Programs
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Ultrasound Technician program is offered in a hybrid format, combining ultrasound theory, hands-on lab training, online General Education courses and real-world experience through a clinical externship.
Program Length
- 84 weeks – morning/afternoon
- 99 weeks evening
Program Details
- 1,220 classroom hours
- 960 clinical externship hours
- 2,180 total clock hours
- 86 semester credits
Morning/afternoon and evening schedules are available depending on campus and class availability.
High Desert Medical College offers its Ultrasound Technician program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Ultrasound Technician curriculum combines medical knowledge, ultrasound theory and hands-on scanning experience to help students develop the technical skills used in diagnostic medical sonography.
Coursework and training include:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Law & Ethics
- Basic Medical Math
- Ultrasound Physics
- Abdominal Sonography
- OB/GYN Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Professional Development
- Clinical Externship
Students also gain experience with SonoSim technology, which provides ultrasound training modules, real-patient scanning cases, pathologies, instruction and assessment.
No prior medical or ultrasound experience is required to begin the full Ultrasound Technician program.
Applicants must meet HDMC’s admissions requirements, including having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Additional entrance testing may be required; see the school catalog for current admissions requirements.
An Admissions Representative can review your education and help determine the appropriate pathway for you.
For the most current Ultrasound Technician tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
High Desert Medical College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) – A Partnership for Quality® ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Our institution is also licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Licensed to operate means the institution is in compliance with the state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009, Ed. Code §94897.
In addition, our Ultrasound Technician program is Approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Ultrasound Technician program combines diagnostic imaging theory with hands-on scanning experience to help you develop the skills used by ultrasound professionals.
Is a Career as an Ultrasound Technician Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Earn your diploma and expand your imaging skills.
Ultrasound Technician Diploma
Graduate with an Ultrasound Technician diploma and Certificate of Completion from HDMC.
Hands-On
Ultrasound Training
Develop scanning skills through on-campus labs, SonoSim technology and training with specialized ultrasound equipment.
Real-World
Experience
Complete a 960-hour clinical externship where you can apply your ultrasound skills in a professional healthcare environment.
Where you could work
Ultrasound professionals work across a variety of healthcare settings. Picture yourself working in:
Hospitals
Support hospital imaging departments
Imaging Centers
Perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures
Physicians’ Offices
Provide in-office ultrasound imaging
Medical Clinics
Support outpatient diagnostic care
Mobile Imaging Units
Provide imaging at multiple locations
Diagnostic Laboratories
Support diagnostic imaging services
Potential Careers
A certificate in Ultrasound Technology could lead to jobs with titles like:
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Medical Sonographer
Staff Sonographer
Ultrasonographer
Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technologist
Potential Careers
A certificate in Ultrasound Technology could lead to jobs with titles like:
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Medical Sonographer
Staff Sonographer
Ultrasonographer
Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technologist
Real Students.
Real Stories.
Kelsey D.
Ultrasound Technician
“I chose the UT program at HDMC after being in the transportation industry for years. I knew that I wanted to go back to school for a career in the medical field, and I have considered being a sonographer for quite some time now. HDMC’s classes and schedule were perfect for me. Having instructors and classmates by my side to help along the way has led me to have a strong foundation to continue learning.”
Euroshia B.
Ultrasound Technician
“I chose HDMC because I believe this program is a perfect fit for me. It had what I was looking for, and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. The school not only provides hands-on training, but the staff and team members work diligently to make sure students succeed. From the day I signed up to now, finishing up my last module, I have met such great people and grown tremendously as an individual. I’m humbled to say I recently passed my SPI and couldn’t have done it without the help of my amazing instructor. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me. Excited is truly an understatement!”
Marie R.
Ultrasound Technician
“Choosing the UT program at High Desert Medical College has been one of the best decisions I have made. I hadn’t been in school in over ten years, and I was very hesitant to go back because I kept asking myself, “What if I fail?” But I pushed all those negative thoughts aside and decided that I was going to try my best and give it my all not only for myself but for my two children as well. I wanted to show my children that you can do anything you set your mind to, there is no limit, and it’s never too late! Lastly, a huge thank you to all my teachers that have helped me along the way, you all are the best.”
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether our Ultrasound Technician program is right for you.
Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, operate specialized imaging equipment to capture images of internal organs, tissues and blood vessels. They work with patients during exams, capture and evaluate images, take measurements and provide information to physicians who interpret the results.
HDMC’s Ultrasound Technician program can be completed in as few as 84 weeks with morning/afternoon classes or 99 weeks with evening classes. The program includes 2,180 total clock hours, including 1,220 classroom hours and 960 clinical externship hours.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. Students complete classroom theory online while gaining hands-on scanning experience in on-campus labs. The program also includes a clinical externship in a professional healthcare environment.
No prior medical or ultrasound experience is required. The program is designed to teach students the foundational medical knowledge, ultrasound theory and hands-on scanning skills needed to prepare for entry-level opportunities.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
