Diagnostic Medical Sonography: CP

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: CP

Certificate of Proficiency | 43 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Health Professions

Program Website

Academic Advising

Program Description:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Certificate of Proficiency provides a specialty in ultrasound technology for graduates of an associate degree or two-year hospital-based program in another health science area. Students attend full time and complete classroom work and clinical education in an affiliated ultrasound department. Students acquire skills in record keeping, reviewing, and recording pertinent clinical patient history; performing the sonographic examination; providing for the comforts and needs of the patient during the examination; and recording the anatomic, pathologic, and physiologic data for interpretation by the supervising physician.

Thoroughness, accuracy, and empathy are traits needed by persons interested in this program. They also should be versatile and able to follow precise and detailed directions.

Graduates are eligible to take the certifying examination of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the specialty areas of abdomen and obstetrics-gynecology in the medical track and adult echocardiography in the cardiac track. Graduates are eligible to take the certifying examination of Cardiovascular Credentialing International in the specialty area of vascular sonography in the vascular track. Positions are available in hospital ultrasound departments, clinics, mobile services, and private physicians’ offices. 

Pre-admissions Entrance Requirements:

  • Completion of all program prerequisites prior to submitting an application.  Must earn a "C" or higher:

  • Associate degree or higher

  • Cumulative GPA for Mathematics and Sciences:  3.0 (Physics or Physical Science, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Precalculus Algebra or Introductory Statistics)

  • Only one repeat of a course prerequisite is allowed over a five-year period

  • Complete 4 hours of job shadowing

  • Complete 40 hours in a patient care setting (can be voluntary service within a hospital or nursing home)

  • Mathematics and science prerequisite courses must have been completed within five years of entering the program 

Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Forest Park and Wildwood. 

Licensure. This program meets the educational requirements for state licensure in the following states: Missouri and Illinois. Students interested in pursuing licensure in a different state should contact the program coordinator for more information.

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES. 

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

  1. discuss concepts, anatomical structures, evaluation methods, and pattern recognition of cardiac, vascular, and abdominal specialties. (All Tracks)
  2. discuss principles in ultrasound, ultrasound physics, and instrumentation. (All Tracks)
  3. perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures, noncardiac
    chest, and the gravid and nongravid pelvis according to protocol guidelines established by national professional organizations. (Medical Track)
  4. identify the sonographic appearance of normal anatomic structures, including anatomic variants and normal Doppler patterns with vascular introduction. (Medical Track)
  5. document the abnormal sonographic and Doppler patterns of disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology of the abdomen, superficial structures, non-cardiac chest, and gravid and nongravid pelvis. (Medical Track)
  6. identify sectional anatomy, hemodynamics, pathophysiologic principles, and pattern recognition as it relates to vascular sonography. (Vascular Track)
  7. identify the sonographic appearance of normal vascular anatomy, including
    anatomic variants, and normal Doppler patterns. (Vascular Track)
  8. document the abnormal sonographic and Doppler patterns of vascular disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology. (Vascular Track)
  9. perform sonographic examinations of the vascular system including anatomical variants, hemodynamics, Doppler patterns, and pathology recognition. (Vascular Track)
  10. perform echocardiography studies. (Cardiac Track)
  11. identify sonographic appearance of normal cardiac anatomy, including anatomic variants, and normal Doppler patterns. (Cardiac Track)
  12. evaluate normal and cardiovascular physiology and hemodynamics upon examination. (Cardiac Track)
  13. evaluate mechanism of disease, cardiovascular pathophysiology and hemodynamics, sonographic technique, measurements, quantitative principles, and Doppler patterns in both the normal and diseased heart. (Cardiac Track)
  14. compare the indicators, utility, limitations, and technical procedures for related echocardiographic studies. (Cardiac Track)

Program of Study

Program Requirements
DMS 103Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I2
DMS 104Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II2
DMS 127Introduction to Sonography3
DMS 201Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation III2
Tracks
Select one of the following tracks:34
Cardiac Sonography
Medical Sonography
Vascular Technology
Total Credit Hours43

Tracks

Cardiac Sonography

DMS 112Cardiac Sonography I3
DMS 113Cardiac Sonography Scanning Techniques I2
DMS 115Cardiac Sonography II3
DMS 114Cardiac Sonography Practicum I1
DMS 131Fundamentals of Cardiac Sonography Scanning and Knobology1
DMS 116Cardiac Sonography Scanning Techniques II1
DMS 117Cardiac Sonography Clinical Applications3
DMS 118Cardiac Sonography Practicum II3
DMS 207Cardiac Sonography III2
DMS 208Cardiac Sonography Practicum III4
DMS 209Cardiac Sonography IV4
DMS 126Introduction to Vascular Sonography3
DMS 128Introduction to Vascular Sonography Scanning Techniques1
DMS 211Cardiac Sonography Practicum IV3
Total Credit Hours34

Medical Sonography

DMS 105Medical Sonography I3
DMS 106Medical Sonography Scanning Techniques I2
DMS 108Medical Sonography II3
DMS 107Medical Sonography Practicum I1
DMS 129Fundamentals of Medical Sonography Scanning and Knobology1
DMS 109Medical Sonography Scanning Techniques II1
DMS 110Medical Sonography Clinical Applications3
DMS 111Medical Sonography Practicum II3
DMS 202Medical Sonography III2
DMS 203Medical Sonography Practicum III4
DMS 204Medical Sonography IV4
DMS 126Introduction to Vascular Sonography3
DMS 128Introduction to Vascular Sonography Scanning Techniques1
DMS 206Medical Sonography Practicum IV3
Total Credit Hours34

Vascular Technology

DMS 119Vascular Technology I3
DMS 120Vascular Technology Scanning Techniques I2
DMS 122Vascular Technology II3
DMS 121Vascular Technology Practicum I1
DMS 133Fundamentals of Vascular Sonography Scanning and Knobology1
DMS 123Vascular Technology Scanning Techniques II2
DMS 125Vascular Technology Practicum II3
DMS 130Introduction to Medical and Cardiac Sonography 3
DMS 212Vascular Technology III2
DMS 213Vascular Technology Practicum III4
DMS 214Vascular Technology IV4
DMS 215Vascular Technology Clinical Applications 3
DMS 216Vascular Technology Practicum IV3
Total Credit Hours34

Cardiac Sonography Track Full-Time Academic Plan

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2025, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Pre-admissions Entrance Requirements

BIO 111Introductory Biology I (MOTR BIOL 100L)4-5
or BIO 140 Principles of Biology I (MOTR BIOL 150L)
or CHM 101 Fundamentals of Chemistry I (MOTR CHEM 100L)
BIO 207Anatomy and Physiology I (MOTR LIFS 150LAP)4
BIO 208Anatomy and Physiology II4
MTH 160Precalculus Algebra (MOTR MATH 130)3
or MTH 160S Precalculus Algebra with Support (MOTR MATH 130)
or MTH 180 Introductory Statistics (MOTR MATH 110)
or MTH 180S Introductory Statistics with Support (MOTR MATH 110)
PHY 111College Physics I (MOTR PHYS 150L)3-4
or PSI 101 Physical Science (MOTR PHYS 110)
HIM 101Medical Terminology and Language3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
COM 101Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
Cumulative GPA for Mathematics and Sciences: 3.0
Total Credit Hours27-29

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Cardiac Sonography Track

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 127 Introduction to Sonography3Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 112 Cardiac Sonography I3Current enrollment in the Cardiac learning concentration, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 103 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I2Current enrollment in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 113 Cardiac Sonography Scanning Techniques I2Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 114 Cardiac Sonography Practicum I1Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 131 Fundamentals of Cardiac Sonography Scanning and Knobology1Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 104 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II2DMS 103 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 115 Cardiac Sonography II3DMS 112 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 116 Cardiac Sonography Scanning Techniques II1DMS 113 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 117 Cardiac Sonography Clinical Applications3DMS 112 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 118 Cardiac Sonography Practicum II3DMS 114 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 207 Cardiac Sonography III2DMS 115 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 208 Cardiac Sonography Practicum III4DMS 118 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 201 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation III2DMS 104 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
DMS 209 Cardiac Sonography IV4DMS 207 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 126 Introduction to Vascular Sonography3Current enrollment in the Cardiac learning concentration, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director, and Reading Proficiency
DMS 128 Introduction to Vascular Sonography Scanning Techniques1Current enrollment in the Cardiac learning concentration, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 211 Cardiac Sonography Practicum IV3DMS 208 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours13
Total Credit Hours43

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Medical Sonography Track Full-Time Academic Plan

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2025, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Pre-admissions Entrance Requirements:

Required Courses
BIO 111Introductory Biology I (MOTR BIOL 100L)4-5
or BIO 140 Principles of Biology I (MOTR BIOL 150L)
or CHM 101 Fundamentals of Chemistry I (MOTR CHEM 100L)
BIO 207Anatomy and Physiology I (MOTR LIFS 150LAP)4
BIO 208Anatomy and Physiology II4
MTH 160Precalculus Algebra (MOTR MATH 130)3
or MTH 160S Precalculus Algebra with Support (MOTR MATH 130)
or MTH 180 Introductory Statistics (MOTR MATH 110)
or MTH 180S Introductory Statistics with Support (MOTR MATH 110)
PHY 111College Physics I (MOTR PHYS 150L)3-4
or PSI 101 Physical Science (MOTR PHYS 110)
HIM 101Medical Terminology and Language3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
COM 101Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
Cumulative GPA for Mathematics and Sciences: 3.0
Total Credit Hours27-29

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Medical Sonography Track

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 127 Introduction to Sonography3Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 103 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I2Current enrollment in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 105 Medical Sonography I3Current enrollment in the Medical Sonography learning concentration, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 106 Medical Sonography Scanning Techniques I2Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 107 Medical Sonography Practicum I1Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 129 Fundamentals of Medical Sonography Scanning and Knobology1Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 104 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II2DMS 103 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 108 Medical Sonography II3DMS 105 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 109 Medical Sonography Scanning Techniques II1DMS 106 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 110 Medical Sonography Clinical Applications3DMS 105 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 111 Medical Sonography Practicum II3DMS 107 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 202 Medical Sonography III2DMS 108 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 203 Medical Sonography Practicum III4DMS 111 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 201 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation III2DMS 104 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
DMS 204 Medical Sonography IV4DMS 202 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 126 Introduction to Vascular Sonography3Current enrollment in the Cardiac learning concentration, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director, and Reading Proficiency
DMS 128 Introduction to Vascular Sonography Scanning Techniques1Current enrollment in the Cardiac learning concentration, Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 206 Medical Sonography Practicum IV3DMS 203 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours13
Total Credit Hours43

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Vascular Technology Track Full-Time Academic Plan

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2025, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Pre-admissions Entrance Requirements:

Required Courses
BIO 111Introductory Biology I (MOTR BIOL 100L)4-5
or BIO 140 Principles of Biology I (MOTR BIOL 150L)
or CHM 101 Fundamentals of Chemistry I (MOTR CHEM 100L)
BIO 207Anatomy and Physiology I (MOTR LIFS 150LAP)4
BIO 208Anatomy and Physiology II4
MTH 160Precalculus Algebra (MOTR MATH 130)3
or MTH 160S Precalculus Algebra with Support (MOTR MATH 130)
or MTH 180 Introductory Statistics (MOTR MATH 110)
or MTH 180S Introductory Statistics with Support (MOTR MATH 110)
PHY 111College Physics I (MOTR PHYS 150L)3-4
or PSI 101 Physical Science (MOTR PHYS 110)
HIM 101Medical Terminology and Language3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
COM 101Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
Cumulative GPA for Mathematics and Sciences: 3.0
Total Credit Hours27-29

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Vascular Technology Track

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 127 Introduction to Sonography3Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 103 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I2Current enrollment in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 119 Vascular Technology I3Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 120 Vascular Technology Scanning Techniques I2Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 121 Vascular Technology Practicum I1Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
DMS 133 Fundamentals of Vascular Sonography Scanning and Knobology1Entry into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 104 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II2DMS 103 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading Proficiency
DMS 122 Vascular Technology II3DMS 119 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
DMS 123 Vascular Technology Scanning Techniques II2DMS 120 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
DMS 130 Introduction to Medical and Cardiac Sonography3DMS 127 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
DMS 125 Vascular Technology Practicum II3DMS 121 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours13
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 212 Vascular Technology III2DMS 122 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
DMS 213 Vascular Technology Practicum III4DMS 125 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
DMS 201 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation III2DMS 104 with a minimum grade of "C" or permission of the program director and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
DMS 214 Vascular Technology IV4DMS 212 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
DMS 215 Vascular Technology Clinical Applications3DMS 212 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
DMS 216 Vascular Technology Practicum IV3DMS 213 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Total Credit Hours43

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.