Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree Program

What Is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

A diagnostic medical sonographer (DMS), generally referred to simply as a sonographer or ultrasound technologist, uses imaging equipment and soundwaves to provide doctors with internal images that help them make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment for their patients.

It is a non-invasive way to visualize internal organs when a physician needs to see what is going on inside the body. It is often the first imaging test that is performed after a disease is suspected or detected.

Program Director, DMS – Lakhwinder Dhillon

Sonographers are needed for a variety of healthcare issues, including:

• Cancer screenings
• Heart health
• Organ health
• Prenatal care
• Infant care
• Reproductive health care for both men and women

How Do You Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Are you a problem-solver with good communication skills? Do you love working directly with people who may be in pain and confused about their medical condition?

Are you detail-oriented and can follow precise instructions to obtain the images needed to diagnose and treat patients? If so, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) being a diagnostic medical sonographer may be a great fit for you.

Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer requires an associate degree from a qualified accredited school and most employers also require professional certification.

Casa Loma College combines in-depth classroom coursework in medical concepts and terminology with hands-on clinical experience.

Upon successful completion of our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, Casa Loma graduates are eligible to apply for national certification with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Specialty certifications are also available. All specialty certificates require you to first obtain the Sonography Primary Pathway Certification. After passing that exam, based on your Casa Loma education, you will be eligible for specialty certifications in the areas of:

• Abdomen (AB)
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Graduates also are eligible for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

The Casa Loma College associate degree equips graduates to prepare for their certification exams and helps them put their best foot forward as they pursue their new career in health care.

What Is the Difference Between an Ultrasound Technician and a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

The terms medical sonographer and ultrasound technician are used interchangeably. Other job titles for a DMS may be:

• Cardiac Sonographer
• Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
• Ultrasonographer
• Sonographer
• Staff Sonographer
• Ultrasound technician
• Ultrasound Technologist

How Long Does it Take to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Casa Loma College works with you to design a program to meet your specific needs. You can complete your education and earn your associate degree in less than two years.

The college offers a hybrid program with both online and in-person classes. It requires seven semesters of course work and the program can be completed in 23 months.

What is the Job Outlook for Sonographers?

This is an exciting and opportune time to pursue a career in Medical Sonography! According to the BLS, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 10 percent through 2031. That’s 10% faster than the average for all occupations. Most sonographers will be employed at imaging centers and state, local, or private hospitals, which employed 76% of all sonographers in 2021.

California source: Projections Central 2020-2030 long-term projections. United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021-2031 employment projections. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment for the projections period. “Projected annual openings” represents openings due to growth and job openings created by those who retire or quit their jobs for any reason.