How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

5 steps to become a diagnostic medical sonographer

1. Take prerequisites

   Anatomy, physiology, physics and math are typical admission requirements.

2. Complete an accredited sonography program

   Choose general, cardiac or vascular tracks with clinical rotations.

3. Pass the SPI exam

   The ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam covers physics.

4. Earn a specialty credential

   Pass a specialty exam, such as abdomen, OB/GYN, vascular or adult echo.

5. Grow your skills

   Add specialties, become a lead sonographer or move into education or applications.

Education and training requirements

Most sonographers complete an associate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program. People who already have a healthcare degree may finish a 12 to 18 month certificate. Graduates usually earn ARDMS, ARRT or CCI credentials.

Certifications and licenses

• RDMS (ARDMS): Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, with specialties such as abdomen and OB/GYN.
• RVT (ARDMS): Registered Vascular Technologist for vascular sonography.
• RDCS or RCS: Cardiac sonography credentials from ARDMS or CCI.
• ARRT Sonography (S): An ARRT credential for sonographers, common for those also in radiography.

Skills to build now

Start with ultrasound scanning technique, cross-sectional anatomy, and doppler and hemodynamics, and practice patient communication and concentration. Learning the diagnostic medical sonographer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.

Where the career can lead

1. Student Sonographer: Build scanning skills in clinical rotations.
2. Staff Sonographer: Perform exams in one or more specialties.
3. Lead or Specialty Sonographer: Add credentials in echo, vascular or OB/GYN and train others.
4. Imaging Manager, Educator or Applications Specialist: Manage departments, teach or train customers for equipment makers.

Get a head start

Our self-paced Diagnostic Medical Sonographer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.

Common questions about getting started

How long does it take to become an ultrasound tech?

Most associate programs take about two years. Certificate programs for people with healthcare degrees take 12 to 18 months.

How long does it take to become a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Most people need about 18–24 months of training. Most sonographers complete an associate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program. People who already have a healthcare degree may finish a 12 to 18 month certificate. Graduates usually earn ARDMS, ARRT or CCI credentials.

Do you need a degree to be a diagnostic medical sonographer?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

What certifications are available for diagnostic medical sonographers?

Common credentials include RDMS (ARDMS), RVT (ARDMS), RDCS or RCS, and ARRT Sonography (S). Only a few states, such as New Mexico, Oregon, North Dakota and New Hampshire, license sonographers, but most employers require ARDMS, ARRT or CCI credentials.

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2032 (Diagnostic medical sonographers).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
• O*NET OnLine summary for Diagnostic medical sonographers (U.S. Department of Labor).
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.