Students are expected to provide proof of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan prior to the start of the program or clinical start for PTA and SLPA. The insurance plan must cover you throughout the length of your clinical experience, which is most cases, consists of the entire length of the program. If you are in need of Health Insurance, please note the following important dates and visit cod.studentbenefitplans.com.

Important Dates

• November 1 through January 15: Open Enrollment
  If you will need health insurance ANYTIME within the next year, you must apply during the current open enrollment period.
• December 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start January 1.
• January 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start February 1.
• After January 15: Enrollment is closed.

If you miss open enrollment, but have a qualifying life event, you can still apply during a Special Enrollment Period.

While we cannot guarantee your official acceptance into the program, you need to be aware that there is short timeframe of when you are able to purchase a Health Insurance plan. The purpose of this step is to make you aware and that the time to research and purchase is NOW. Purchasing health insurance outside of this timeframe will take months and may prohibit your admittance into the Program. NOTE: Obtaining Health Insurance is NOT an application requirement but it is a requirement to be in the program.

Advance your career by earning a degree or certificate in sonography. At COD, you'll discover: 

• Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
• Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
• Instruction utilizing state of the art equipment.
• Affordable programs without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
• The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Program at College of DuPage is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). COD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound), Certificate

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound) is an advanced certificate program designed for graduates of accredited Medical Imaging programs in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, etc. Clinical education is provided at assigned clinical affiliates. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to obtain licensure in American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the following: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI); Physics Instrumentation; Abdomens & Superficial Structures; and Obstetrics and Gynecology. The certificate program consists of 40 credits in the required courses listed below.

Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography, A.A.S.

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography program includes extensive didactic and clinical applications in the specialties of general and vascular sonography. Clinical applications include abdominal/superficial structures, obstetrics/gynecology and vascular imaging techniques. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to obtain licensure in American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the following: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Physics Instrumentation; Abdomens & Superficial Structures; Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Vascular Technology. This degree requires 85 credits in program requirements and general education. All general education courses must be completed prior to admission to the sonography program.

Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography, Certificate

The Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography program is an extension of the current Diagnostic Medical Imaging program designed to provide trained sonographers in the specialty of vascular imaging for the clinical institutions and clinics in the Chicago area. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to obtain licensure in American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the following: Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Physics Instrumentation and Vascular Technology. This certificate program consists of 15 credits in the required courses listed below.

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Program at College of DuPage is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). COD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(800) 621-7440

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(737) 210-2350

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (JRC-DMS)
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(443) 973-3251

View the Sonography program's most recent program effectiveness data.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography, Associate in Applied Science
• Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound), Certificate
• Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography, Certificate

Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Sonography

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentration(s) it offers:

• Abdominal sonography - Extended
• Obstetrics and gynecology sonography
• Vascular sonography

Graduates will be able to:

• Obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results
• Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician
• Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician
• Exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and/or other diagnostic services
• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues
• Act in a professional and ethical manner
• Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and/or other diagnostic vascular techniques, and promote principles of good health

Source: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in sonography. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• Northern Illinois University, AAS in Diagnostic Medical Imaging- Sonography to BS in Health Sciences

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.