Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Thank you for your interest in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. There are two ways in which an individual may choose to enroll in our educational program. One option leads to a Baccalaureate Degree in Radiation Sciences and the other a Certificate of Completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Either option requires the applicant to meet the minimum admissions requirements for the program.  Persons with a background in radiologic technology may choose either option.  Persons who already have a Bachelor's degree or do not have a radiologic technology background may choose the certificate option.  All students in the program receive the same professional education in abdominal sonography, obstetrical and gynecological sonography, neurosonography and vascular technology. All graduates are eligible for the national certification exams given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the specialty areas of abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, neurosonography and vascular technology.

Details about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are available through this website.  Details about the Baccalaureate Degree in Radiation Sciencesare available at that website. 

Program Information

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program consists of didactic and clinical education integrated into 18 months of intensive, full-time study beginning in late August. The curriculum includes courses and clinical experience in both general sonography and vascular technology. Students spend 40 hours per week within the hospital environment. Part of this time is spent in classroom instruction and laboratory activities; the remaining time involves clinical instruction in patient care areas. Clinical time is spent in many different areas of UI Hospitals and Clinics including the Departments of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Surgery. Rotations to other clinical sites provide a variety of additional clinical experiences. The program involves study and class preparation beyond the 40-hour week.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS). Successful completion of the program qualifies the student to sit for the national certification exam given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the specialty areas of abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, neurosonography and vascular technology.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Education Related Websites:

• The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program
• The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography