About the Program

Bachelor of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Sonographers with a bachelor’s degree enjoy more opportunities for career advancement and are eligible to enroll in advanced educational programs for master’s and doctoral degrees.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a full-time program with a cohort of 13-14 students in Little Rock and 4 students in Fayetteville beginning each fall semester.  It consists of four fall/spring semesters with one intervening summer session.  The program’s mission, goals, and competencies/learning outcomes can be found on the department website.

Applicants may be accepted if they have completed all 47 credits of prerequisite course work.  Senior students will select one of two areas of concentrations in either vascular sonography or adult echocardiography.  The 47 credits of prerequisite courses plus the 73 credits of professional courses equals the 120 credits requirement for a Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Successful completion of all program requirements qualifies the student to apply for state, regional, and national examinations for licensure.

To earn these credentials, candidates must pass the following American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examinations:

  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS): Sonography Principles and Instrumentation AND Abdomen, OR Obstetrics & Gynecology.
  • Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT): Sonography Principles and Instrumentation AND Vascular Technology.
  • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS): Sonography Principles and Instrumentation AND Adult Echocardiography

Successful completion of the program does not ensure registration. Each student is responsible for familiarizing himself/herself with the applicable registration requirements. See: www.ARDMS.org.

Admission Factors

Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following criteria:

  • Academic achievement
  • Academic aptitude
  • Leadership and professionalism
  • Written and oral communication