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Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Become a  Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Educational Plan Virtual Workshop

Please join us for an educational workshop hosted by the Counseling Center.

This workshop held by Zoom will provide information about the DMS program, including program prerequisites and planning. 

A Medical Sonographer is a highly skilled healthcare professional specializing in the use of ultrasound technology to create images of internal body structures.

Sonographers are more than technical operators; they also assume the critical role of diagnosticians. To effectively fulfill this diagnostic responsibility, sonographers must possess an in-depth comprehension of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

This knowledge combined with extensive hands-on clinical experience empowers them to discern and evaluate ultrasound images in real-time to reach a probable diagnosis by applying their clinical judgement. 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) remains an exciting career path ideally suited for individuals prepared to thrive in a challenging yet rewarding healthcare environment.

About the Program

The DMS program has established an exceptional standing in both the local community and throughout California, renowned for its delivery of exceptionally skilled technologists.

The program consists of 18 consecutive months of rigorous instruction, encompassing lectures, practical scanning exercises within our on-campus laboratory, and closely supervised clinical training at affiliated hospitals.

After the successful completion of these 18 months, students attain an A.S. degree.

Our program has established partnerships with several prestigious Bay Area hospitals. Over the duration of the program, our students actively participate in rotations at these renowned healthcare institutions. This broad spectrum of exposure equips them with specialized expertise in areas such as Abdomen, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Vascular Sonography ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in the ARDMS national registry examination.

Our program takes pride in its exceptional track record, exemplified by a 100% pass rate in ARDMS registry exam, and a 100% success rate in job placements.

A diagnostic medical sonography career is for you if you are a health care professional who cares about people and who also enjoys working with highly technical equipment.

If this describes you then join us and become a valuable member of the health care professional team known as the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. 

Degree & Program Types

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Certificate of Achievement

Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a "Certificate of Program Completion" and become eligible to take the ARDMS board examination to earn credentials in Abdomen and Ob/Gyn.

Associate in Science

After successfully completing and graduating from the DMS program, apply to receive an AS degree by following Steps to Petition for Your Degree.

Additional Information

Program Accreditation

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has been in operation since 1984.  The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program 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).  The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N,
#7709
Seminole, FL 33775
phone: 727-210-2350
fax: 727-210-2354

Joint Review Commission on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)

6021 University Boulevard
Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
phone: 443-973-3251
fax: 866-738-3444
web: www.jrcdms.org
e-mail: mail@jrcdms.org



Application Process

DMS Quick View
Program: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Degree/Cert: AS/Yes
Length: 18 months

FT/PT: FT
Number Accepted: 15–20
Application Window: November 2025 – February 2026 (subject to change)
Application Deadline: To Be Announced

Next Cohort: Starts Fall 2026
Approx. Cost of Program: $6,500–$7,500
National Lic./Cert.: Yes
State Lic.Cert.: No
Estimated Annual Salary in CA: $78,706–$100,784
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Questions?
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Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support

Email Dr. Ailya Batool


batoolailya@fhda.edu


Building 5200

Program Effectiveness Data

Excel File | PDF Version

DIOGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY CONTACTS
Office: Building 5200, Room 5211 
Health Science and Horticulture, Division Office
Phone: 650.949.7643
Nancy Cheung, Division Dean
cheungnancy@fhda.edu
Health Sciences & Horticulture Division

Donate to the DMS Program

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