Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Enter a high-tech career in health care.

See How You Can Afford It

2 Yrs. 88 Credit Hours
7 Semesters


$21,094 – $26,470*

Turn Sound Waves into Life-Saving Insights

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also called ultrasound imaging, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. At Ozarks Tech, we prepare you to enter this high-tech career. Our program teaches you how to operate specialized equipment to capture detailed images. You will work closely with physicians and surgeons to ensure accurate results. This helps doctors diagnose and assess medical conditions. Explore the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Ozarks Tech! Contact us today to begin your journey toward this exciting career.

Program Information

Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply for the program.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a selective-admission program. Students must complete pre-admission requirements and the below application criteria before they will be considered for admittance to the program. Please use the application checklist to find the requirements for admittance to this program.

Any student whose first language is not English, must document their English language proficiency by completing a TOEFL test. This requires a minimum TOEFL iBT passing score of 81, with a minimum speaking score of 24. Program will waive TOEFL requirement if student has already obtained a bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited University.

Candidate Selection Form

Application Requirements and Information

  • Job Shadowing Form
    Applicants must complete 24 total hours of shadowing/observation. When you apply for the program, you must include the job shadowing form in your application with evidence of 24 total hours with sonographer signatures in the concentrations of abdomen, OB/GYN and vascular.
    Job shadowing may occur in a hospital or clinical setting.
    Job shadowing hours will not be accepted in the concentration of echocardiography.
  • Candidate Selection Form
    Selection into the program is based on a point system. Therefore, this form will allow you to track your accumulated points.
  • Immunization Requirements
    • Students will be requested at the time of acceptance to submit documentation for required immunizations and TB testing.
  • Criminal Background Check

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high schoolGED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

Accreditation

Ozarks Technical Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), 1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120, 651-686-0048.  Program Number 3291.

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.

Program Outcomes

This is a new program and outcome data is not available at this time.

Michelle Masengill, M.Ed., BSRT(R), RDMS, RVT
Program Director
417-447-7624

Health Science Teams

Program Mission

The mission of Ozarks Technical Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to provide quality education for its students through a variety of didactic, lab, and clinical experiences, ensuring students are prepared to be competent multi-credentialed sonographers in the healthcare community in which they serve.

PROGRAM GOAL

DMS Minimum Expectations
To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the concentrations of Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Vascular.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to meet the following objectives:
  • 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 related diagnostic services.
  • Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues.
  • Act in a professional and ethical manner
  • Facilitate communication and education to elicit patient cooperation and understanding of expectations and respond to questions regarding the sonographic examination.

The next cohort begins fall 2026

Reay to get started? View the application checklist to find your next step to completing the online application process.

View application details and requirements

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Course Information

Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 88 Credit Hours

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a multi-specialty profession offering a variety of career opportunities in settings including trauma, surgery, interventional radiography, inpatient, outpatient, and physician services.   

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a selective admission program.  A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program.  Upon acceptance, the students may take the “program specific courses.”  Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to prepare them for the national certification exams of Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Vascular Technology.  These certification examinations are administered through The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

A grade of “C” or better is required for all Diagnostic Medical Sonography program required courses.

A new class begins each fall semester.  Additional information may be found on the Application Packet webpage link found on the sonography Program’s webpage.

Pre-Admission Requirements – 24 Credit Hours

Pre-Admission Requirements – 24 Credit Hours

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  • Credits: 4

    Human Anatomy

    Microscopic and macroscopic examination of the human body structures and systems are the focus of this course. Students evaluate the integration of the various systems within the entire body. The laboratory provides an opportunity for identification and evaluation of representative human models and slides and dissection of comparable mammalian organ systems.

  • Credits: 4

    Human Physiology

    This course examines the organization and function of the human body as a whole and the interrelationships of the various systems. The laboratory teaches the fundamental techniques necessary for the study of life processes. Laboratory activities give the students an opportunity to illustrate principles presented in lecture.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in BCS 165.
  • Credits: 3 (or higher)

    Contemporary Mathematics

    This course provides students with a basic survey of mathematics. Topics include problem solving, modeling, counting methods, probability, statistics and geometry.

    • Credits: 3

      U.S. History I: to 1865

      This course is a survey of the history of the United States from pre-Columbian societies through the Civil War, including formative political, social, economic and cultural developments. It also introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing. HST 120 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.

    • or
    • Credits: 3

      U.S. History II: 1865-Present

      This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present, covering the political, economic, social and cultural developments that have shaped modern America. It introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing.  HST 130 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.

    • or
    • Credits: 3

      American Government and Politics

      This introductory course familiarizes students with American and Missouri government constitutions, institutions, policies and processes. Students develop an understanding of the foundations, environment, and principles of democracy with key concepts about voting, political parties, campaigns, and interactions between the branches of government. The course emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsiblities that shape public decision making of active and informed citizens in the American political system. This course meets instruction requirements (Missouri Revised Statute 170.011.1) in the Constitution of the United States and the state of Missouri.

  • Credits: 4

    Introduction to Physics

    This course provides an introduction to basic physics. Students will apply the principles of mechanics, energy, waves, matter and atomic theory. Laboratory activities will give students the opportunity to demonstrate physics principles presented in lecture. A previous college level math course is recommended.

    Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of algebra, scatter plot graphing, slope and equation of the line, scientific notation, and unit conversions is recommended.
  • Credits: 3 (or higher)

    Introduction to Psychology

    This course provides an introduction to psychology including history and systems, physiology, human growth and development, sensation and perception, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, personality, adjustment, psychopathology, industrial and social psychology.

  • Credits: 3 (or higher)

    Introduction to Communication

    This course provides an introduction to the study of communication, including interpersonal communication, small group dynamics, and public speaking.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Requirements – 64 Credit Hours

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Requirements – 64 Credit Hours

  • Credits: 2

    Sonographic Physics I

    The focus of this course includes principles of ultrasound physics, ultrasound transducers and their function, pulsed echo instrumentation, and knobology with proper image optimization. 

    Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
  • Credits: 3

    Abdominal Sonography I

    This course is a study of anatomy, physiologic function, and various pathology related to the liver, gallbladder, scrotum, and breast. Students will explore correlation of lab results, clinical signs and symptoms, and normal verses abnormal for proper exam interpretation. 

    Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
  • Credits: 2

    Abdominal Sonography Lab I

    Students will receive hands on instruction in sonographic scanning technique of abdominal vessels and of the liver and gallbladder organs.  Students will learn proper instrumentation and scanning techniques for the assessment of normal anatomy.

    Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program
  • Credits: 1

    Sonographic Physics II

    This course will focus on the ultrasound system display and storage as well as Doppler concepts and its instrumentation.  Students will learn concepts of various Doppler modes and the principles related to their individual function and instrumentation.   Students will explore techniques in proper color image and waveform optimization related to Pulsed Wave, Continuous Wave, Power, and Color Doppler modes. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 210, SON 211, and SON 212.
  • Credits: 3

    Abdominal Sonography II

    This course is a study of anatomy, physiologic function, and various pathology related to the pancreas, kidney, spleen, and neck structures to include thyroid, parathyroid, salivary glands, and lymph nodes.  Students will explore correlation of lab results, clinical signs and symptoms, and normal verses abnormal for proper exam interpretation.  

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 210, SON 211, and SON 212.
  • Credits: 2

    Abdominal Sonography Lab II

    Students will receive hands on instruction in sonographic scanning technique of the pancreas, kidney, spleen, and thyroid organs.  Students will learn methods of improving image quality through proper instrumentation manipulation as well as patient positioning and instruction.  Students will explore various scanning techniques for imaging and assessment of organ anatomy.  

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 210, SON 211, and SON 212.
  • Credits: 1

    Intro to Clinical Practice

    This course provides students with an introduction to the health care setting and their role in providing effective patient care.  Students will explore medicolegal aspects of healthcare as well as their role in assessing and providing patient care with safety considerations.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 210, SON 211, and SON 212.
  • Credits: 1

    Sonographic Physics III

    This course will focus on sonographic artifacts, quality assurance, and bioeffects as it relates to clinical safety.  Students will explore various artifacts produced by the ultrasound machine, the types of quality assurance programs, and prudent use and safety guidelines in the clinical setting. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 213, SON 214, SON 215, and SON 216.
  • Credits: 1

    Gynecologic Sonography I

    This course will explore the female pelvis and reproductive system from birth to menopause.  Students will be introduced to the sonographic approaches to evaluating the female pelvis and its structures, identification of anatomy and variants, and the physiology and function of the uterus and ovaries from puberty to post-menopausal state.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 213, SON 214, SON 215, and SON 216.
  • Credits: 1

    Gynecologic Sonography Lab

    The course provides hands on instruction in sonographic scanning of the female pelvis.  Students will explore the reproductive organs of the pelvis to include, the uterus, ovaries, adnexa, as well as related structures.  Students will focus on assessment of the normal pelvis through various scanning techniques, sonographic appearance of normal anatomy and anatomical variants, organ positioning, and correlation of findings with foundational gynecologic physiologic concepts.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 213, SON 214, SON 215, and SON 216.
  • Credits: 2

    Vascular Technology I

    The focus of this course includes in in-depth study of anatomy, pathology, and procedures related to the cardiovascular system.  Additional emphasis will be placed on exam interpretation through correlation of clinical signs and symptoms, contributors of disease, mechanisms of disease, and physical examination. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 213, SON 214, SON 215, and SON 216.
  • Credits: 5

    Practicum I

    This course is the introductory application of sonographic principles and techniques in supervised clinical settings.  Students will gain introductory knowledge in the workings of departments, scanning protocols, scanning technique, and patient care through both observation and assisted means.  Students will be under direct supervision of clinical instructors.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 213, SON 214, SON 215, and SON 216.
  • Credits: 1

    Sonographic Physics IV

    This course is the study of physiology and fluid dynamics of the circulatory system.  Students will explore the principles and fundamentals affecting arterial and venous blood flow.  This course will include a comprehensive overview of physical principles, transducers, and instrumentation for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation national examination. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 220, SON 221, SON 222, SON 223, and SON 281.
  • Credits: 2

    Gynecologic Sonography II

    This course is a study of pathologic changes of the female pelvis.  Students will study benign and malignant processes of the uterus, endometrium, ovary, and adnexa.  Students will explore the etiology, patient clinical signs and symptoms, and sonographic appearance of each and how to formulate a differential for the development of exam summary.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 220, SON 221, SON 222, SON 223, and SON 281.
  • Credits: 1

    Vascular Technology I Lab

    Students will receive hands on instruction in sonographic scanning technique of the cerebrovascular system as it pertains to aortoiliac duplex, upper and lower extremity/digital arterial duplex, carotid, and upper and lower extremity venous duplex procedures.  Students will learn methods of improving image quality through proper instrumentation manipulation as well as patient positioning and instruction.  Students will explore various scanning techniques for imaging and assessment of vascular anatomy.  

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 220, SON 221, SON 222, SON 223, and SON 281.
  • Credits: 5

    Practicum II

    This course is comprised of a variety of clinical rotations and student experiences in supervised clinical settings.  Students will continue gaining and advancing in scanning techniques under direct supervision of clinical instructors.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 220, SON 221, SON 222, SON 223, and SON 281.
  • Credits: 2

    Vascular Technology II

    The focus of this course includes an in-depth study of anatomy, pathology, and procedures related to the cardiovascular system.  Students will study procedures related to transcranial Doppler, ABI/BTP, palmer arch, and visceral vascular to include liver, SMA, and renal Doppler.  Additional emphasis will be placed on exam interpretation through correlation of clinical signs and symptoms, contributors of disease, mechanisms of disease, and physical examination. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 227, SON 228, SON 229, and SON 282.
  • Credits: 1

    Vascular Technology II Lab

    Students will receive hands on instruction in sonographic scanning technique of the cerebrovascular system as it pertains to transcranial Doppler, palmer arch, vessel mapping, ABI/BTP, lower extremity venous insufficiency, lower extremity arterial exercise testing, and visceral vascular to include liver Doppler, SMA Doppler, and renal Doppler procedures.  Students will learn methods of improving image quality through proper instrumentation manipulation as well as patient positioning and instruction.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 227, SON 228, SON 229, and SON 282.
  • Credits: 1

    Obstetrical Sonography I

    The focus of this course includes the study of fetal and maternal structures as it relates to the first, second, and third trimesters.  Students will learn about fetal embryology, normal and abnormal first trimester structures and complications, fetal biometry, and assessment of normal fetal anatomy in the second and third trimesters. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 227, SON 228, SON 229, and SON 282.
  • Credits: 5

    Practicum III

    This course is a supervised clinical practice in which students remain under direct supervision as they continue their clinical experience.  Student will begin demonstration of advanced scanning skills through the performance of required clinical competencies in Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Vascular.  With clinical instructor and clinical coordinator approval, students may advance to independent practice through indirect supervision.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 227, SON 228, SON 229, and SON 282.
  • Credits: 2

    Obstetrical Sonography II

    This course explores fetal and maternal assessment as it relates to the antenatal period.  Students will learn about methods of fetal surveillance in recognizing fetal complications as well as maternal conditions and complications as it relates to fetal well-being.  Fetal abnormalities and syndromes will be explored as well as methods of genetic testing used for confirmation.    

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 231, SON 232, SON 233, and SON 283.
  • Credits: 1

    Capstone I

    This course is comprised of an intensive national board preparation.  Students will complete multiple curricular review exams regarding anatomical and pathologic processes of abdominal and gynecologic structures.  This course is an introductory course for preparing students for the ARDMS national boards of Abdomen and OBGYN.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 231, SON 232, SON 233, and SON 283.
  • Credits: 5

    Practicum IV

    This course is a supervised clinical practice with students continuing to experience a variety of hospital and clinic settings.  Students will perform more independently of supervising clinical sonographers.  Students will continue to demonstrate advanced scanning skills through the performance of unassisted clinical competencies in Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Vascular. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 231, SON 232, SON 233, and SON 283.
  • Credits: 1

    Vascular Technology III

    The focus of this course includes an in-depth study of anatomy, pathology, and procedures related to the cardiovascular system.  Students will study procedures related to upper and lower extremity physiologic testing, lower extremity exercise arterial, lower extremity venous insufficiency, and upper and lower extremity vessel mapping.  Additional emphasis will be placed on exam interpretation through correlation of clinical signs and symptoms, contributors of disease, mechanisms of disease, and physical examination. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 241, SON 261, and SON 284.
  • Credits: 1

    Capstone II

    This course is an intensive national board preparation in which students will advance in critical thinking and application.  Students will complete curricular review exams regarding assessment of all obstetrical trimesters to include normal and abnormal structures, complications, and syndromes.  Included in this review are concepts related to the cerebrovascular system to include anatomy, procedures, and disease processes.  This course will provide continuation of student preparation for the ARDMS national boards of OBGYN and Vascular Technology.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 241, SON 261, and SON 284.
  • Credits: 5

    Practicum V

    This course is a supervised clinical practice with students continuing to expand sonographic experiences.  Students will continue to actively participate and practice in a more independent role of supervising clinical sonographers.  Students will continue to demonstrate advanced scanning skills through the performance of unassisted clinical competencies in Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Vascular

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 241, SON 261, and SON 284.
  • Credits: 1

    Abdominal Sonography III

    The focus of this course includes an in-depth study of the anatomy and pathology related to the extended structures of the abdomen.  Students will study pediatrics to include head, hips, and spine. Additional areas of study include the structures of the gastrointestinal tract, retroperitoneum, peritoneal cavity and abdominal wall, penis, prostate, chest, great vessels, interventional procedures, and musculoskeletal imaging.  Additional emphasis will be placed on exam interpretation through correlation of lab results, clinical signs and symptoms, and normal verses abnormal. 

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 243, SON 262, and SON 285.
  • Credits: 1

    Capstone III

    This course is comprised of a final board preparation in which students will demonstrate advanced understanding of abdomen, OBGYN, and vascular technology concepts for clinical practice application upon graduation.  Students will complete curricular review exams related to comprehensive topics of all concentrations.  Upon completion of this course, students will apply critical thinking and advanced test-taking ability for successful completion of the ARDMS national boards of Abdomen, OBGYN and Vascular Technology.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 243, SON 262, and SON 285.
  • Credits: 5

    Practicum VI

    This course is advanced application of sonographic principles and techniques in supervised clinical settings.  Students may be under indirect supervision with successful completion of individual clinical competencies.  Through independent supervision and performance, students will gain advanced practice experiences in regards to patient care, sonographic technique, and differential formulations.

    Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in SON 243, SON 262, and SON 285.

Locations Offered:

Notices & Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendancetuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.