Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)

The program totals 89 credit hours and is delivered on Keiser University's signature one-class-at-a-time model, in which you take a single course during each four-week term with new terms beginning every month. Small classes support a roughly 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Because of its intensive laboratory and clinical requirements, Diagnostic Medical Sonography is offered on campus (day and/or evening scheduling at select Florida campuses) rather than online.

The curriculum combines didactic instruction, scanning-lab practice, and a sequence of supervised clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities, where students apply their skills with real patients under supervision. Track selection (Track 1: abdominal-extended and OB/GYN; Track 2: adds vascular) affects the number of specialty and clinical courses you complete. Full-time students typically complete the associate degree in about two years; academic and clinical performance standards must be met to progress through the clinical sequence and graduate.

The curriculum blends general education with a sequential core in sonographic physics and instrumentation, cross-sectional anatomy, abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and superficial-structure imaging, plus supervised clinical rotations. Representative courses are listed below.

Required Courses

Keiser University charges undergraduate tuition per 16-week semester based on the credit hours for which you are scheduled; full-time enrollment (12-17.99 credits) is approximately $12,408 per semester per the University's Undergraduate Tuition and Fee Disclosure (subject to annual review). At full-time pace, the 89-credit program spans roughly six semesters, for an estimated tuition of about $74,000. Health-science programs may also carry per-course resource or lab fees; students should confirm current amounts with Financial Services. One-time enrollment costs include a $55 application fee and a $145 registration fee. Additional program-related expenses (background check, drug screening, immunizations, and clinical requirements) apply. For a personalized estimate, use the Net Price Calculator at https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/NPC-index.html.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Options include federal Pell Grants, FSEOG, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study; Florida programs such as FSAG and EASE; institutional scholarships; and veterans and military education benefits. Complete the FAFSA annually (School Code 015159) to be considered.

Estimated total program tuition of about $74,448 (full-time semesters at ~$12,408/semester); actual cost varies with pace and transfer credit.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions performing diagnostic ultrasound under physician supervision in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, clinics, and physician offices. Roles pursued by sonography graduates include:

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• Abdominal, OB/GYN, or vascular sonographer
• Lead sonographer or ultrasound department supervisor
• Clinical applications specialist
• Ultrasound equipment sales representative
• Traveling (locum) sonographer

Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Track 1 graduates typically pursue the Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) specialties, while Track 2 graduates may also pursue Vascular Technology (VT). Keiser's AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography meets the educational degree-completion requirements for licensure in Florida as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and in numerous other states; because state requirements vary, prospective students should verify requirements with the licensing entity in the state where they intend to practice.

Expect a hands-on, skills-intensive program. Alongside lecture courses in acoustic physics, instrumentation, and cross-sectional anatomy, you will spend significant time in scanning labs and then in supervised clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities. Clinical work involves standing for extended periods, positioning and assisting patients, and operating ultrasound equipment, so physical stamina and strong interpersonal skills matter.

Because the program prepares you for direct patient care, you will need to clear a criminal background check and drug screening and provide a statement of good health before clinical placement. Academic and clinical performance standards must be met to advance through the sequence. The one-class-at-a-time, four-week-term format lets you concentrate fully on each subject, but the pace is demanding and attendance at scheduled clinical hours is required. Plan for time outside class for lab practice and clinical assignments.