Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

This diagnostic medical sonography program prepares you for an entry-level career as a sonographer, combining advanced imaging technology with hands-on patient care. This associate degree takes approximately 22 months to complete, building real, guided experience with the equipment and techniques used in hospitals and imaging centers every day. This program is available at Pima Medical Institute’s Arizona, Texas and Washington campuses.

Program objective. To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level general sonographers through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, ultrasound scanning techniques and protocols, the sonographer’s scope of practice, medical terminology, patient care, communications, medical law and ethics, and other topics necessary to be effective members of the sonography team.

Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Core skills you’ll develop.

• Physics: Sonographic physics and instrumentation
• Imaging: Abdominal, small parts and vascular imaging
• Patient Care: Patient care and communication
• Diagnostic: Image analysis and recognizing abnormal findings
• Professional: Medical law, ethics and professional practice

Continuing your education. Graduating with an associate degree is a vital pathway toward pursuing higher education later on. Interested in building on your sonography credential? Pima Medical also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences for ARDMS-certified sonographers looking to advance. Interested in breaking into leadership or healthcare administration? Pima Medical also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration that will give you the skills needed to move up within your field, all with the flexibility of virtual instruction.

About Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute started changing lives in 1972, when Richard L. Luebke, Sr., and his wife, JoAnn, opened the first campus in Tucson, Arizona. Over 175,000 graduates have since advanced their education, and many are serving their communities through meaningful health care careers. The school’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing the best value in medical career education.

Eligibility requirements.

• Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
• Additional requirements may apply by campus

Program-specific requirements. In addition to the Admissions requirements listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, an interview with the program director and/ or faculty is required. Refer to the program specific Prospective Student Handout for more information.

High school verification. Proof of valid high school completion or equivalent must be submitted (high school diploma or transcript, GED report and certificate, or an official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript). Pima Medical Institute does not enroll ability-to-benefit students, and applicants under the legal age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian.

Entrance exams. Applicants for degree programs, excluding Nursing, are required to take the Wonderlic SLE and receive a minimum score of 20. Applicants for associate degree programs are also required to take a math admission test and receive a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 correct); a calculator is allowed, the time limit is 45 minutes, and the test can be taken up to 3 times. The exam may be waived for applicants who submit official transcripts that document completion of an associate degree or higher.

Background check, drug testing and vaccinations. Depending on the program, a background check and/or drug screening may be required prior to enrollment, during the program, and/or prior to externship/clinical training; the cost of the background check/drug screen is an out-of-pocket expense. The cost of required vaccinations and titers is also an out-of-pocket expense, and students are required to follow all clinical experience vaccination requests and policies.

At a glance. Course length: 22 Months (approximate); Total credits: 82.5; Lab hours: 405; Class hours: 675; Externship hours: 1,080. Only applicable at El Paso, Houston and San Antonio campuses. Hybrid education options not available at all campuses.

Renton campus. The 2026 tuition price list shows 82.5 semester credits and 2,160 clock hours over 90 weeks, including 24 externship credits (1,080 hours).

Hybrid learning options. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

• Certification: Certification varies by campus location. El Paso and Houston graduates apply for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Tucson, Renton, Phoenix, and San Antonio graduates apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).*
• Entry-level roles: Diagnostic medical sonographer, abdominal sonographer, vascular sonographer, OB/GYN sonographer or musculoskeletal sonographer.
• Career advancement: Pursue specialty credentials independently, such as abdominal, breast, cardiac, musculoskeletal, pediatric, obstetric/gynecologic or vascular sonography.

Certification and state registration requirements vary.

Careers. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:

• Sonographer
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• Ultrasound Technologist
• Ultrasonographer

These roles exist across a variety of environments, including hospitals, physicians' offices, medical and diagnostic labs, outpatient imaging departments and free-standing urgent care facilities.

Job outlook. 14% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $96,590 per year. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm (visited September 7, 2026).

Career Services. When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Clinical externships. At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Student Services. Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.

Application process.

• Submit the form below. A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
• Chat with our team. They'll ask about your goals, your background, and what's drawing you to healthcare. From there, they'll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
• Attend your campus tour. Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We'll walk you through programs and what to expect.
• We help you complete your application. Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.