in the best interests of the patient and the institution through the prudent use of safety measures, techniques, and equipment to prevent harm to the patient, facility, or oneself;
• Act within the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards as outlined by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers;
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures;
• Assimilate pertinent clinical information, ultrasound findings, and knowledge of normal and abnormal conditions into a cohesive and complete ultrasound examination for interpreting physicians;
• Communicate effectively with patients, family members, hospital staff, and the general public, and demonstrate professionalism in all actions and communications.

Curriculum Structure and Tracks

Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology is a full-time, two-year program. The program is divided into two components: four quarters of full-time study in the classroom and lab and four quarters of full-time clinical education. Before entering the clinical education component, each student must successfully complete all classes in the didactic program with a “C” or better.

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program offers four distinct curricular tracks: adult cardiac, vascular, multi and general (which includes the abdomen-extended and OB/GYN concentrations). Students declare their interest in a track upon admission to the program. This choice determines the classroom and lab courses required during the didactic portion of the program, and it shapes the placements during the clinical phase of the program:

• The adult cardiac track is structured in accordance with the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the adult cardiac concentration and prepares students to take the Adult Echocardiography (AE) exam offered by the ARDMS and earn the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) credential.

• The vascular track is structured in accordance with the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the vascular sonography concentration, and it prepares students to take the ARDMS Vascular Technology exam and earn the Registered Vascular Technology (RVT) credential.

• The general track is structured in accordance with the CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the abdomen-extended and OB/GYN concentrations, and it prepares students to take two ARDMS specialty exams, Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), and earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.

• The multi-track is structured in accordance with the CAAHEP standards for the vascular, abdomen-extended, and OB/GYN concentrations, and it prepares students to take three ARDMS specialty exams, Vascular Technology, Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), and earn the RDMS and RVT credentials.