Diagnostic Medical Sonography SAU Tech

Train to Become a Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

If you're passionate about healthcare, technology, and helping others, a career in diagnostic medical sonography may be the perfect fit. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program at Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) prepares students to become entry-level sonographers qualified to work in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers across Arkansas and beyond.

This Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is built to help you gain the skills and certification necessary to enter the fast-growing field of medical imaging with a specialization in abdominal, obstetric, and gynecologic sonography.


Program Entrance Requirements:

  1. Completed program application
  2. Completed and passed all prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  3. Completed and passed ATI TEAS entrance examination- Must score 50% or higher


Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree

Transferability: Multiple transfer options

Format: Prerequisites available online, core coursework in-person

Financial Aid: Grants, Scholarships, & Loans→

Career Outlook for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic medical sonographers are in high demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, OB/GYN clinics, and mobile imaging services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 10% or more over the next decade, offering strong job stability and competitive wages.

Graduates may pursue careers as:

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  • Abdominal Sonographers
  • OB/GYN Sonographers
  • Ultrasound Technicians
  • Medical Imaging Specialists

Many sonographers also cross-train in additional imaging specialties for career advancement.

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What You’ll Learn In The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Students enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will develop both technical proficiency and professional judgment in the use of ultrasound imaging to diagnose medical conditions.

Key learning areas include:

  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Medical terminology and patient care procedures
  • Physics of ultrasound and instrumentation
  • Image optimization and diagnostic quality assessment
  • Abdominal, obstetric, and gynecologic scanning techniques
  • Clinical experience in real healthcare settings

This program combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical rotations to prepare students for real-world employment and national certification.


Check out this YouTube Video "Imaging A Rewarding Future: A Guide to Sonography Certification"


Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Overview

  • Degree Awarded: AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography→
  • Credit Hours: 71
  • Certification Path: Prepares students for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams
  • Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
  • Abdomen (AB)
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
  • Admissions: Selective entry process
  • Format: In-person classroom and clinical training

  • Program Goal

    The goal of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Upon successful completion, students will be able to:


    1. Students will apply effective communication and patient care skills to provide compassionate care while adhering to the professional code of ethics.
    2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of human gross anatomy and pathophysiology related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
    3. Students will implement skill proficiency in general sonographic procedures by using clinical skills and technical knowledge.
    4. Students will recognize ultrasound principles and instrumentation relative to imaging and image quality.
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Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Sonography

Have questions about prerequisites, program availability, or certification exams? Our Allied Health team is here to help you plan your career path in diagnostic medical imaging.

Get In Touch

Diagnostic Sonography

  • Faculty: Dea Shatterly, dshatterly@sautech.edu
  • Advisor: Vontisha Murphy, vmurphy@sautech.edu, 870-574-4585
  • Dean: Shelley Young, syoung@sautech.edu, 870-574-4475
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