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Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Do you love anatomy and physiology? Are you detail oriented and enjoy helping people? If so, a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer could be for you. A diagnostic medical sonographer is a healthcare professional who uses high- frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs, fetuses and blood flow within the body. Ultrasound technologists specialize in performing diverse ultrasound examinations, each directed towards specific parts of the body and medical conditions. Specialization areas include abdominal, OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology), cardiac, vascular, and breast ultrasound.

Beginning in July of each year, the School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers an intensive two-year, full-time sonography (ultrasound) program. During the two-year program, students are assigned to clinical rotations and have exclusive access to all imaging modalities offered at Harris Health. Students have the opportunity to master the latest high-tech medical imaging technology and the unique experience of applying theories learned in the classroom to demonstrate clinical competency at Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital, one of only two level I trauma centers in Houston, and Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a level III trauma center.​

How to Apply
Applications are now closed. Applications will reopen on Saturday, Aug. 1.
​


We are excited for you to start your medical imaging career with us.

Information Sessions
Participation in an information session is a mandatory step in the application process. Click here to sign up for an information session: School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. 

Applicants must:

  1. ​Be 18 years of age by July 1 of the year of application 
  2. Have proof of U.S. citizenship or be a permanent resident at the time of application
  3. Be capable of successfully performing tasks related to the occupation
    • ​Patient preparation: Prepare and assist patients for exams
    • Equipment operation: Operate and maintain ultrasound images
    • Image acquisition: Capture quality ultrasound images
    • Patient care: Provide comfort during exams
    • Collaboration/communication: Effectively communicate and work with healthcare professionals for diagnoses
  4. ​Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended to demonstrate successful completion of at least an Associate's Degree. 
    • ​Must demonstrate a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
    • Must have a degree from an accredited college or university. Alternative qualification includes graduation from an approved U.S. healthcare related program with licensure
    • Foreign transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency via Spantran Educational Services and World Education Consultants
    • A minimum grade of C in the following courses: 
      • ​English/Communication: English, Speech, Composition or related course (3 or more credit hours)
      • Mathematics: College Algebra, Statistics or higher course (3 or more credit hours)  
      • Social Science: Psychology, Sociology or related course (3 or more credit hours)  
      • Human Anatomy/Physiology: (3 or more credit hours)  
      • Physics: Elementary, College or higher (3 or more credit hours)  
      • Medical Terminology: (certificate course/1 or more credit hours)​
  5. ​​A completed application packet includes:
    • ​Complete and signed application
    • Official school transcripts
    • $75 a​pplication fee paid via credit/debit card
    • Application acceptance will resume August 2026.
  6. Submit the completed application packet submitted via email to SDMI@harrishealth.org ​or in person.

Applicants who meet the admission requirements may be considered for an interview with the selection committee. Meeting or exceeding the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee an interview or acceptance; however, selection for an interview is determined on a holistic review of the application and program capacity.

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony (including conviction of a similar offense in a military court-martial) you will need pre-clearance from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

You are required to report:
  • ​Criminal charges resulting in convictions that have been stayed, withheld/deferred, set aside, or suspended;
  • Any admission of guilt, Alford plea, or plea of no contest (nolo contendere);
  • Court supervision, probation or pre-trial diversion.
​The program does not offer advanced placement regardless of previous experience or education.​

​If you have questions regarding your application, contact us at:

Phone: 346-426-1530
Email: SDMI@harrishealth.org

Cost
​
Tuition costs are subject to change. Tuition does not include books, uniforms, housing, transportation or parking. All students pay a non-refundable $150 administrative fee at the beginning of the program.

Tuition:
  • ​Harris County Resident
    • ​$2,400/per year
      • ​$800/per semester
  • ​Texas Resident (excluding Harris County)
    • ​$2,550/per year
      • ​$850/per semester
  • ​Non-Texas Resident
    • ​$3,000/per year
      • $1,000/per semester
Refund Policy: 
A student who officially withdraws during the first 10 days of the semester will be refunded 100% of the tuition paid. After the tenth day, tuition will not be refunded.

Additional Costs:
  • ​Books: Approximately $500-$1,500.
  • Uniforms: The dress regulations for the program requires all students to wear black scrub uniforms and black or white lab coats. 
  • Parking: Students are encouraged to explore all options that are available to them for transportation and parking in the medical center. Parking is available through Texas Medical Center (TMC) Parking Operations. 
  • Salary/Stipend: Students do not receive a salary or a stipend.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is not available through the school.
  • Availability of Part-Time W​ork: Students may apply for any positions that become available within Harris Health; however, students must not allow work to interfere with scheduled school time or performance.​


Meet the Faculty
​

Student Testimonials
​
I went into the program thinking I’d end up in the OBGYN line of work, but the school has opened my eyes to all the different types of sonography. I like how in-depth we go into each subject and how much we are able to practice scanning in the lab. The instructors at Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging are probably my favorite part of this program. They are encouraging, fun and extremely knowledgeable.
Michelle C., Class of 2023   
 
 
My inspiration for applying to the School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging was to have a stable future for myself and my future family. Prior to the program I was in the health industry, but it did not fulfill my needs. I wanted to do more with my life and my future. I wanted a career where I could depend on myself for stability. I love the professors—they are passionate about their work. They have so much experience and knowledge and share it with us every day. I didn’t realize ultrasound reached so many different areas of the body besides abdominal organs and the heart. It’s shown me just how much ultrasound has to offer.
Michelle H., Class of 2023 
 
The most memorable moment in this program for me was the first day of the second summer semester when my entire class passed the ARDMS SPI (Sonography Principles and Instrumentation) Exam together. To achieve this with my classmates was very encouraging. I appreciate that every day I’m pushed outside of my comfort zone to expand my mind. This program is certainly challenging, but it is worth it in the end. Once I found out that sonography is a tool used to help save lives, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of that. After I graduate, I hope to join an amazing team of sonographers, preferably at Harris Health. It would be great to remain here to work with this team and continue learning from the best.
​Sydney H., Class of 2023 

Accreditation/Program Effectiveness

Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.

  • Students will perform entry-level imaging procedures.
  • Students will demonstrate entry-level patient care skills.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of 'as low as reasonably achievable' (ALARA).

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate professionalism and lifelong learning.

  • Students will display professional behavior.
  • Students will pursue higher education.

Goal 3: Students will communicate on a professional level.

  • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
  • Students will demonstrate effective written communication.

Goal 4: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

  • Students will critique images to determine image quality.
  • Students will perform unfamiliar exams with appropriate supervision.

Goal 5: To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations.

  • ​Abdominal-Extended Sonography
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology Sonography​

Harris Health System Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education In Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). CAAHEP promotes excellence in education and enhances quality and safety of patient care through the accreditation of educational programs. Harris Health's DMS Program is the only CAAHEP accredited hospital-based DMS program in the state of Texas.
 
​Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
 
JRC-DMS | Comment Period
Joint Review Committee on Education In Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
6021 University Blvd., Ste. 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
 
Non-discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Statements 
 
It is the policy of Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging to provide equal educational opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin or disability or other legally protected characteristic.
 
Students who have documented learning, psychological or physical disability may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact admissions. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. All requests are referred to Human Resources for consideration. The program will not waive essential skill or requirements of a course.​​

Program Information
​
Program Mission
The mission of Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging is to educate the next generation of competent entry-level imaging professionals.

A Career in Sonography

The following are examples of types of medical sonographers:

  1. Abdominal ultrasound: These exams focus on imaging the abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas and spleen.
  2. Obstetric ultrasound: This specialization involves imaging the female reproductive system, including the uterus and ovaries, to monitor fetal development during pregnancy.
  3. Gynecological ultrasound: Gynecologic sonographers specifically examine the female pelvic area, including the uterus and ovaries, to diagnose conditions like ovarian cysts or uterine abnormalities.
  4. Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography): Cardiac sonographers specialize in imaging the heart and its structures to assess cardiac function and diagnose heart conditions.
  5. Vascular ultrasound: Vascular sonographers focus on imaging blood vessels throughout the body to detect conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial blockages, and aneurysms.
  6. Musculoskeletal ultrasound: This specialization involves imaging muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
  7. Breast ultrasound: Sonographers specializing in breast imaging use ultrasound to assess breast abnormalities and assist in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
  8. Pediatric ultrasound: Pediatric sonographers work with children, focusing on imaging various organs and structures to diagnose pediatric-specific conditions.
  9. Neonatal ultrasound: This specialization involves imaging newborns to assess for congenital abnormalities or medical issues that may require immediate attention.

​Semester
​Course 
​Credit Hours 
​First Semester (Summer I)
​​Abdominal Sonography I​
​6
​Introduction to Sonography
​3
​Sonography Lab I
​2
​Semester Total
​11
​​
​Second Semester (Fall I)
​Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography I​
​​4
​Basic Physics/Instrumentation
​4.5
​Sonography Lab II​
​2
​Competency-based Clinical Education I
​2
​Semester Total
​​12.5
​​
​Third Semester (Spring I)
​Superficial Structures & Advanced Practices
​4.5
​Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography II
​4
​Advanced Physics/Instrumentation
​​4
​​Sonography Lab III
​​2
​Competency-based Clinical Education III
​2
​Semester Total​
​​16.5
​
​Fourth Semester (Summer II)
​Comprehensive Review I
​6
​Competency-based Clinical Education III
​4
​Introduction to Vascular Sonography
​6
​Semester Total
​16
​
Fifth Semester (Fall II)
​Abdomen Sonography II
​4
​Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography III
​4
​Competency-based Clinical Education IV
​3
​Semester Total
​11
​​
​​Sixth Semester (Spring II)
​Comprehensive Review II​​​6
​Sonographic Case Studies
6​
​Competency-based Clinical Education V
​3
​Semester Total
​15
​
Total​
82​

Students participate in didactic classes held at Fournace Place in Bellaire, while their clinical education takes place at three Harris Health System facilities.
  • ​Ben Taub Hospital
  • Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
  • Smith Clinic
The program starts in July each year.

Program hours are Monday - Friday, 7a.m. – 3 p.m. and excludes weekends and holidays. Students spend time in the classroom, lab and clinical rotations. Students are required to attend school for no more than 40 hours per week.

The sonography program spans approximately two years, divided into six semesters. In cases where a student needs to retake coursework, the program's completion time can be extended, but it must not exceed three years unless approved by the advisory committee.

(revised in January 2026)​​​

FAQs
​Thank you for your interest in the Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. We are excited to hear from you and look forward to answering your questions.

Please note: due to a high volume of inquiries, it may take up to two-to-three business days for a response. We appreciate your patience.
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
  • ​What type of uniforms are required? 
    • ​Black scrubs
  • ​What programs are offered?
    • ​Sonography (Ultrasound)
    • Radiography (X-Ray)
    • MRI Fellowship
    • CT Fellowship
  • ​What are the program requirements (prerequisites)?
    • Minimum of an Associate’s Degree
    • Courses:
      • ​Sonography: Physics and Medical Terminology
      • Radiography: Speech, Humanities, College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I and II
      • MRI: Completion of Sonography or Radiography programs
      • CT: Completion of Radiography program
  • ​What is the schedule?
    • ​Sonography and Radiography:
      • ​The program start date is the beginning of July
      • The program is 22 months
      • Monday through Friday7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • ​CT and MRI:
      • ​The program start date is beginning of September
      • The program is nine months
      • Wednesday evenings
      • 5 – 9 p.m.
  • ​How much is the tuition?
    • ​$800/semester - Harris County
    • $850/semester - outside of Harris County
    • $1,000/semester -  out of state
  • ​Is financial aid available? 
    • Yes, for veterans only. Submit approved status VA form to us, and we will then forward it to the VA via our portal. The VA will respond by either disbursing payment directly to you or to the school, depending on the type of service you are enrolled in.
Upon receipt of the complete application packet, which includes the application form, transcripts, and payment, the processing time can be up to three weeks. Given that we receive over 100 applications annually, we appreciate your patience as we diligently review each submission.