Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)
The diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create diagnostic images. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program at Cincinnati State offers students the opportunity to become entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in the specialty areas of cardiac and vascular sonography or abdominal, obstetrics, and gynecological sonography. Cincinnati State offers a degree program leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and a certificate program. For both programs, students may choose between cardiac and vascular sonography or abdominal, obstetrics, and gynecological sonography.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography—AAS Program
The curriculum, leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, includes a balance of general education and sonography courses. The program also includes supervised clinical experience obtained on site at various health care facilities in the Greater Cincinnati area. Courses are offered primarily during daytime hours.
Click here for detailed DMS information and frequently asked questions, progression requirements, and information session dates.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Take the national registry exam given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Perform as an entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer
- Collaborate with other health care professionals to provide optimum patient care
- Function within recognized ethical and legal standards of the profession
Credentialing
Diagnostic medical sonographers must take the national registry exam of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Representative Clinical Sites
Bethesda North Hospital
The Christ Hospital
Good Samaritan Hospital
Jewish Hospital
Mercy Health Partners
St. Elizabeth South
Employment Outlook
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by 19 percent through 2011 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Some job openings also will arise from the need to replace sonographers who leave the occupation. Since 2005, the national registry requirements have included an associate’s or higher degree from an accredited program.
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs at Cincinnati State are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, and JRC-DMS, 2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2998, phone (651) 731-1582.
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
$38,000–$41,000 annually
Diagnostic Medical Sonography—Abdominal/Obstetric-Gynecology curriculum
Diagnostic Medical Sonography—Cardiovascular curriculum
Diagnostic Medical Sonography—Certificate Program
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program is designed for individuals who have completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in an allied health profession and who are licensed in that profession. Students follow a curriculum similar to the second year of the associate’s degree program. The program includes didactic courses as well as supervised clinical experience obtained at various health care facilities in the Greater Cincinnati area. Certificate technical courses and clinical practice are offered during daytime hours.
Click here for more information about the DMS certificate program.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography—Abdominal/Obstetric-Gynecology certificate curriculum
Diagnostic Medical Sonography—Cardiovascular certificate curriculum
