Unlock the Future of Healthcare with Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Embark on a rewarding career with our Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Program Information Apply Now

Shaping the Future of Diagnostic Sonography

UC San Diego Health is the host site for the Diagnostic Sonography Program. The program was established in 1975 and offers a 14-month certificate in General Sonography, including Abdomen, OB/GYN and limited Vascular in a format that includes classroom teaching and practical experience at the clinical affiliates in San Diego. UC San Diego Health is well known for its outstanding sonographers and quality of student performance. The educational philosophy of the health system focuses on providing a high-quality education with an emphasis on didactic, clinical experience, patient care, and research.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at UC San Diego Health is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS). Students who complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program receive a certificate from UC San Diego Health. Upon completion of the program, the student will be qualified to take the abdomen, obstetrics & gynecology and physics examinations given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The Program Effectiveness Data outlines detailed information on success rates of the program.

Program Effectiveness Data

Stephanie Perkins, BS, RDMS, RVT

Program Director
UC San Diego Health Sonography Program
200 W. Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103-8759
Phone: (619) 471-9406

DMSprogram@health.ucsd.edu

From Depth to Discovery

Ultrasound Imaging in Comprehensive Care

Explore the Gallery

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Thyroid

Ultrasound

Integral for thyroid assessment, this ultrasound examines gland size, structure, and nodules, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of disorders like goiter, cysts, or thyroid cancer with high precision.

Obstetrical

Ultrasound

Essential for prenatal care, obstetrical ultrasound monitors fetal development, identifies potential complications, and ensures maternal health, serving as a cornerstone of modern obstetrics.

Neonatal Head

Ultrasound

Crucial for early detection, neonatal head ultrasound evaluates brain health in newborns, identifying conditions such as hemorrhage, anomalies, or hydrocephalus for prompt, effective intervention.

Endovaginal

Ultrasound

Providing in-depth insights, endovaginal ultrasound is pivotal for assessing female pelvic organs, crucial for diagnosing early pregnancy stages, fertility issues, and various gynecological conditions.

Liver

Ultrasound

Critical for liver health assessment, liver ultrasound examines size, texture, and the presence of abnormalities, supporting the diagnosis and management of conditions like liver disease and tumors.

Gallbladder

Ultrasound

Essential for gallbladder evaluation, gallbladder ultrasound identifies stones, inflammation, and polyps, aiding in the diagnosis and management of gallbladder-related issues, ensuring timely and appropriate medical response.

Hepatobiliary Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Essential for comprehensive liver and gallbladder examination, this ultrasound is crucial for identifying liver diseases, gallstones, and bile duct abnormalities, offering a holistic view of patient health.

Pancreatic

Ultrasound

Vital for pancreas evaluation, this ultrasound detects structural abnormalities, tumors, cysts, and signs of pancreatitis, facilitating early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.

Renal Transplant

Ultrasound

Monitors renal transplant health, this ultrasound evaluates the transplanted kidney's function and structure, detects complications such as rejection or obstruction, and is key to ensuring transplant success and patient well-being.

Thyroid

Ultrasound

Integral for thyroid assessment, this ultrasound examines gland size, structure, and nodules, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of disorders like goiter, cysts, or thyroid cancer with high precision.

Obstetrical

Ultrasound

Essential for prenatal care, obstetrical ultrasound monitors fetal development, identifies potential complications, and ensures maternal health, serving as a cornerstone of modern obstetrics.

Close Gallery

Discover Flow Patterns with Doppler Color Imaging

Doppler imaging is a sophisticated ultrasound technology that visualizes blood flow in the body. It uses the Doppler effect to measure the speed and direction of blood moving through vessels. This technique enhances diagnostic accuracy for vascular conditions, organ perfusion, and more by providing color enhanced images of blood flow. Essential in abdominal, vascular and obstetrics, Doppler imaging offers critical insights into patients' circulatory health without invasive procedures.

Fetal Heart Chambers and Valves Unveiled with Colorful Insights

Dive into the wonders of development with a captivating ultrasound video that showcases the four-chamber view of a fetal heart. Watch as the vibrant hues outline the delicate workings of the mitral and tricuspid valves, providing an intimate look at life's early beats.

Accreditation

Nationally Recognized Standards -Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. This accreditation is granted based on the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), indicating our adherence to the highest standards of education in sonography.
Assurance of Quality -Accreditation by CAAHEP assures students and employers alike that the program meets nationally established guidelines for sonography education. It is a testament to the quality of our curriculum, faculty, resources, and clinical training experience.
Pathway to Certification -Graduates from a CAAHEP-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exams upon graduation.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. North, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775727.210.2350 www.caahep.org
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Comprehensive Curriculum

Broad and In-Depth Learning -The curriculum spans key areas of general diagnostic medical sonography, including courses in abdominal, obstetrics/gynecology, small parts and intro to vascular sonography. Designed to evolve with advancements in the field, our program ensures graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of modern patient care.
Course sequence -The curriculum is designed so that the didactic courses will be given in a specified sequence to prepare the student prior to attending their clinical rotations. The student will then utilize the instruction they received in the didactic setting and apply it in the clinical rotation as they learn each concentration of study. Each student will be assigned to an affiliate hospital for their clinical training. The student will add to their expertise throughout the program.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Innovative Laboratory Environment - Students have access to cutting-edge ultrasound technology and simulation labs, and ultrasound phantoms, mirroring the equipment and scenarios they will encounter in real clinical settings. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the technical proficiency and problem-solving skills needed in sonography prior to attending clinical rotations.
Student Enrichment -Our program emphasizes the importance of building the community, offering students opportunities to participate in ultrasound societies and UC San Diego Health hosted educational conferences. These experiences compliment the student's learning journey and facilitate collaboration with other sonographers and radiologists within the health system.

High Success Rates

Proven Track Record -The program boasts high success rates in ARDMS certification exams and job placement, reflecting our comprehensive preparation and strong industry connections. Graduates leave the program as competent, confident professionals ready to contribute to patient care.

Clinical Rotations

Diverse Clinical Exposure - Through partnerships with leading healthcare facilities, students experience a variety of clinical settings and patient populations. These rotations are designed to reinforce classroom learning, develop clinical skills, and foster professional demeanor.

Small Class Sizes

Focused Learning Environment - We prioritize small class sizes to ensure each student receives individualized attention and guidance. This approach fosters a supportive learning community where students can thrive academically and personally.

Career Support

Comprehensive Career Focus - From resume building to interview preparation, our career workshops are tailored to the unique needs of sonography students. We are committed to helping our graduates launch successful careers in this rewarding field.

Program Information Apply Now

Disclaimer

The information and policies contained may be changed without notice. No part of this website should be construed as a contract or an offer to contract. This is intended only as an informational guide to the UC San Diego Health Sonography Program. The UC San Diego Health Sonography Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, color, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a special disabled or Vietnam era veteran. Any applicant that meets the physical requirements of the program shall have an equal opportunity to apply for the program.