Dallas College – El Centro offers a diagnostic medical sonography program in Dallas, Texas. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: Dallas College – El Centro, Dallas, Texas
- Format: on campus
Program details
It runs a two-year, five-semester sequence following a two-semester specialized imaging core curriculum, offered at the El Centro campus (Downtown Health Sciences Center). Students complete classroom and physics instruction, sonographic technique and pathophysiology coursework, and a sequence of supervised practicum (field experience) rotations across the program, including multiple practicum (field experience) courses completed across the program’s clinical semesters. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Clinical training covers abdomen, abdominopelvic sonography, obstetrics, gynecology, superficial structures, and vascular technology sonography. Completers are eligible to sit for registry examinations including abdomen, OB/GYN, and vascular. Admission typically requires coursework including anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, physics for allied health, 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.