DMS Program Details
| Program Award | Approx. Cost |
Approx. Length |
Requirements |
Prerequisites
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associates Degree Program ARDMS Eligible National Registry |
$6,000
|
4 semesters
plus 1 summer 1 Intersession |
Gen. Ed.
Prior to entry A.S. required for completion |
ALH A010,
ALH A111 (B grade or higher),
BIOL A221 (B grade or higher),
RADT A100,
DMS A110,
College Level Math (C grade or higher),
A.S. G.E. Requirements (2026-2027)
Recommended preparation: COUN A105, ELL A061N |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a technique using high frequency sound waves to create images of specific areas of the body from which pathology may be diagnosed. A competent sonographer must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and pathology, as well as the skills to manipulate a wide variety of sophisticated instruments.
This program is accredited by 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).
Description of job for which program prepares students
Works as a diagnostic medical sonographer in the areas of the abdomen, superficial structures, obstetrics and gynecology. Students are given an introduction to vascular ultrasound.
Required Program Prerequisites
- Allied Health A010: Health Occupations
- Must be completed at OCC
- Biology A221: Human Anatomy & Physiology
- In-person lab required
- Beginning Fall 2026, a minimum grade of B is required
- Allied Health A111: Medical Terminology
- Beginning Fall 2026, a minimum grade of B is required
- DMS A110: Introduction to Sonography
- Must be completed at OCC
- RADT A100: Radiologic Physics
- Must be completed at OCC
- College-Level Math
- Minimum grade of C is required
- Completion of 2026-2027 A.S. General Education
Recommended Program Preparation
- Counseling A105: Strategies for College Success
- English Language Learning A061N: ELL Support for Preparation for Allied Health Programs
Associate in Science Degree
This is an Associate of Science degree program.
Does this program transfer?
You will need to consult a transfer counselor in Watson Hall to verify the transfer status pertaining to your particular situation.
Procedure for program admittance
All students must complete the course Allied Health A010 – Health Occupations. Students will apply to the program in this class. Students are selected and admitted to the program on a first come, first serve basis following completion of Allied Health A010. Students must be admitted to the program in order to enroll in any DMS class.
Program start
The program starts in the Fall semester every year. All classes must be taken in sequence as listed in the college catalog.
Employment possibilities upon program completion
Hospitals, clinics, private physician’s offices and commercial companies.
Salaries
Median wage nation-wide: $42/hour. California median wage: $58/hour. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses within the program which students can take while seeking admission to the program (subject to catalog restriction)
Allied Health A120: Human Diseases
Length of program
22-Months: Four (4) semesters, One (1) summer session, and one (1) Intersession following entry into the program. 2 Academic years. Full-Time, In Person.
Spaces available
Maximum of 24 depending on number of qualified contracted clinical facility spaces available.
Background checks
All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background checks, drug screen, and LIVESCAN (fingerprint). The background check will include County Criminal Records (Past 7 Years), Residency History Search, Social Security Alert, Nationwide Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Registry (OIG/GSA), and Nationwide Sexual Offender Registry. The drug screening will include THC, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methaqualone, propoxyphene and methadone. If requested by the clinical site, the results of the background/drug checks must be provided to them by the student.
Clinical requirements
The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities. It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.
Just prior to entry into clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:
- A physical examination to include ambidextrous ability for lifting, pushing, and pulling
- Criminal background/drug screen check clearance
- CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through ALH A115
- Student liability insurance
Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include scrubs or lab coat, other program specific requirements.
Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work. There may be exposure to hazardous materials and infectious pathogens in the clinical setting. Students will adhere to all safety and standard precautionary measures. The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.
Employment Prospects
The need for qualified sonographers remains throughout the nation.
Accreditation of Program
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( CAAHEP).
Licensure
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer credential test with ARDMS: Credential Requirements
Program Outcomes
"To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended concentration."
Other
Registered radiologic technologists and other allied health practitioners are encouraged to apply.Alexia Wood
Allied Health Program Assistant
(714) 432-5729