DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY (DMS)
Doctor’s investigate what’s happening internally to our bodies but rely on the Sonographer to provide the proof through the intricate images of tissue and internal organs.
Take the Next Step
to Your Future
Find Your Program, Classes Start Soon!
News / Blog
A new study shows a sort of signature in the brains of lonely people that make them distinct in fundamental ways, based on variations in the volume of different brain regions as well as based on how those regions communicate with one another across brain networks. A team of resear...
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Degree Program
What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
A sonographer, also known as an ultrasound Technologist, is a go-to professional in many hospitals and clinics when a doctor needs to see what’s happening inside the human body.
Program Director, DMS – Lakhwinder Dhillon
Using soundwaves, sonographers provide doctors internal images so they can make a diagnosis or prescribe a treatment plan for their patients – all without a single incision!
Sonographers are vital across a variety of care needs, including:
- Infant and prenatal care
- Heart health
- Cancer Screenings
- Organ health
- Women’s and men’s reproductive health
How Do You Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Are you a problem solver who loves hands-on solutions? Do you enjoy working with or teaching people? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer might be a great fit for you!
Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer generally requires an associate degree from a qualified, accredited school, and frequently a 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 examinations of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the areas of Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Sonography Principles* and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the Sonography Primary Pathway Certification.
The Casa Loma College associate degree equips graduates to prepare for their certification exams and help put their best foot forward in pursuit of their new career in health care.
What is the Difference Between an Ultrasound Technician Vs. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
These terms are used interchangeably in the health care industry. According to the BLS reports job titles related to DMS include:
Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Sonographer, Staff Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech), Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech).
What Will I learn?
Graduates of the Casa Loma College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program engage in a variety of career-specific skills, some of which include:
- Perform appropriate ultrasound scanning examinations and procedures, and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician.
- Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
- Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic diagnostic services,
- Provide appropriate and compassionate patient care for patients undergoing ultrasound examinations.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills with patients and other health care professionals, and act in an ethical and professional manner.
- Complete the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Ultrasound Physics and
- Instrumentation exams complete the ARRT DMS Primary Pathway Exam and/or after an additional year of work experience complete the ARDMS abdomen and small parts exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Casa Loma College offers a flexible hybrid program, with in-person and online classes to help fit your busy schedule. Work towards your future career faster and earn your associates degree in less than two years!
| CIP Code | Credits | Months | Instructional Weeks | Award | Terms | |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 51.0910 | 104.5 semester | 23 months | 100 weeks | A.S. Degree | 7 semesters |
How Much Does a Sonographer Make?
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a dynamic career, offering a competitive salary. Wages vary by location and state:
In California
- Workers on average earn $50.19 per hour
- 10% of workers earn $33.20 or less per hour
- 10% of workers earn $76.57 or more per hour
In the United States
- Workers on average earn $36.50 per hour
- 10% of workers earn $25.86 or less per hour
- 10% of workers earn $50.56 per hour
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data
What is the Job Outlook for Sonographers?
This is an exciting and opportune time to pursue a career in Medical Sonography! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 17 percent through 2029. That’s over four times the average for all occupations. Most of these will probably be employed at imaging centers and state, local, or private hospitals, which employed 61% of all sonographers in 2019.
| Employment (2018) | Projected Employment (2028) | Projected Growth (2018-2028) | Projected annual Job Openings (2018-2028) | |
| California | 6,900 employees | 8,800 employees | 28% | 620 |
| Employment (2019) | Projected Employment (2029) | Projected Growth (2019-2029) | Projected annual job openings (2019-2029) | |
| United States | 74,300 | 86,800 | 17% (much faster than average) | 5,100 |
| California source: Projections Central 2018-2028 long-term projections . United States source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-2029 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period. “Projected annual job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement. | ||||
Recent Employers of DMS Graduates
- Radnet- Liberty Pacific, West Hills
- The Institute of Prenatal Diagnosis and Reproductive Genetics
- Central Coast Vein & Vascular
- RJ Imaging
- Christus St. Vincent
- Central Peninsula Hospital
- St. Mary’s Medical Center
- Imaging Specialists of Glendale
- Medical Imagery Staffing and Solutions
- First Choice Mobile Radiology
- RJ Imaging
- Radnet- Liberty Pacific, Tarzana
- Valley Presbyterian Hospital
- Adventist Health Simi Valley
- Ideal Xtra Care Plus
“I graduated from the DMS program in December 2020. I love everything about this school and am so happy and proud to be a graduate from here. The professors and staff are amazing and really want to make sure you succeed in your field.” – Mar N.
Financial Aid
For those who are eligible, financial aid is an excellent tool to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs to attend college. Casa Loma College has a committed team of financial aid professionals on call to help students and parents navigate the process.
Casa Loma College participates in many programs to help reduce the cost of college, including:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Work Study
- Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS)
- CSAC Cal Grant
To learn more about the financial aid process, and what you may be eligible, please refer to our financial aid page.
Veteran’s Benefits
In addition, for those who qualify, Casa Loma College is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to offer academic programs under Title 38, United States Code, to enroll veterans and other eligible persons who qualify for educational benefits.
For a full list of benefits, and to learn more, please visit our Veteran’s Benefits page.