UC Health University of Colorado Hospital offers a diagnostic medical sonography program in Aurora, Colorado. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: UC Health University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado
- Format: on campus
Program details
It runs 13 months, full time, beginning in early August and running through the end of August the following year. Students complete in-person classroom instruction, laboratory training, and hands-on clinical scanning at the hospital, with four clinical days and one didactic day each week, including clinical scanning experience integrated throughout the program at the hospital, four days per week. Graduates receive a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. Clinical training covers abdomen, superficial structures, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, pediatric, fetal echocardiography, breast, and musculoskeletal sonography. Completers are eligible to sit for the ARDMS certification examinations in OB/GYN, abdomen and superficial structure imaging, and ultrasound physics, leading to the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential. Admission typically requires an associate or bachelor’s degree, plus prerequisite coursework in human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, algebra-based physics, college algebra, and communications. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). 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
- UC Health University of Colorado Hospital school profile
- Sonography & Ultrasound Degree Guide
- Educational Pathways
Last verified: June 2026.