Diagnostic Medical Sonography

As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you’ll work directly with patients to ensure they receive proper care based on the images you take through ultrasound technology. This role requires a combination of technical and communication skills. Sonographers use high frequency sound waves and their returning echoes to capture clear images that help physicians correctly diagnose patients.

Program Overview

Our unique partnership program combines the personalized attention, caring community and rigorous academic preparation of Carroll University with the professional expertise and technology of local hospital-based educational programs. You’ll earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and a national registry certificate, providing you with additional employment opportunities.

First Two Years: Carroll Phase
During the first two years, students complete the Pioneer Core, Carroll’s general education requirement, along with hospital prerequisites before applying for placement with one of our hospital partners. This allows students to explore classes in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and includes a cross-cultural component in which you learn about people and cultures different from you. At Carroll, you will build real-world skills like communication, problem- solving and innovative thinking, helping you become a well-rounded healthcare provider.

Final Two Years: Hospital Phase
During their hospital placement, students take sonography-specific coursework and rotate through diverse clinical placements with a small cohort of classmates.

Students choose from two distinct learning tracks:

Abdominal sonography – extended/obstetrics & gynecology + vascular technology
Adult echocardiography + vascular technology

The hospital program prepares students to take their board exams and develop professionally so they’re ready to enter the field upon graduation. Program alumni have gone on to work in hospitals, clinics, education, sales, management, and specialty areas like maternal-fetal medicine or pediatrics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong job outlook in the growing field of sonography. Carroll graduates hold a 100% first-time pass rate for credentialing exams and job placement rate within 6 months of program completion.

“The coursework and professors at Carroll have really set a foundation of information...”

— Esther Vang

Read Esther's story

Admissions/Requirements

Students can enter the DMS program in one of two ways: direct admission or competitive admission.

Direct Admission Option: Direct admission entry provides select incoming, full-time, first-time freshmen matriculating directly out of high school an opportunity to enter directly into the pre-professional phase of the program and receive a guaranteed hospital seat, provided progression standards and cohort requirements are met. These seats are limited and available with specific, participating hospital partners.

Competitive Admission Option: Students not securing a direct admission seat can apply to the professional phase of the DMS program as a competitive admission candidate. Most DMS majors are competitive admission students.

Admission requirements are determined by each hospital partner and include both academic and non-academic factors. Acceptance into the hospital phase is determined solely by the admissions committee at each partner’s independent School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This is a competitive program, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference is given to applicants with strong science and math grades and GPA, high number of patient care hours as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), understanding of the sonography profession and solid interpersonal skills. As a DMS major, you will receive support and guidance from Carroll’s Health and Medical Sciences Advisor on the application and interview process. A detailed list of hospital admission requirements can be found in our academic catalog.

Partners

Carroll University is proud to partner with the following accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs:

Regulatory Information

Carroll University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Each of Carroll University’s cooperating hospitals maintains accreditation upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Nearing successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take national certification examinations conducted through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). In the state of Wisconsin this is a requirement to enter the workforce.

While many students complete their registry exams while in the program, they must seek licensure (if required) individually. Currently, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon are the only states with approved legislation mandating the licensure of sonographers. Licensure is not required in Wisconsin.

The program assumes no responsibility for the success of its students in obtaining professional certification or other types of professional licensure.

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