Diagnostic
Medical
Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performing an ultrasound exam on a patient using diagnostic imaging equipment in a clinical setting.

Train for a Career in Sonography at Swedish Institute

Semester I		Credits
BIO 131	Human Anatomy and Physiology	4
ENG 111	Composition I	3
MAT 111	College Math	3
SCI 111	College Physics	3
FSS100	Freshman Student Success	0

Credits Semester I: 13

Semester II		Credits
BIO 132	Sectional Anatomy	3
DMS 101	Introduction to Sonography and Patient Care	4
DMS 102	Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation I	3
MED 121	Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology	3

Credits Semester II: 13

Semester III		Credits
DMS 103	Abdominal Sonography I	3
DMS 104	Ob/Gyn Sonography I	3
DMS 202	Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation II	3
DMS 210	SPI Registry Review	1
PSY 121	Introduction to Psychology and Critical Thinking	3

Credits Semester III: 13

Semester IV		Credits
ALH 50	Law and Ethics for Health Professions	1
COM 201	Oral Communications	3
DMS 203	Abdominal Sonography II	3
DMS 204	Ob/Gyn Sonography II	3
DMS 297	Externship I	6

Credits Semester IV: 16

Semester V		Credits
DMS 205	Superficial Parts, Breast, & Limited Vascular Sonography	3
DMS 206	Advanced Topics and Quality Control Management	2
DMS 298	Externship II	8

Credits Semester V: 13

Semester VI		Credits
DMS 215	Registry Review	3
DMS 299	Externship III	10
PCD 111	Professional Development	1

Credits Semester VI: 14

Total Program Credits: 82 Credits

Application Requirements

Application and Application Fee
Provide Two References, Proof of Graduation, and a Personal Essay
Passing Score on Entrance Exam

BECOME A DIAGNOSTIC SONOGRAPHER

Diagnostic medical sonography is a noninvasive imaging technology performed in real-time. Because it is safe and the results are immediate, diagnostic medical sonographers play a vital role in conducting and interpreting initial imaging tests that may help narrow down a patient’s diagnosis and quickly get them the care they need. It is an ideal tool for evaluating the development of the fetus in a pregnant woman; this is the first exposure to sonography for many of us.

But it is so much more.

Sonographers create detailed digital images of human anatomy to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to image their patients’ internal organs, glands, and blood vessels. These images provide valuable information for the ordering physician to diagnose and treat these patients.

Swedish Institute’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program offers specialized abdominal and obstetrics/gynecology sonography training for a career in an enriching, high-demand^ field in as little as two years.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM

Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program provides students with the knowledge and training needed to thrive in the sonography industry.

One of the program’s strengths is over 1,000 hours of practical training in externship settings throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Our curriculum is taught by highly skilled, credentialed instructors in the classroom, scanning lab, and externship settings.

Our foundational classes and hands-on training include:

Human anatomy and physiology, sectional anatomy, pathophysiology, and ultrasound physics and instrumentation.
The operation of ultrasound equipment, ultrasound applications, related laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and image production and evaluation.
The use of ultrasound machines and specialized equipment to perform diagnostic exams in abdominal, obstetrics, and gynecologic specializations.
Patient care techniques, critical clinical thinking, professional development strategies, and legal and ethical concerns.
Students will have obtained the necessary knowledge to attempt credentialing in the abdominal extended and obstetrics/gynecologic specializations with ARRT.

Upon successful completion of the 82-credit-hour DMS Program, students will be academically prepared to sit for registry exams with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Additionally, all students in our on-campus programs like DMS receive an iPad to aid them in their studies, which is theirs to keep after graduation.

WHAT DOES A DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER DO?

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a trained professional who operates special imaging equipment to create sonographic images. Physicians use these images to assist in assessing and diagnosing medical conditions and to guide the physician in performing selected diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in obstetric and gynecological, abdominal, or breast sonography. They may also specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography.

Sonographers and ultrasound technologists may work closely with physicians and surgeons before, during, and after procedures. Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations.
Work independently using appropriate discretion and judgment.
Recognize the normal and abnormal sonographic characteristics of ultrasound scans.
Evaluate sonographic image quality for usefulness as a diagnostic tool.
Provide a diagnostic impression to the interpreting physician using oral or written communication.
Perform other duties as required by your employer.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography in the 2026 US News and World Report Jobs Rankings^§

#13 in Best Health Care Jobs
#34 in Best Jobs

Career Possibilities

Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of settings, such as:

Hospitals

Physician and
Medical Offices

Diagnostic
Laboratories

Outpatient
Centers

Manufacturers

Government

Discover your funding options

Preparing for a career in diagnostic medical sonography is an investment in your future. Swedish Institute offers financial aid to eligible students and provides guidance on tuition and payment options to help make your education more manageable. Our team is here to help you understand your funding options and next steps.

Explore our scholarships, financial aid resources, and application process to get started. You can also use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition.

testimonials

“The teaching was very clear and the process was very easy. The way the school worked, it made it very easy and you had everything on hand, especially with the iPad. It makes it very easy to get everything under control. And the scheduling is so good because they have different times for specific programs.”
A. Aliva,

Central Service Processing Technician

Class of 2024
“Something I loved about the program is the support. You don’t have to go through this alone. When you feel lost, you can always ask questions and you get the help and support you need. I would say even if you don’t know what you want to do, Swedish Institute can help you find careers and programs that best suit you.”
C. Greve,

Central Service Processing Technician

Class of 2025
“They were just really compassionate and they really seemed to care about the education and helping us further our education in medical assistant. And they helped me to truly understand certain things when it came to EKG or phlebotomy. So, I just really appreciate them for that.”
J. Sandiford,

Clinical Medical Assistant

Class of 2025
“I had a great experience at Swedish in the nursing program. The courses were challenging but rewarding. I found a job almost instantly with the help of Swedish faculty and the rest has been history. Super thankful for my experience at Swedish.”
T. Crearer,

Nursing Graduate
“[My Admissions Representative] helped push me to believe that it would be possible for me to go to school and be a single mom and help raise my son… there’s a lot of support at Swedish, honestly, so give it a try, give it a chance, because there’s help there.”
T. Jackson,

Medical Billing

Class of 2026
“I am a recently graduated student and it is incredible all the job offers I have received. I feel thrilled and proud to have been part of the school the teachers are amazing and supportive. I felt very prepared for the State Board Exam.”
Y. Diaz,

Massage Therapy Graduate

Class of 2023

* Salary Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. Information is for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in New York State. Data from May 2025. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home. Site visited 6/8/2026

^ Growth Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from May 2024. From the Occupational Outlook Handbook on Diagnostic Medical Sonographers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data from May 2024. Site visited 6.8.2026.

§ Information from the US News and World Report Rankings from 2026. Information subject to change. Find the full lists on the US News and World Report website. Site visited 3.31.26

National long-term projections and salary averages may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual growth or any particular salary. Swedish Institute does not guarantee employment. Swedish Institute cannot guarantee a student’s eligibility either to take any exam or become certified, registered, or licensed.

Swedish Institute’s programs are registered by the New York State Education Department. Accredited by ACCSC. For important information on program costs, completion and placement rates, median debt incurred, etc., please visit student consumer information. Learn more about our Personal Protection Policy.