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Prepare for a career in healthcare.
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images of organs, tissues and blood flow inside the body. Instead of radiation, they rely on sound waves to help physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions. In this role, you will explain procedures to patients, position them correctly and operate specialized ultrasound equipment to capture clear, accurate images. Sonographers need a strong eye for detail, solid technical skills and the ability to make patients feel comfortable during exams that sometimes can be stressful or unfamiliar.
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Turn Care into Your Career
Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career within the healthcare system.
With an A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, you can work as a diagnostic medical sonographer in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices and imaging centers. Sonographers specialize in areas such as abdominal, obstetric and gynecologic, vascular or cardiac imaging, depending on training and certification. This career offers strong job demand, competitive pay and the chance to work directly with patients while using advanced technology to help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S. Program at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about one year.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S. Program prepares you for a hands-on healthcare career in a growing field. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience, so you graduate ready to work in real medical settings. Training includes ultrasound physics, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care and supervised clinical practice. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics and imaging centers, resulting in a career that blends technology, patient interaction and meaningful impact in healthcare.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S. Program is set to start in the fall 2026 and has special admission requirements and limited enrollment. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all admission requirements are met and all documents and scores are submitted on time. Only complete application files will be reviewed for admission.
Documents to be Submitted for a Complete File
- Moraine Valley application for admission, if not currently enrolled in college credit courses at Moraine Valley
- A completed Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admission Application with all required documentation. Must be submitted to the Records Department in Building S, Room S111 by the application deadline on April 1
Minimum Academic Requirements
- Math requirement is met by one of the following:
- Qualify for MTH-109 through completion of Moraine Valley鈥檚 placement test
- ACT score in Math of 20 or higher OR SAT score of 520 or higher
- Completion of MTH-095 or MTH-096 with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or higher at Moraine Valley
- Previous college-level math credit with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or higher
- English requirement is met by one of the following:
- Test into college-level for English and Reading, determined by Moraine Valley placement test
- ACT score in English and Reading of 20 or higher or SAT score of 480 or higher
- Completion of all developmental levels in both English and Reading at Moraine Valley
- Previous college-level English composition credit with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or higher
- Completion of PHY-106 and PHY-107 with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or higher by the end of the semester. This course may be in progress at the application deadline and has a five-year expiration date
- Attend a Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all courses (general education and career) related to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Submit official sealed high school or High School Equivalency transcripts 鈥� current transcript must show either the graduation date or the ongoing student status
- Submit official sealed college transcripts (if applicable)
- Transcripts must be accompanied by a transfer evaluation request
- Copy of Illinois state-issued ID. Qualified residents of the district and residents of districts engaged in cooperative agreements are given priority over out-of-district students for program admission
This schedule reflects the most current information as of Jan. 30. 2026
Pre-Admission Coursework
Must be completed prior to application or in progress during the semester of application.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-180 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| MRT-110 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PHY-108 | Fundamentals of Physics | 4 |
| MTH-109 | Math for Allied Health | 2 |
| OR | ||
| MTH-139 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| OR | Higher-level Math | Varies |
Summer 2026
Total Credit Hours: 13
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-180 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| MRT-110 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PHY-108 | Fundamentals of Physics | 4 |
| MTH-109 | Math for Allied Health | 2 |
| OR | ||
| MTH-139 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
Semester 1 鈥� Fall 2026
Total Credit Hours: 15
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMS-101 | Fundamentals of Ultrasound | 1 | First 8 weeks |
| DMS-102 | Patient Care and Procedures | 2 | Second 8 weeks |
| DMS-103 | Abdominal Sonography I | 3 | |
| DMS-109 | Principles and Instrumentation I | 3 | |
| DMS-116 | Imaging and Cross-Sectional Anatomy | 3 | |
| COM-101 | Composition | 3 |
Semester 2 鈥� Spring 2027
Total Credit Hours: 14
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-181 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| DMS-105 | Abdominal Sonography II | 3 |
| DMS-111 | Principles and Instrumentation II | 3 |
| DMS-107 | DMS Clinical Practicum I | 1 |
| DMS-104 | OB/GYN I | 3 |
Summer 2027
Total Credit Hours: 3
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DMS-110 | DMS Clinical Practicum II | 1 |
| DMS-114 | Sonography Applications | 2 |
Semester 3 鈥� Fall 2027
Total Credit Hours: 12
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DMS-206 | OB/GYN Sonography II | 3 |
| DMS-208 | Legal and Ethical Procedures | 2 |
| DMS-213 | DMS Clinical Practicum III | 4 |
| COM-103 | Speech Fundamentals | 3 |
| OR | SOC-215 鈥� Sociology of Sex and Gender | 3 |
Semester 4 鈥� Spring 2028
Total Credit Hours: 7
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DMS-215 | DMS Clinical Practicum IV | 4 |
| DMS-212 | Fundamentals of Vascular Sonography | 2 |
| DMS-217 | DMS Capstone | 1 |
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program will seek accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
As a new program, accreditation is not granted immediately. The accreditation process begins after students have completed clinical coursework and sufficient program outcome data is available for review.
Moraine Valley is committed to pursuing accreditation and will provide updates to students as the process progresses.
Potential Careers in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program prepares you for careers as an ultrasound technician working in hospitals, clinics and imaging labs, with opportunities to specialize in obstetrics, vascular technology or cardiac imaging.
Real stories of transfer success.
Begin your bachelor鈥檚 degree at Moraine Valley by taking the same general education and elective courses you鈥檇 complete in your first two years at a four-year school 鈥� at a lower cost. A.A. and A.S. degrees help you transfer smoothly, often with junior standing. Students follow the transfer guidelines of their intended university, supported by advisors who build a personalized academic plan.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.A.S. | 1341 | Health Sciences |
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Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications Department
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