Diagnostic Medical Sonography / Get Started Today

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Application

If you’re new to GateWay or the Maricopa Community Colleges, or if you need to reapply, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete your admissions application:

Become a Student

• New Students: Click "Join Now" to create an account.
• Returning Students: Click "Log In" and enter your MEID and password. If you do not
  remember your MEID or password, select “Forgot your Username?” and/or “Forgot your
  Password?” for assistance.

What to Enter on Your Application:

Duo Two-Factor Authentication 

After completing your admission application, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication. Click on the link to set up your Duo two-factor authentication account.  

For further assistance, contact Enrollment Services at (602) 238-4350 or visit the Enrollment Services department at our Washington Campus  campus in person at 108 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 

Step 3: Prerequisites

Students must complete the following introductory prerequisite requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be added to the wait queue for an available cohort space to begin the core curriculum.

Required Entrance Exams (HESI A2)

Applicants must meet the following minimum score requirements on the Evolve Reach (HESI) Admission Assessment Exam:

HESI Exam Information

The HESI A2 is a computer-based exam required for admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. The exam includes five modules:

• Math Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary and General Knowledge
• Grammar
• Anatomy and Physiology

Important testing policies:

• All five modules must be completed in one five-hour testing session
• Scores are valid for two years
• A 60-day waiting period is required between attempts
• Up to two retests are permitted within one year of the first valid test

Resources:

• ASU offers a free practice test
• GateWay HESI Testing & Essential Skills Center
• The Learning Center offers a HESI A2 Diagnostic Medical Sonography Free Canvas Course under Additional Resources
• The Library has HESI review books available for checkout

ARDMS Eligibility Disclaimer

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review eligibility requirements for national certification.

The Compliance Pre-Determination Application (PDA) process is available for individuals who wish to determine how prior criminal or disciplinary matters may affect eligibility for ARDMS certification. This review is recommended for students who have not yet applied for the certification exam but are considering enrollment in a sonography program.

For more information and detailed instructions, visit the ARDMS website:
https://www.ardms.org/compliance-predetermination-application

Official Transcripts

Submit your official transcripts for all previous college coursework to the Admissions, Records, and Registration Office.

Transfer Course Credits

Step 4: Program Application and Checklist

To view and apply to the program, click here.

Step 5: Health and Safety 

All students enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Maricopa Community Colleges must meet the health and safety standards set by our most rigorous clinical partner. This ensures students are eligible for immediate and flexible placement at any assigned clinical site.

Upon conditional acceptance into the program, the Health and Safety Administrator will contact you via your Maricopa student email with detailed instructions and deadlines for completing these requirements.

Health and Safety Requirements 

Step 6: Payment Options / Funding

You must have Financial Aid or a payment plan set up before your program start date.

Students who do not arrange payment in advance may be dropped from their classes for non-payment.

Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Scholarship Opportunities

Veterans Services

Important Reminders

★ Regularly check your Maricopa student email and Student Center for updates on payment balances and deadlines. 

★ If you’ve applied for financial aid, check for any pending "To Do List" items that may delay your award. 

★ Your seat in the program is not secured until your funding is confirmed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in being dropped from the program.

Associate Degree Pathway and General Education Courses

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program offers two academic pathways:

• Certificate of Completion
• Associate Degree

The Certificate of Completion focuses on developing core technical skills for immediate entry into the workforce. The Associate Degree provides a more comprehensive educational foundation.

The only difference in coursework is that the Associate Degree requires five additional General Education courses.

General Education Courses for the Associate Degree

While waiting for the program to begin, students pursuing the Associate Degree may complete the following General Education courses:

Completion of these courses is not required for placement in the wait queue, but is required to earn the Associate Degree.

Career Description

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are healthcare professionals who use specialized ultrasound equipment to create images of the inside of the body. These images help physicians diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions without the use of invasive procedures or ionizing radiation.

Sonography combines advanced technology, detailed anatomical knowledge, and direct patient care, making it a dynamic and rewarding healthcare career.

Key Responsibilities

As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will:

• Work directly with patients to perform ultrasound examinations
• Use high-frequency sound waves to capture detailed diagnostic images
• Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Collaborate with physicians, who interpret ultrasound results to guide patient care

Where Sonographers Work

Sonography offers a wide range of employment opportunities, including:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Private medical offices
• Mobile imaging services
• Sales, education, and clinical applications

Professional Organizations and Career Resources

To learn more about careers in sonography, professional standards, and continuing education, explore the following organizations:

• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS)
  The primary professional organization for general sonography
  Phone: 1-800-229-9506
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
  Professional organization for vascular technologists
  Phone: 800-788-8346

Certification and Registry

Professional certification is required to practice as a diagnostic medical sonographer.

• American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
  National registry and certification body for sonographers
  Phone: 1-800-541-9754

Graduates who meet eligibility requirements may pursue certification through ARDMS upon program completion.

Essential Job Functions

The following outlines the essential physical, mental, and emotional requirements of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

A. Physical Requirements

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers must be able to:

• Stand and remain mobile for approximately 80 percent of the work shift
• Use both hands, wrists, shoulders, and arms for prolonged scanning positions and fine motor tasks
• Routinely lift more than 50 pounds
• Assist with transporting, lifting, and positioning patients, including transfers from wheelchairs or stretchers
• Push, pull, bend, and stoop to move and adjust sonographic equipment
• Utilize vision, hearing, and touch to interpret images, distinguish color differences, detect sounds, coordinate eye-hand movements, and recognize changes in patient condition
• Work in semi-darkened environments for extended periods
• Be physically capable of completing all assigned clinical duties

B. Mental and Intellectual Requirements

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers must be able to:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, with patients and healthcare professionals
• Organize and perform procedures accurately, following established protocols and sequencing standards
• Respond quickly and appropriately to verbal instructions and patient needs
• Follow directions and collaborate as part of a healthcare team
• Evaluate recorded images for technical quality, correct anatomy, proper sequencing, and identification of pathology
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to optimize diagnostic quality and patient care

C. Emotional and Professional Requirements

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers must be able to:

• Provide physical and emotional support to patients during procedures
• Interact with compassion and sensitivity, including with ill or injured patients
• Manage stress related to technical demands, patient care, and clinical environments
• Adapt to changing situations and prioritize tasks effectively
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct
• Demonstrate respect, inclusivity, and cultural awareness when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

This career is well-suited for individuals who enjoy hands-on patient care, advanced medical technology, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact on patient diagnosis and treatment.

Health and Safety Requirements

Maricopa Community Colleges requires all Diagnostic Medical Sonography students to meet the Health and Safety standards set by our most stringent clinical partner.
This ensures that students are eligible for immediate and flexible placement at any assigned clinical site.

Health and Safety Requirements

If you have questions, you may contact the Health and Safety Administrators for assistance.

Program Course Sequence

Certificate Course Sequence by Term

AAS Degree Course Sequence by Term

The only difference between the two pathways is that the AAS Degree requires five additional General Education courses:

• ENG 102 or 108
• CRE 101 or equivalent as indicated by assessment
• Any Humanities, Arts, and Design [HU] designated course
• Any Social and Behavioral Sciences [SB] designated course
• Oral Communication: COM 100, 110, 225, or 230

How many students are admitted into the program?

Admissions are based on the availability of clinical training sites. Recent cohorts have typically included 18 to 24 students.

Are there specific admissions benefits for military veterans applying to the program?

Yes. GateWay Community College is proud to be a military-friendly institution. Each Fall semester, two military veterans are moved to the top of the waitlist for admission into the program.

To qualify for this preference, applicants must:

• Provide a copy of their DD214 form
• Complete all introductory prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program

To apply for this preference or request additional information, please email:
[email protected]
and [email protected]

Can I work while enrolled in the Sonography Program?

The Sonography Program is a rigorous course of study with significant academic and clinical time commitments. Program faculty strongly recommend that students do not work while enrolled.

During certain semesters, required clinical externships may total up to 40 hours per week. Students are encouraged to carefully assess their ability to balance employment with coursework and clinical requirements to ensure successful academic progress.

Estimated Program Costs*

The estimated program costs are outlined below. Students are responsible for transportation, housing, and uniforms.

* https://www.maricopa.edu/students/tuition-payment-information/tuition-fees