Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology

About the Field

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a healthcare occupation which utilizes high-frequency sound waves (diagnostic ultrasound) and color and spectral Doppler to assist in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions and diseases. The sonographer produces dynamic visual images of internal structures and organs and is able to analyze the hemodynamics of different blood vessels throughout the body. To enter this career, individuals must be qualified by professional credentialing upon completion of academic study and clinical experience.

About KU's Program

KU’s accredited ultrasound certificate program is eighteen months in length and prepares the student to use this complex equipment in a clinical setting as a competent sonographer and vascular technologist. A certificate from the University of Kansas is awarded to the student upon successful completion of the program at its KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kan.

Didactic studies are taught by qualified instructors employed by The University of Kansas Hospital and courses include medical law and ethics, intro to sonography, sonographphy principles and instrumentation, abdomen, ob/gyn, small parts, neurosonology, and vascular technology. Clinical instruction is guided by highly motivated and skilled sonographers employed by The University of Kansas Hospital and KU Medical Center.

Above: A diagnostic ultrasound image is produced by specialized equipment and uses high-frequency sound waves to view areas inside the body.

Beginning a Career

Students who have successfully passed the sonography principles and instrumentation course are candidates to take the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation national board examination administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) prior to graduation.

Graduates of the KU Ultrasound and Vascular Technology program are also candidates to take the national registry examinations given by the ARDMS in the areas of Abdomen, OB/GYN and Vascular Technology. Those who pass the exams become Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Registered Vascular Technologists.

More Background on the Program

The KU Diagnostic Ultrasound and Vascular Technology program is located in The University of Kansas Hospital for clinical instruction while aspects of the academic program, including application and student services, are handled by the University of Kansas. The program was first available as an academic program in the School of Health Professions (formerly the School of Allied Health) in 2000. Originally 15-months in length, the program expanded to 18 months and added a concentration in vascular ultrasound for accreditation in both general and vascular disciplines of sonography.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

ONET Code: 29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
CIP Code: 51.0910
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
CIP Program Description: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Includes instruction in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics. More info

Total tuition and fees (for entire program completed in normal time): $6,359.13
Tuition and Fees for KU Medical Center programs are provided by the Office of the Registrar.

Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1000
Room and board on campus: NOT APPLICABLE.

Due to the number of students who have completed this program in the last year, certain information is not included in these disclosures to protect the confidentiality of the student.