Diagnostic Medical Sonography Specialized Associates Degree and Diploma Programs
CAAHEP Accredited* Programs
Available at the State College Main Campus
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree & Diploma Programs
CAAHEP Accredited* Programs
Available at the State College Main Campus
Program Highlights :
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree and Diploma Programs:
A career in healthcare could take less time and less schooling than you think. The practice of sonography uses high-tech ultrasound equipment to assess and record images of the body with the aim of diagnosing illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions. With the Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs at South Hills School of Business & Technology, you can gain the skills to acquire quality images needed for proper diagnosis. In the clinical setting, you can work closely with physicians and other medical professionals to provide compassionate care.
We offer three pathways to enroll in DMS:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
(DMS)
3-year Associate Degree Program
(Applicants with little to no post-secondary education)
This CAAHEP accredited* 3-year associate degree program in specialized technology is designed for those applicants with little to no post-secondary education.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus (DPP)
2-year Diploma Program
(Applicants with prior degree)
This CAAHEP accredited* two-year (6 terms) diploma program is designed for applicants who already have a previous Bachelor’s degree in a field other than medical imaging. It includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional
(DMP)
15-month Diploma Program
(Applicants with imaging background, Registered Radiologic Technologist certification)
This CAAHEP accredited* 1.5-year (5 terms) diploma program is designed for applicants who already have a previous 2-year or 4-year degree in a medical imaging specialty such as radiologic technology or nuclear medicine technology or currently enrolled in BS Medical Imaging Program at an affiliate.. It requires a strong background in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences.
Specialize in:
Abdominal Sonography:
Readies students to work in a radiology department to perform abdominal scans (i.e. liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen) and small parts (i.e. thyroid, prostate, breast and scrotal). Students prepare for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS- ab) credential.
Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography:
Readies students to work in a maternal/fetal medicine department that focuses on scanning the embryo/fetus throughout a pregnancy. Students prepare for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS- ob) credential.
Cardiac Sonography:
Readies students to work in an echocardiography department and perform adult echocardiograms. Students prepare for the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credentials
Vascular Sonography:
Readies students to work in a vascular ultrasound department performing scans on the vascular system (i.e. arteries and veins of the brain, neck, abdomen and extremities). Students prepare for the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) or Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS).
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
(DMS)
CAAHEP Accredited* 3-year Associate Degree in Specialized Technology Program
(Applicants with little to no post-secondary education)
This CAAHEP accredited* 3-year associate degree program in specialized technology is designed for those applicants with little to no post-secondary education.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Plus (DPP)
2-year Diploma Program
(Applicants with prior degree)
This CAAHEP accredited* two-year (6 terms) diploma program is designed for applicants who already have a previous Bachelor’s degree in a field other than medical imaging. It includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional
(DMP)
15-month Diploma Program
(Applicants with imaging background, Registered Radiologic Technologist certification)
This CAAHEP accredited* 1.5-year (5 terms) diploma program is designed for applicants who already have a previous 2-year or 4-year degree in a medical imaging specialty such as radiologic technology or nuclear medicine technology or currently enrolled in BS Medical Imaging Program at an affiliate.. It requires a strong background in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, patient care, and medical imaging sciences.
Specialize in:
Abdominal Sonography:
Readies students to work in a radiology department to perform abdominal scans (i.e. liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen) and small parts (i.e. thyroid, prostate, breast and scrotal). Students prepare for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS- ab) credential.
Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography:
Readies students to work in a maternal/fetal medicine department that focuses on scanning the embryo/fetus throughout a pregnancy. Students prepare for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS- ob) credential.
Cardiac Sonography:
Readies students to work in an echocardiography department and perform adult echocardiograms. Students prepare for the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credentials
Vascular Sonography:
Readies students to work in a vascular ultrasound department performing scans on the vascular system (i.e. arteries and veins of the brain, neck, abdomen and extremities). Students prepare for the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) or Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS).
Your hands-on education will include both classroom and lab work, as well as a clinical internship where you will get the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned from our experienced faculty in real-world settings.
* The DMS, DPP, & DMP programs for Abdomen, Obstetric and Gynecology, Cardiac and Vascular Sonography are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, 727-210-2350, mail@caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Commission for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Why You should Choose South Hills
South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career. Here are just a few reasons why:
Small Class
Sizes
It’s important to us that each of our students feels seen, both in what they need out of their education and what their goals are. It’s why we keep our class sizes small, so you can build a personal relationship with your teachers.
Internship and
Networking Opportunities
Every specialized degree program we offer at South Hills includes a 12-week internship component, which gives you not only hands-on experience, but also a chance to network and connect with our partner organizations.
Financial Aid
and
Scholarships
Finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you being able to train for the career you want. South Hills offers a number of ways to help pay for your program for those who qualify. Grants, loans, and special funding for veterans are just some of the possibilities we can explore with you, and our Financial Aid team is available to help you navigate these options.
Experienced
Instructors and Mentors
Our instructors are also experienced professionals who know what it takes to be successful in the job market. Diagnostic Medical Sonography classes are taught by skilled professionals who incorporate their experience into the curriculum.
The Outlook for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Jobs and Careers
Like many areas of the healthcare field, employment for medical sonographers is expected to see major growth over the next several years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers will grow by 13%, much faster than the average for all occupations. There is also strong earnings potential, as well.
With three years of hands-on training and strong skillsets, our graduates are prepared for a variety of career options, which is determined by speciality:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
After a few years of clinical experience, our graduates may pursue careers as Application Specialists or Department Managers.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography internship is completed during the final two terms of the program. The internship continues uninterrupted for 2 consecutive terms, thus allowing for a continuous 24-week internship experience. Clinical training begins in January of each year which occurs during the Winter and Spring terms at South Hills. We have placed interns at locations including:
- Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
- Geisinger Health System
- Guthrie Clinic/Robert Packer Hospital
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Mount Nittany Medical Center
- Penn Highlands Healthcare
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- St. Luke’s Health Network
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hospitals
South Hills Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates are highly respected in the field and sought-after for their training, professional attitudes, and knowledge. Some of the many locations employing our graduates include:
- Bloomsburg Hospital
- Carilion Clinic, Roanoke VA
- Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
- Hershey Medical Center
- Geisinger Health System
- Guthrie Clinic
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- Lock Haven Hospital
- Mount Nittany Medical Center
- University Surgical Associates
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
CAAHEP Annual Survey — Diagnostic Medical Sonography Outcome Statistics
A Closer Look at Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree & Diploma Programs at South Hills are on-campus programs that feature small class sizes and more opportunities for individualized attention.
Technical Standards for the Sonography Profession
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2032.00
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technical Standards
The complete course list for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is located in our Course Catalog.
Hear From Our Alumni
Explore the impact of our programs through the experiences and accomplishments of our esteemed alumni. Check out our Alumni Testimonials page for more.
Devin Krick
Vascular Sonographer
South Hills has brought me, not only a great entrance to my career, but mentors and friends I will have for a lifetime. The welcoming atmosphere is beyond any schooling I’ve had along with the push to be the best of your ability. Looking back I wouldn’t change a thing and I thank this school for everything it’s provided me.
Kennedy McNeal
Abdomen, OB/Gym, and Vascular ultrasound Travel Sonographer
After graduating from South Hills, I began my career working at a hospital system in Florida for two years before shifting into travel sonography, an opportunity I didn't even know existed until I joined this program. Working as a travel tech has allowed and encouraged me to pursue my passion for traveling while simultaneously pursuing my passion for my career. The program and teachers at South Hills did an amazing job providing me with the tools and knowledge to become a successful and adaptable sonographer.
Hear From Employers
DMS Day 2025 Recap
Meet the Faculty
Tricia
Turner
Program Director
BS, RDMS (AB, OB/GYN), RVT, FSDMS
Tricia's Biography
Tricia Turner received her BS Degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 1996 and is a 1999 graduate of the South Hills School of Business & Technology Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. While working in the clinical environment, Trish joined the South Hills faculty in 2002 where she’s taught various courses including ergonomics, embryology, obstetrics, gynecology, abdomen, and vascular sonography. Trish was promoted to the Director of South Hills’ DMS Program in 2015 after serving as Assistant Director for the previous ten years. In January of 2023, she accepted the position of Assistant Director of Education for South Hills School in addition to her role as DMS Program Director. Tricia has contributed several chapters in various textbooks and has also been involved in various research where sonography was instrumental. She is passionate about giving back to the sonography profession and volunteers for various organizations including Inteleos/ARDMS where she served as Chair of the ARDMS Council from January 2020-January 2022 and joined the Board of Directors of Inteleos in January 2022. Trish has also served in various positions within SDMS including chair of the Annual Conference Management Committee from 2015-2021 and most recently was elected to the SDMS Nominating Committee.
Stephanie Wilson
Assistant DMS Program Coordinator/ Vascular Track Coordinator
BS, RVT, RDMS (AB), FSVU
Stephanie's Biography
Stephanie Wilson is the Assistant Program Director and Vascular Sonography Coordinator for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program where she has been teaching since 2005. Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in Vascular Technology from the Oregon Institute of Technology and an associate’s degree from South Hills School of Business & Technology. She also continues to work as a vascular technologist for Penn State Hershey Medical Group’s vascular lab. Stephanie is past board member and Vice President for the Society for Vascular Ultrasound and serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound.
Beth
Lampe
Cardiac Track Coordinator
BS, RDMS (AB, OB/GYN), RDCS (AE, PE)
Beth's Biography
Beth is a graduate of Penn State University (BS Biology 1983) and Maryland Institute of Ultrasound Technology (precursor to UMBC Sonography program 1985). She has been active in all aspects of sonography for the last 39 years holding current ARDMS credentials in Abdomen, OB-GYN, Adult Echocardiography and Pediatric Echocardiography. Beth spent the first half of her career in the Baltimore area before returning to her hometown of State College. Since 2001, her career has been focused on cardiac sonography and more recently on veterinary sonography. She has held many clinical job titles including; staff /lead sonographer, Ultrasound Department Head, Vice President of a mobile sonography company, and Technical Director of Echocardiography. She has been active in all specialties of sonography education since 1985 and has worked with students both clinically and didactically from multiple sonography programs. Beth joined South Hills DMS faculty in 2006 and is the current Coordinator of the Cardiac Sonography Track. Her diverse experience is an asset to the students and school.
Liz
Palmer
Abdomen Track Coordinator
BS, RDMS (AB, OB/GYN), RVT
Elizabeth's Biography
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, Liz Palmer received her sonography training at South Hills School of Business & Technology. She worked as a clinical sonographer at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, specializing in abdominal, pediatric, gynecologic and vascular ultrasound. Liz returned to South Hills in 2009 to become part of the team of DMS instructors. She loves teaching the ultrasound physics, and abdominal and vascular sonography classes. She also enjoys working part-time at Penn State as an ultrasound research specialist, and volunteering with credentialing agency The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Stacy
Walgrove
OB-GYN Track Coordinator
BS, RDMS (OB/GYN)
Stacy's Biography
Stacy Walgrove began her education at Penn State majoring in elementary education. She went on to obtain her Bachelors of Science from Mount Aloysius College in Professional Communications with a Sonography concentration. Stacy has worked in sonography since 2011 where she has performed abdominal, vascular, special procedures, gynecology, and obstetric ultrasounds. She has found OB/GYN sonography to be her passion. Stacy still works casually in the clinical field at UPMC to make sure she is up to date with the ever-changing sonography/medical world. With having a passion for education and OB/GYN sonography Stacy decided that joining the Diagnostic Medical Sonography team at South Hills was a natural fit for her. She is looking forward to brining her skills and training to the classroom and preparing the next generation of OB/GYN sonographers for the growing medical profession.
Greg
Tressler
DMS
Instructor
RT, RDMS (AB, OB/GYN)
Gregory's Biography
Greg began his post- secondary education at Harrisburg Hospital school of Radiologic Sciences in 1973. His Imaging experience began with X-ray, followed by Nuclear Medicine, CT scanning, Ultrasound and MRI Imaging. His experience also includes managing a Medical Imaging office for 20+ years in addition to setting up satellite imaging offices in Lebanon and Altoona. Greg has worked in Sonography since 1985 and continues to work in the imaging profession to stay current in the ever changing imaging and medical world performing both MRI and Ultrasound. Greg joined the faculty of South Hills Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in 1999 and enjoys teaching and sharing his experience with students about all imaging modalities.
Volunteers Needed
Free OB Ultrasound
Scanning Sessions
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is offering
Free OB Ultrasound Scanning sessions
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from
Sept. 3 - Nov. 19! Register now!
