Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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AAS Degree Program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at AMSC College
Ultrasound Technicians will work side by side with physicians, nurses and radiology department staff developing images by sound waves used for diagnostic and prognostic evaluations. Ultrasound Technician is a dynamic and challenging profession that includes a methodical understanding of the following: human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, sectional anatomy, diagnostic imaging, ultrasound physics, and ultrasound techniques in image production. The core curriculum is structured to include an on-campus lecture component, an on-campus imaging laboratory component, and an off-campus integrated clinical component. The program provides the didactic and the clinical skills necessary in order to enable the student to perform the Sonographic requirements published or supported by nationally-recognized professional ARDMS, ARRT, CCI organizations.
Learn More About AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Program Policies
Sample of Grading System
The school’s grading system in all of its programs is as follows:
| A (Excellent) | B (Above Average) | C (Average) | F (Not Passing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90% – 100% | 80% – 89% | 70% – 79% | <70% |
Credit/Clock Hour Conversions
For all programs of study, the conversion from clock hours to credit hours is as follows:
Examination Schedule
Students take a module exam after completion of all the courses in each module. The students also take a final exam at the conclusion of all didactic modules.
Successful Completion
A score of 70% or better is required for each module exam in order to receive credit for that particular module. Students must satisfactorily perform the practical portion of their training in an approved facility and receive a satisfactory evaluation. With the completion of this degree program, which includes the externship, students
may choose an option of sitting for a certification test with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Upon successfully challenging any of these registries, students can apply to ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers), RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers), Breast (BR), or RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist), provided through ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). For prerequisite information please visit the ardsm.org website, Examination Prerequisite, Chart page 12.
Educational Objective
The objective is to provide the didactic and clinical skills needed to enable the student to perform the Abdominal, Gynecological, Vascular, and Echocardiographic requirements published or supported by nationally recognized professional organizations.
Professional Duties
Graduates will function as an integral part of the diagnostic medical imaging team, providing patient services efficiently and in a professional, sensitive manner. Duties may include performing ultrasound scans of abdominal, Gynecological, Breast, Echovascular parts.
Graduation Requirements
Graduates must successfully complete all courses of the program with a minimum grade of 70% and all other curriculum requirements for their course of study. Students must perform the clinical portion of their training in an approved medical facility and receive a satisfactory evaluation. Graduation is acknowledged by awarding a diploma, which further allows them to take the ARDMS test.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (General Learning Concentration)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree Programs
The BHS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 3,010-clock-hour, 130-semester-credit degree program designed to provide advanced education and hands-on training in diagnostic ultrasound. The General Learning Concentration covers abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological, breast, general vascular, and cardiac sonography through a combination of academic instruction, ultrasound laboratory training, and clinical experience.
Students develop the technical knowledge, patient-care skills, and practical imaging experience needed to prepare for professional opportunities in diagnostic medical sonography. The program is delivered in a blended format and builds a broad foundation across multiple areas of sonographic imaging.
AMSC Alumni Success
Hear directly from graduates who transitioned from our Glendale campus into full-time clinical sonography careers.
“From day one, I felt supported. The instructors truly care, and the clinical rotations gave me the real-world experience I needed. AMSC set me up for success, and I'm so grateful for this next chapter!”
Nancy T.
Hired full-time at major healthcare system.
Marcus R.
Hired full-time at local hospital.
Tiffany G.
Lead sonographer in clinical network.
Our Affiliations & Accreditations
AMSC College has been serving the Glendale and Greater Los Angeles areas for over 30 years as an accredited higher education institution.
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
AAS Program FAQs
Get answers about the Associate of Applied Sciences in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, including curriculum, hands-on ultrasound training, program length, blended learning, and career opportunities.
What is the Associate of Applied Sciences in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at AMSC College?
The Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at AMSC College is a career-focused degree program that prepares students with the academic knowledge, hands-on ultrasound training, and clinical experience needed to pursue entry-level opportunities in diagnostic medical sonography. The program is offered through AMSC College in Glendale, California, and includes training in abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological, vascular, cardiac, and other areas of sonography.
How long does the AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program take to complete?
AMSC College’s AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography consists of 2,290 clock hours and 101 semester credit hours. The program may be completed in approximately 84.4 weeks at 25 hours per week or approximately 104 weeks at 20 hours per week, depending on the applicable schedule. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and 480 hours of clinical externship experience.
What will I learn in the AAS Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?
Students receive training in ultrasound physics, abdominal sonography, urogenital sonography, obstetrical and gynecological sonography, breast sonography, vascular technology, and cardiac ultrasound. The curriculum also covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, patient care, communication, and professional development. Students develop practical scanning skills through laboratory instruction and complete a clinical externship at an affiliated healthcare or imaging facility.
Is the AAS ultrasound program at AMSC College online or in person?
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a residential/blended program, combining distance education with required in-person training at AMSC College’s campus in Glendale, California. Because hands-on laboratory instruction is an essential part of learning diagnostic medical sonography, students must attend the campus at least twice per week. Students enrolled in the program must be California residents.
What can I do after graduating from the AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program?
Graduates can pursue entry-level opportunities as diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasound technologists in healthcare settings such as imaging centers, clinics, and other medical facilities. Graduates may also pursue applicable professional credentials through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Credentialing organizations establish their own eligibility requirements, so students should review the current requirements for the specific certification or examination they intend to pursue.
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- Small-Group, Hands-On Lab Training with modern ultrasound equipment.
- Flexible Blended Schedule combining online lectures with on-campus labs.
- Accredited Ultrasound Degrees (AAS & Bachelor of Health Sciences options).
- Federal Financial Aid (grants & student loans) available for those who qualify.
- Lifetime Career Services with personalized job search and placement support.