Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

All students interested in this program must begin in the Allied Health AAS program.

Abdomen Sonography-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography

The diagnostic medical sonographer provides patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. Watch a 3 1/2-minute video about the profession (created by a recent HACC graduate).

Apply for Clinicals

Fall 2026 DMS clinical application is now closed - APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1. CHECK BACK FOR THE 2027 APPLICATION.

Admission to HACC does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the program.
Every Spring Semester - apply for DMS clinicals online.
- Applications available from March 1-May 1
  - Eligible candidates will be emailed the details about the USA examination.
    - Cost is $85 paid to the vendor
    - Scheduled remotely by the vendor
  - Points will be calculated in mid-May after spring grades are posted
  - Students will receive an Admit or Non-Admit letter mid June (by the 15th).
Download Admission Criteria and Essential Requirements (pdf)
To be eligible to apply for clinicals
- English 101, Math 103 and BIOL 121 & Biol 122 need to be completed or in progress for completion in May
- Must have met with a DMS advisor
  - If you don't have a DMS advisor, please contact the Program Director, Kristy Angstadt: klangsta@hacc.edu
  - Please watch this DMS video before you meet with a DMS advisor.
  - List any questions you may have for your meeting with the DMS advisor.
- Information sessions for the DMS program will be held in the spring semester. Attending an information session will earn you points towards admission to the DMS program. Attending a group advising session does not count as attending an information session.

Attend a DMS Information Session

Anyone interested in learning more about DMS is invited to attend.
Located on Harrisburg Campus - Select Medical (SM) building or Blocker Hall (not Zoom)
Register - email RSVPDMS@hacc.edu - include your name, ID, phone and email and the information session date
- CHECK BACK FOR 2027 DATES
View campus location (Google Maps)
Download map of Harrisburg Campus (pdf)

Contact Information

Program Director: Kristy Angstadt: klangsta@hacc.edu
Admissions Counselor: 800-222-4222- start@hacc.edu
Financial Aid: 800-222-4222
General Advising Appointments: 717-780-2498, advising@hacc.edu
Program Specific Advising Appointments: 717-221-1392

About the Program

Applied Science Degree, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

76 credit A.A.S that combines clinical, lab and didactic coursework
ARDMS credentialing exams (3)
- Sonography Principles and Instrumentation
- Abdomen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- You can earn the title of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) after successful completion of the exams and graduation.
Program Estimated Expenses (pdf)

Program Goals for Students

To prepare competent entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Abdomen Sonography-Extended and Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography concentrations.

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Utilize oral and written communication.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of ergonomic techniques, infection control, and patient care.
Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of health care professions to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse population in the health care environment.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy, relational anatomy, anatomic variants, sonographic appearance, physiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the abdomen, superficial structures, gravid and nongravid pelvis.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of image production, optimization, and biological effects.
Perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures, gravid and non-gravid pelvis with both transabdominal and endocavity transducers and Doppler/M mode display modes according to practice parameters established by national profession organizations and the protocols of the clinical affiliates.
Recognize, identify and document the sonographic appearance of normal and abnormal structures and processes of the abdomen, superficial structures, gravid and nongravid pelvis.

Required Courses

Download Required Courses (pdf)
HACC assigns clinical rotations within 80 miles of the Harrisburg campus
Typical clinical rotation is 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
DMS classes and lab are held at the Harrisburg Campus
Prerequisite courses are offered at other campuses and online

Is the program accredited?

The HACC DMS program is accredited in both the Abdomen Extended and OB/GYN modalities 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).

CAAHEP
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
www.CAAHEP.org

JRC-DMS
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-973-3251
Fax: 866-738-3444
www.jrcdms.org

What is the most current Program Effectiveness Data?

Program Effectiveness Data 2025 (pdf)

Where can I get more information?

DMS Program Office:

HACC Harrisburg Campus
Blocker Hall 101
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-221-1392