Ultrasound Degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonography — Foothill College

Foothill College offers a diagnostic medical sonography program in Los Altos Hills, California. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway, accreditation, and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.

Program at a glance

Program details

The program has operated since 1984. It runs 18 consecutive months (six quarters), full time, beginning in September. Students complete classroom lectures, on-campus laboratory practice, and supervised clinical preceptorship at affiliated hospitals, including about 32 hours per week of clinical preceptorship. Graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement, with an optional Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. Clinical training covers abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, superficial structures, and vascular sonography. Completers are eligible to sit for the ARDMS examinations in Abdomen and OB/GYN. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on the recommendation of the JRC-DMS; the college itself is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). These details are drawn from the program’s website.

Credential pathway

Graduates can pursue professional certification such as the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). These credentials are offered by national registries, including the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Certification is separate from completing the program; each credential sets its own education, clinical-experience, and examination requirements. See Licensing and Certification for how the process works.

About this occupation

Diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to create images that physicians use to assess and diagnose medical conditions. National wage and employment-outlook figures are summarized on the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer page, with more context in Career Opportunities and Salary and Compensation.

Program details, requirements, and availability change. Verify current information directly with the program and with the relevant certification body or licensing board. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute endorsement.

Related pages

Last verified: June 2026.