Sonography Program

In Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound), sound waves are used to produce images of human anatomy that radiologists use to diagnose and interpret medical conditions. The Sonography programs at COD are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in sonography.

Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography that includes general and vascular training, as well as a certificate in ultrasound and vascular sonography. Sonography courses range from introduction to diagnostic medical imaging sonography, sonographic physics, patient care and hands-on scanning.

Sonography is a selected enrollment program. Students need to qualify to apply for the program by completing prerequisite classes and other admissions requirements. Learn more about how to apply by following the directions in your program's admission's packet:

In order to apply, you must follow specific admission criteria before being admitted into the program and follow the admission checklist located in your program's admissions packet. Please review the Sonography Advising Session Video and PowerPoint Presentation to help you navigate the application process.

Please note: DMIS 1105, DMIS 1110 and MATH 1120 are only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.

First Step to Apply - Attend an Advising Session

The majority of the accepted applicants are typically in-district residents. Please see the Sonography Admission Packet listed above for more information.

For more information on the degree and certificate programs, read the program's frequently asked questions.

Determine Your Path

Sonographers work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, physician offices, public health facilities and laboratories. As a sonography student, pursuing

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.
Program accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Tour the Sonography Lab

Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Associate in Applied Science 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.

Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound)

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.

Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography

The Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonography certificate 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.

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) 973-325109
Seminole, FL 33775

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

COD Stories

“The ultrasound program is very competitive and very intense. Study and practice as much as you can and do not be afraid to ask questions, especially of your clinical instructors." - Christine White

Christine's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in the Sonography is to read the admissions packet for your program:

Program Costs

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree 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

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 has several sonography transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

Diagnostic Medical Imaging

The curriculum of the COD Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs prepares students to become job ready as a technologist in either radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy.

Career Information

Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about earning a degree in sonography or a certificate in sonography or vascular sonography through our program frequently asked questions.