Cypress College offers a diagnostic medical sonography program in Cypress, California. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: Cypress College, Cypress, California
- Format: on campus
Program details
It runs 21 months once admitted to the program, organized across four semesters plus a summer intersession. Students complete classroom instruction, on-campus scanning labs, and a sequence of supervised clinical education rotations (Clinical Education I through IV) plus a sonography externship, including four progressive clinical education courses plus an externship, completed across the program’s semesters and summer intersession. Graduates receive an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography; a Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate is also offered. Clinical training covers abdomen, small parts, superficial structures, obstetrics, gynecology, and venous and carotid/arterial vascular sonography sonography. Completers are eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examinations. Admission typically requires coursework including cross-sectional imaging, patient care, medical terminology, survey of disease, and an introduction to sonography. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). These details are drawn from the college catalog.
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.