Why Study Diagnostic Medical Sonography at SUNY Downstate?
At Downstate, sonographers are explorers. Unlike other programs, we don’t lock you into a specialty up front. Instead, you’ll gain hands-on experience in abdominal, OB/GYN, cardiac, neurosonography, and vascular imaging, you will get hands-on training across every major area. Along the way, you’ll uncover new skills, new passions, and pursue the area of sonography that truly inspires you.
What You Will Learn
Our 22-month, CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography certificate program offers a rigorous and well-rounded education that prepares you for a meaningful career in healthcare. You will build expertise across three interconnected areas: foundational science, medical knowledge, and advanced sonography technique.
Sonography is both a mental and physical discipline. Mastering it requires sustained practice to develop the hand-eye coordination needed to operate complex imaging equipment and navigate human anatomy with precision. You will log extensive hands-on hours - in our labs and at clinical sites - until scanning becomes second nature.
Beyond technical proficiency, the program cultivates the professional qualities that define an exceptional sonographer: sound medical ethics, compassionate patient interaction, and polished clinical conduct. You will also develop the cultural sensitivity and interpersonal awareness needed to meet the needs of a diverse patient population - treating every individual with dignity, respect, and personalized care.
As a sonographer, you will work closely with physicians, radiologists, and hospital staff to help guide accurate diagnoses. At Downstate, you will have the opportunity to train alongside a diverse team of medical professionals in a dynamic, supportive environment that reflects the real demands of clinical practice.
Please review our Technical Standards
Before applying, please read our Technical Standards carefully. Prospective students must be able to meet specific physical, cognitive, and behavioral requirements essential to sonography practice. These standards are in place to ensure patient safety and the integrity of diagnostic imaging. Students who require accommodations are encouraged to review our Accessibility Services and Accommodations process or reach out directly to the Student Affairs office for personalized guidance.
Careers & Outcomes
Sonographers can see deep inside the human body. But here's a look into the future: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for sonographers will grow 17 percent over the decade. There's no shortage of work now, either. You'll find sonographers trained at SUNY Downstate work in medical centers across New York City.
Job Titles
- Sonographer
- Echocardiographer
- Vascular Technologist
- Educator
Employers
- Academic Medical Centers
- Private Practices
- Outpatient Radiology Centers
Meet Our Faculty
At Downstate, sonography students learn from registered sonographers who have spent years in the field. Some still practice; others contribute to the field through publications and research that improve education and practice.
Program Highlights
Pioneers in the field.
Downstate Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, established in 1972, has over 50 years of excellence in training and educating sonographers.
Top honors.
Each year, Downstate inducts top students into Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences.
It's a three-peat.
For the past three years (2018-2020), 100 percent of Downstate students have passed the ARDMS certification exam.