# Diagnostic Medical Sonography **Institution:** ECPI University **College:** Health Science **Sub-Program:** Advanced Clinical **Degree:** Associates of Diagnostic Medical Sonography **Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/diagnostic-medical-sonography-associate-degree **Last Updated:** 2026-08-25T18:04:28+00:00 ## Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree Overview The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles as general sonographers. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences, allowing students to develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in diagnostic imaging. Students will have the opportunity to learn sonographic techniques and procedures, including abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and vascular imaging. Coursework also emphasizes patient care, equipment operation, and adherence to safety standards in healthcare environments. Graduates may pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers, depending on individual performance and external factors such as job market conditions. Through ECPI’s year-round accelerated schedule, students can earn their Associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in as little as **21 months**. - **80 Total Credits** — 21 Month Associate's Degree - **30 Weeks Hands-On** — Clinical Setting Experience ### Knowledge and Skills Graduates should grow in the following areas: - **Foundational Knowledge** Competency in performing routine sonographic imaging, procedures, and analyze technical information. - **Patient Care** Obtain patient history, perform diagnostic procedures, and collaborate effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals. - **Communication and Professionalism** Effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and professionalism to deliver patient-centered care. ## Program Structure and Learning Formats ### Locations - [Newport News, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/newport-news-va) - [Orlando Lake Mary, FL](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/orlando-lake-mary-fl) - [Richmond, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/richmond-va) ## Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography - **Sectional Anatomy** — DMS109 Anatomy will be identified using cross-sectional cadaver images and correlated with sonographic images. Emphasis will be placed on the anatomy of the adult abdomen and pelvis which is seen sonographically. - **Advanced Obstetric Sonography** — DMS203 Maternal and fetal assessment in the abnormal pregnancy including congenital anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction will be discussed. Students will build upon their basic scanning skills with correlated laboratory exercises. ### Program Requirements To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, students must earn 80 semester credit hours. This program requires 6 semesters, which is equivalent to 21 months or 85 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows: #### Math Course 3 semester credit hours **College Algebra (3 semester credit hours)** Must be greater than or equal to 100 level college courses only. #### Core Courses 55 semester credit hours **Complete ALL of the following Courses:** | Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours | |---|---|---| | [DMS100](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS100 "View DMS100") | [Essentials of Sonography and Patient Care](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS100 "View DMS100") | 3 | | [DMS107](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS107 "View DMS107") | [Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS107 "View DMS107") | 2 | | [DMS107L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS107L "View DMS107L") | [Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS107L "View DMS107L") | 1 | | [DMS108](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS108 "View DMS108") | [Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS108 "View DMS108") | 2 | | [DMS108L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS108L "View DMS108L") | [Ultrasound Instrumentation Lab II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS108L "View DMS108L") | 1 | | [DMS109](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS109 "View DMS109") | [Sectional Anatomy](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS109 "View DMS109") | 3 | | [DMS200](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS200 "View DMS200") | [Abdominal Sonography](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS200 "View DMS200") | 3 | | [DMS201](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS201 "View DMS201") | [Advanced Abdominal Sonography](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS201 "View DMS201") | 3 | | [DMS202](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS202 "View DMS202") | [Obstetrics and Gynecologic Sonography](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS202 "View DMS202") | 3 | | [DMS203](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS203 "View DMS203") | [Advanced Obstetric Sonography](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS203 "View DMS203") | 3 | | [DMS204](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS204 "View DMS204") | [Vascular I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS204 "View DMS204") | 3 | | [DMS205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS205 "View DMS205") | [Vascular II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS205 "View DMS205") | 3 | | [DMS206](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS206 "View DMS206") | [Introduction to Clinical Education](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS206 "View DMS206") | 1 | | [DMS207](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS207 "View DMS207") | [Clinical Education I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS207 "View DMS207") | 4 | | [DMS208](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS208 "View DMS208") | [Clinical Education II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS208 "View DMS208") | 4 | | [DMS209](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS209 "View DMS209") | [Clinical Education III](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS209 "View DMS209") | 4 | | [DMS210](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS210 "View DMS210") | [Clinical Education IV](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS210 "View DMS210") | 4 | | [DMS211](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS211 "View DMS211") | [Clinical Education V](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS211 "View DMS211") | 4 | | [DMS213](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS213 "View DMS213") | [Clinical Education VI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS213 "View DMS213") | 2 | | [DMS241](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS241 "View DMS241") | [General/SPI Registry Review](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/DMS241 "View DMS241") | 2 | #### Arts and Sciences Courses\* 21 semester credit hours **Complete ALL of the following Courses:** *\*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts and Sciences Department page.* | Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours | |---|---|---| | [BIO111](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO111 "View BIO111") | [Anatomy and Physiology with Terminology I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO111 "View BIO111") | 3 | | [BIO111L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO111L "View BIO111L") | [Anatomy and Physiology with Terminology I Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO111L "View BIO111L") | 1 | | [BIO116](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO116 "View BIO116") | [Anatomy and Physiology with Terminology II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO116 "View BIO116") | 3 | | [BIO116L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO116L "View BIO116L") | [Anatomy and Physiology with Terminology II Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO116L "View BIO116L") | 1 | | [ENG110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | [College Composition](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | 3 | | [HUM205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | [Culture, Thought, and the Human Experience](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | 3 | | [PHY120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120 "View PHY120") | [Physics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120 "View PHY120") | 3 | | [PHY120L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120L "View PHY120L") | [Physics Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120L "View PHY120L") | 1 | | [PSY105](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | [Introduction to Psychology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | 3 | #### Self-Integration Courses 4 semester credit hours **Complete ALL of the following Courses:** | Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours | |---|---|---| | [COR191](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | [Career Orientation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | 1 | | [FOR110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | [Essentials for Success](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | 3 | ## Accreditation ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Full accreditation details: [ECPI University Accreditation](https://www.ecpi.edu/accreditation).