Fort Hays State University offers a diagnostic medical sonography program in Hays, Kansas. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas
- Format: on campus
Program details
It runs a 24-month sequenced curriculum of full-time study, beginning each summer semester (six semesters). Students complete sequenced didactic coursework and on-campus laboratory practice followed by about 12 months of supervised clinical experience at affiliated clinical sites under registered sonographers, including roughly 12 months of clinical experience across three clinical-experience courses (DMS Clinical Experience I through III) in the final three semesters. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging with an emphasis in Ultrasound. Clinical training covers abdomen extended, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, breast, neurosonography, cardiac, and musculoskeletal sonography. Completers are eligible to sit for registry examinations in physics and instrumentation, abdomen extended, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular technology. Admission typically requires coursework including human biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, college algebra, English composition, oral communication, and principles of diagnostic medical sonography; applicants must have completed an accredited radiology technology program, a baccalaureate degree, or 60 credit hours in a health-care-related field. The program is accredited by Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 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.