MCC student performing liver scan during ultrasound lab. Photo: MCC.
Midwestern Career College’s CAAHEP-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is designed to prepare students with the general education, applied knowledge, technical skills, and work habits required for entry-level positions in the diagnostic medical sonography field.
🎉 MCC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Has Earned CAAHEP Accreditation!
Midwestern Career College’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography has earned Initial Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), effective July 15, 2026. Learn what this milestone means for current and future students.
Diagnostic medical sonography utilizes high-frequency sound waves that produce images of organs, tissues and blood flow inside the body that help doctors diagnose patient illness. Sonographers typically work closely with patients and radiologists in health-care settings, including hospitals, diagnostic medical centers, mobile ultrasound companies, medical clinics, and physician’s offices.
The diagnostic medical sonographer utilizes medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Typical tasks include registering patients, setting up appointments, operating the systems and performing ultrasound procedures.
Coursework includes routine clinical procedures, patient care, equipment handling and operation, as well as a clinical externship needed to train students for entry-level sonographer positions.
Identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!
The Fall 2026 cohort for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the Chicago Main Campus is full.
Admissions for the AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for the Spring 2027 cohort will open in early 2027.
What Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Do?
Diagnostic medical sonographers typically do the following:
Prepare patients for procedures by taking their medical history and answering any questions about the procedure
Prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images or to conduct tests
Review images or test results to check for quality and adequate coverage of the areas needed for diagnoses
Recognize the difference between normal and abnormal images, and identify other diagnostic information
Analyze diagnostic information to provide a summary of findings for physicians
Record findings and keep track of patients’ records
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program – Abdomen Extended is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) 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 St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, 727-210-2350.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Abdomen (AB) specialty examination offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) as part of the pathway toward the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential.
ARRT Sonography Certification
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) recognizes Midwestern Career College’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program as an approved educational program for ARRT’s sonography certification and registration.
ARRT certification is also a recognized prerequisite for ARDMS examination.
a two-year allied health educational program that is patient care related;
or with a bachelor’s degree in any major;
or after working for one year in the Ultrasound field from the date of graduation;
or after earning the Sonography Certification through ARRT.
For detailed prerequisite information students should refer to ARDMS.org.
Program Objectives
Provide knowledge and skills required for employment as entry-level sonographer
Deliver hands-on clinical and imaging training
Prepare students for ARDMS or ARRT certification
Develop skilled allied health professionals
Program Goals
The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is designed to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains for the abdominal-extended sonography concentration.
Clinical Externship Experience
380 hours of externship are required for program completion.
Students complete externship training to gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. MCC’s dedicated Externship Coordinator works directly with students to secure clinical placements and provide guidance throughout the externship process, helping ensure a structured and successful transition into the field.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth of 13% is projected from 2024–2034.
What else does a diagnostic medical sonographer do? Find out more about this career in the video below.
Projected Job Growth for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (2024–2034)
Career OneStop – Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Career Video
Related Diagnostic Imaging Programs at MCC
Diagnostic medical sonography is part of a broader field of diagnostic imaging careers. Students interested in medical imaging may also consider the following programs at MCC, each focused on different technologies and clinical specialties.
Inside MCC: Student Life, Skills, and Career Stories
Midwestern Career College shares student stories, program highlights, campus updates, career content, and college news across our official social media channels. Explore our latest content and follow MCC on the platforms you use most.
Official MCC channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
