Help physicians in identifying a diagnosis as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
What is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves, beyond the human hearing capability, to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no radiation and has a wide variety of uses in medicine. The purpose of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to prepare qualified individuals who, by virtue of training in both theory and practice, are proficient in the areas of abdominal and obstetric/gynecological sonography.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
ECTC has numerous partnerships with 4-year universities. If you are interested in
a transfer pathway in this field, check out our partnering university pathways. Find more information on transferring from ECTC.
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, ECTC has you covered. ECTC will help you reach your goals at a price that won't break the bank.
Where do I start?
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program admits one cohort each year. The application deadline is October 1, and the program begins each January.
Applicants must complete all program admission requirements prior to applying. Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Please review the sections below for detailed requirements.
Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program is selective. To be considered, applicants must:
- Apply to ECTC
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended (outside KCTCS)
- Complete all prerequisite/general education courses with a grade of “C” or higher by the first fall bi-term before spring admission
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite coursework
- Take the Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) Exam
- Complete 4 hours of observation in a general sonography lab
- Attend a preadmission conference
- Apply for program admission
Preference is given to:
- Applicants licensed or registered in an allied health profession
- Veterans or active-duty military personnel
See the Admissions Points System for more detailed information.
Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher before applying.
- MAT 150 College Algebra (or higher-level quantitative reasoning course)
- ENG 101 Writing I
- BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 135 accepted, but BIO 137/139 preferred)
- PHY 152 Introductory Physics II (PHY 151 or PHY 171 also accepted)
- AHS 120 Medical Terminology (AHS 115 also accepted)
- NAA 100 Nursing Assistant Skills I (or HST 101 Health Care Basic Skills, or be a graduate of an allied health program)
- One Heritage/Humanities course
- One Social/Behavioral Science course
See the Diagnostic Medical Sonography – AAS plan above for full degree requirements after admission.
Pre-Admission Conference
Attending a Preadmission Conference is mandatory for admission into the program. Pre-registration for conferences is not necessary. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Preadmission Conferences for January 2027 admission are virtual. Click the date below to join the Microsoft Teams meeting.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Additional Information
- Program Effectiveness Data
- Admissions Points System
- USA Exam Information
- Clinical Observation Hours
- Technical Standards
- Program Outcomes
- Minimum Expectations
- ARDMS Rules
- Advanced Placement/Transfer
- FAQs
Schedule an appointment with the Program Coordinator here.
Erin Burns
Program Coordinator
(270) 706-8885
eburns0035@kctcs.edu
Anne Goodman
Adjunct Clinical Coordinator
(270) 706-8514
agoodman0064@kctcs.edu
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th Street N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Field Licensure Requirements
Upon completion of the program, students must pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers exam to become certified.
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in collaboration with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
