University of California San Diego Medical Center offers a diagnostic medical sonography program in La Jolla, California. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: University of California San Diego Medical Center, La Jolla, California
- Format: on campus
Program details
The program has operated since 1975. It runs about 14 months. Students complete didactic coursework delivered in sequence ahead of clinical rotations, with each student assigned to an affiliate hospital for clinical training, including about 32 hours per week of clinical training and roughly 8 hours per week of didactic instruction. Graduates receive a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. Clinical training covers abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, pelvic, small parts, vascular, neonatal head, musculoskeletal, and interventional sonography. Trains entry-level general sonographers in the Abdominal-Extended and OB/GYN concentrations. Completers are eligible to sit for the ARDMS examinations in Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and ultrasound physics. Admission typically requires applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any field, or completion of a radiologic technology program with passage of the registry, since the program is hospital-based. 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
- University of California San Diego Medical Center school profile
- Sonography & Ultrasound Degree Guide
- Educational Pathways
Last verified: June 2026.