Medical Programs

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Learn to capture ultrasound images to assist in patient diagnosis with Carrington College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Train in abdominal, OB-GYN, and vascular imaging while gaining hands-on experience. Earn an Associate of Science degree in as few as 18 months.

Program Details

What Will I learn

Carrington College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program provides the technical skills and clinical experience needed to perform ultrasound imaging in a variety of medical settings. Upon completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, graduates will be able to:

Evaluate normal anatomy and physiology using proper medical terminology.
Exhibit appropriate patient care.
Demonstrate the utilization of basic principles of ultrasound, image acquisition, and evaluation and selection of representative images.
Perform abdomen, superficial structures, small parts, OB-GYN, and vascular ultrasound procedures and scanning techniques.
Determine pathologies, congenital anomalies, lab values, and differential diagnoses.
Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of graduates.

With a focus on real-world application, this program prepares students to work as entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers. Students will learn concepts of human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, sonographic patient care, physical principles of ultrasonic waves, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, abdominal, superficial, and small parts, as well as application of these hands-on skills.

Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, Sas well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College is proud to offer our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at multiple locations around the Western U.S. To learn more about our locations, explore their pages.

Bakersfield

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, graduates will be able to:

Evaluate normal anatomy and physiology using proper medical terminology.
Exhibit appropriate patient care.
Demonstrate the utilization of basic principles of ultrasound, image acquisition, and evaluation and selection of representative images.
Perform abdomen, superficial structures, small parts, OB-GYN, and vascular ultrasound procedures and scanning techniques.
Determine pathologies, congenital anomalies, lab values, and differential diagnoses.
Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of graduates.

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn an Associate of Science degree in as few as 18 months.

LEARNING OPTIONS

Offered at our Bakersfield and Temecula locations.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

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Discover What It’s Like to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student

Career Opportunities

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, also known as Ultrasound Technicians, help doctors and other health care professionals assess and identify a patient’s medical conditions. These professionals use imaging equipment that produces high-frequency waves to record images or conduct tests on many parts of the body.

To understand a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer’s daily responsibilities, it is essential you know the difference between an ultrasound and a sonogram. While most use the terms interchangeably when discussing sonography, they are different. Ultrasound refers to the tool used to take a sonogram (or picture). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers typically do the following: Here is an overview of the daily duties of an ultrasound tech:¹

Explain ultrasound diagnostic imaging to patients and record their medical history
Follow approved procedures to ensure that diagnostic equipment is working properly
Operate equipment under authorized diagnostic image practices and approaches
Review images for clarity, coverage, and suitability to detect the presence or absence of a presumed medical condition
Distinguish between normal and abnormal anatomy to prepare a summary of your diagnostic findings for the attending physician.
Record findings and file patients’ records per prescribed procedures
Sonography professionals may work with doctors and surgeons before, during, and after these day-to-day procedures

What Will I Learn?

Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care

Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation

Abdominal, Superficial, and Other Ultrasound Imaging

Gynecology and Obstetrics Ultrasound Imaging

Check out our guide on becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in California

If you love helping people and you are interested in a career in diagnostic imagery or ultrasound technology, sonography may be a great career path for you. Like other advanced care roles, a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is essential to patient care. While most people think of OB/GYN and babies when they hear the word ultrasound, there’s a wide range of specialties within the field. Learn more about becoming a sonographer, how you can make a difference in patients’ lives, and whether this is the right career choice for you.