Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Blake Austin College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, technical training and hands-on experience needed to pursue entry-level opportunities in medical imaging. The seventeen-month program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with essential hands-on clinical and lab training.

The program provides introductory and advanced training in ultrasound procedures. The diagnostic medical sonographer explains the sonographic procedure to the patient, prepares the patient for the examination, and then administers it, assisting the physician by providing pertinent anatomical, physiological and pathological sonographic data and images needed to diagnose a variety of medical conditions and diseases. The program also offers general education courses, and students learn basic sonography knowledge and history, gain an understanding of the different ultrasound specialty areas, and complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Students who complete all program requirements earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Blake Austin College’s healthcare programs are designed not only to prepare students to pass their state licensing exams but to be successful in post-graduation careers. The college encourages a learning environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence, and its hands-on approach supports the student from the introduction of training through employment.

• Multiple license programs, top educators, exam prep and alumni benefits.
• A modern 22,700 ft² facility at 770 Mason Street in Vacaville, with equipped laboratories, a computer lab and a learning resources center, and easy access from I-80 with ample parking.
• Flexible class schedules, financial aid for qualifying students, and scholarship opportunities.
• The Career Services Department offers lifetime job placement assistance; the college says it is highly regarded by local employers.
• Nationally accredited programs that represent real-world knowledge, hands-on skills and preparation for licensure.

Prospective students must meet the following minimum requirements for admission into all Blake Austin College programs:

• U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (visa services are not provided).
• High school graduate, successful completion of high school equivalency (GED), or official home-study transcripts equivalent to high school level and recognized by the student’s home state; the high school must be accredited by a Department of Education recognized accrediting agency.
• Complete the Blake Austin College Application for Admission.
• Take and pass the entrance assessments (math, reading comprehension and vocabulary); up to three attempts may be made within a 4-week period.
• Complete financial aid requirements and attend the General Student Orientation.

BAC does not admit Ability-to-Benefit students.

Immunizations, background and drug screening. Students must verify immunizations (Hepatitis B series, MMR series, Varicella series, Tetanus and seasonal flu vaccine; a TB skin test and/or chest x-ray may be required) and complete drug and background screening by an independent contractor. Immunization records, background results and a “clear” drug screen must be received by the 7th day of enrollment or enrollment will be cancelled. A felony conviction on the background screen results in denial of admission; other convictions are reviewed by the academic department. All related fees are the student’s responsibility.

The program is 2060 clock hours (122.5 quarter credits); the catalog lists it at 70 weeks, and the normal completion time for the day program is seventeen months. Classroom capacity is 40, with a lab ratio of 20 students per instructor. Select courses are delivered online; the college returns evaluations of distance-education work within about 5 business days. Clinical rotation hours may be scheduled during the day and are typically full-time.

Cohort starts. The next 2026 cohort starts November 2, 2026 (orientation October 29, 2026) and ends April 9, 2028. Earlier 2026 cohorts began April 6 and August 24.

Total cost of program (tuition, books, supplies, technology fee and lab materials included): Clinical Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy, 920 hours/46 weeks, $20,193; Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2060 hours/70 weeks, $48,000; Surgical Technician, 1290 hours/80 weeks, $43,900; Vocational Nursing, 1620 hours/48 weeks, $37,035. A $100.00 non-refundable registration fee is not included. Under the catalog addendum effective October 28, 2026, students enrolling in programs starting in 2027 pay DMS $49,441, Surgical Technician $45,172 and Vocational Nursing $38,151.

Financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, in the form of grants, scholarships and federal loans; all loans and some grants must be repaid. Blake Austin College is approved to participate in the Federal Student Aid program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, the U.S. Department of Rehabilitation, and state and local programs including Cal Grants. Start by filling out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using Federal School Code 040033.

Payment options. Institutional payment plans are offered for balances remaining after all federal loan options have been awarded. Institutional scholarship applications are completed during enrollment, and awards are based on successful completion of the program. The college does not participate with any private loan companies. Other fees: $25 for returned checks, $15 for official transcripts.

Graduates may work in entry-level sonography positions in private medical offices, clinics, hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient facilities, specialty practices, and diagnostic labs that offer ultrasonic imaging. Graduates qualify to sit for the board exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentials; the examination consists of physics and specialty exam questions. The occupation is Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SOC 29-2032).

Program outcomes. Students who complete the program will be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of entry-level sonography practices; perform a variety of sonographic examinations; apply critical thinking in diagnostic procedures; obtain, review and interpret sonographic data; demonstrate clinical proficiency and patient care skills; communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams; and act professionally and ethically.

The program began on February 20, 2024, so the School Performance Fact Sheet does not yet report graduation, placement or salary data.

Flexible hybrid learning. Students complete select coursework online while receiving in-person instruction and practical experience through labs and clinical rotations — a model designed to help students balance school with work, family and other responsibilities.

Labs and clinical rotations. Students take part in hands-on lab experiences and supervised clinical rotations at healthcare facilities, applying classroom knowledge in real-world medical settings under the guidance of experienced professionals. The scan labs use ultrasound systems, transducers, imaging phantoms, ultrasound exam beds and sonography software.

Before you start. DMS students complete a health screening and a DMS Program Orientation in addition to the general admission requirements, and must have a minimum 2.0 CGPA and be current on all prerequisites before clinical rotations begin.