Henry Ford Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography School

Ultrasound Technology is an exciting, allied health specialization. The Sonographer, under the supervision of a physician, uses their expertise and ability to obtain diagnostic information about the human body. Sonography has been used in medical diagnosis for over 40 years.

The diagnostic medical sonographer generally performs the following:

• Obtains, reviews, and integrates pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results
• Performs appropriate procedures and records anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician
• Records, analyzes and processes diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician
• Exercises discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and/or related diagnostic services
• Demonstrates appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues
• Acts in a professional and ethical manner
• Facilitates communication and education to elicit patient cooperation and understanding of expectations and responds to questions regarding the sonographic examination
  (Standards &guidelines at www.caahep.org)

The Henry Ford Hospital DMS Program is an advanced-level medical education program held in a hospital setting, specializing in Abdominal, Obstetrical & Gynecological, and Musculoskeletal Sonography. It is an accelerated certification program, intended for those with a college degree.

Program Accreditation and Credentialing

The program is accredited 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 (JRCDMS).

CAAHEP
9355 113th N, # 7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350 phone

JRC-DMS
6021 University Boulevard
Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(443) 973-3251 phone

Prior to graduation, students are required to take the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination as well as specialty certification examinations in abdomen and obstetrics & gynecology administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Our Mission

Our mission is to produce exceptional quality medical sonographers by providing an innovative and comprehensive educational environment, promoting student growth and success. The Henry Ford Hospital Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program prepares students to perform sonographic examinations competently and independently while providing exceptional patient care to a diverse patient population. We aim to improve people's lives through excellence in the science and art of health care and healing.

Our Vision

Our vision is to integrate our educational program with the delivery of health care services. We develop and support a program that leads change in preparing professionals for employment opportunities and evolving models of care. We refine skills in areas where expertise is essential and monitor the quality of our programs through measurable outcomes. We continuously improve the environment for learning, utilizing information systems, employing team skills and being culturally sensitive.

Our Values

We have an obligation to students. We provide students with a quality education that is adaptive to their needs and to that of the profession. Students are our future. They embrace what we value through our instruction and by example. We instill PRIDE: Professionalism, Responsibility, Initiative, Dedication and Enthusiasm. People are our strength. Our work defines our success and determines our reputation. Patient care is paramount. We exist to serve those who need our services.

Program Goals

To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for Abdominal-Extended, Obstetric and Gynecologic and Musculoskeletal sonography.

Cognitive Domain

The student will:

1. Apply basic and advanced knowledge of the requirements of a diagnostic medical sonographer.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures and sonographic appearances.
3. Differentiate normal from abnormal sonographic findings through knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology.
4. Demonstrate application of ultrasound physics and instrumentation to optimize sonographic images.
5. Analyze clinical history, lab values, and other diagnostic imaging findings and apply them to sonographic examination findings.
6. Combine medical and sonographic terminology knowledge with sonographic findings to compose a descriptive and accurate sonographer’s impression.
7. Demonstrate effective judgment in reporting any critical findings of the sonographic examination.

Psychomotor Domain

The student will:

1. Apply a practical application of learned skills in a laboratory and clinical setting.
2. Possess the technical skills to utilize various aspects of the instrumentation to produce quality, diagnostic sonographic images.
3. Be prepared to demonstrate the clinical skills practiced in the lab environment to produce quality sonographic examinations in various clinical patient care environments, such as outpatient, inpatient, emergency room, portable, and intensive-care units.
4. Devote ample time to learning and practicing early skills in the lab environment, under faculty guidance and direct supervision.
5. Demonstrate proficiency and competency in various types of sonographic examinations throughout the program by completing several clinical competency exams during each semester, with increasing levels of difficulty.
6. Modify technique and adapt to various patient conditions to produce diagnostic sonographic images.
7. Synthesize sonographic findings and tailor examinations to provide all necessary information to the interpreting physician.

Affective Domain

The student will:

1. Maintain professional interactions, behaviors, and conduct in didactic and clinical environments.
2. Provide all patients with care, kindness, compassion, comfort, and empathy, with respect for differences.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
4. Appreciate similarities and differences of individuals, professions, and cultures as part of a diverse population of community members and co-workers.
5. Attend educational conferences.
6. Work alongside Radiologists, Residents, and other Radiology staff employed by the Henry Ford Health System.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates of the Henry Ford Hospital Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program are expected to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Develop into competent entry-level Abdominal – Extended, Obstetric and Gynecologic, and Musculoskeletal sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
2. Apply didactic knowledge and clinical skills to successfully pass at least three ARDMS certification examinations on the first attempt.
3. Serve the community as compassionate, valued members of the health care team.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Effectiveness Data

View the current data

About the Program

The 24-month DMS program at Henry Ford Hospital includes classroom and clinical instruction in abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology, musculoskeletal, sonographic physics and instrumentation, and superficial anatomy, with limited rotations to vascular, breast, pediatric, and interventional ultrasound. The program is based in Detroit, Michigan, with the primary clinical and classroom settings located at Henry Ford Hospital (Main Campus).

Students attend 40 hours weekly (Monday through Friday), which includes an average of 12-14 hours of classes with the remainder of time scheduled in clinical assignments focused on applying theory. Students are assigned clinical rotations and are required to rotate to various clinical sites during the program. Clinical sites include Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and several suburban satellite facilities within the metro-Detroit area.

Graduates receive a graduation certificate upon successful completion of the program. Graduates are eligible to complete the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registry examinations for Abdomen, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation. Successful completion of the ARDMS exams awards the credential of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).

Program Concentration (didactic and clinical instruction)

Abdomen & Superficial Parts, OB-GYN, Musculoskeletal, Pediatric, Vascular, and Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation as applied to the field of sonography. All students must maintain an academic standard of 80% or above for all classes and clinical evaluations throughout the program to demonstrate competency.

Download Important Program Information and Admission Requirements:

Program Booklet 2025-2027
Checklist for application process
Admissions Application
Frequently Asked Questions

• All applicants must have a college degree (minimum Associate Degree of Science) from an accredited American university or college (or recognized equivalent).
• Applications are being accepted for the upcoming class, beginning September 2025 and concluding August 2027.
• The application deadline is May 31, 2025.
• There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.
• Program tuition is $8,000 + $150 lab fee (textbooks not included – approximately $800). Financial aid is not available.
• Interviews will be conducted in the summer of 2025.
• All prerequisite courses, awarding of a degree, and health care observational experience must be completed prior to submitting your application.
• Candidates must submit the application fee, completed application form, official transcripts, letter of personal intent, two letters of reference, and documentation of observation hours, mailed or hand-delivered in one envelope to the program office. All documents must be received on or before the application deadline.
• All candidates selected for a program interview will be required to complete the Ultrasound Student Assessment Admission Exam. It will be scheduled and administered by program officials on premises at Henry Ford Hospital as part of the interview process. The Ultrasound Student Assessment Admission Exam will test the applicant’s knowledge in physics, algebra, anatomy, pathophysiology, problem-solving abilities, as well as hand-eye coordination. The cost of this assessment is included in the application fee.

Length of Program

The HFH DMS Program is a 24-month program. The next class will begin in September 2025 and conclude in August 2027.

Program Capacity

Approximately 6 students are selected each year for the upcoming class. There is no waiting list. Applicants may reapply the following year if they are not selected during the interview process.

Application Deadline

The next deadline for application is May 31, 2025. The Program Supervisor will evaluate all candidates for eligibility and a limited number of the eligible candidates will be selected for the interview process. Interviews will be conducted in the summer of 2025.

Program Hours

The program is scheduled for eight hours a day, five days per week.
Each student must complete 40 hours per week to fulfill the mandatory academic and clinical requirements. The 40-hour week is scheduled Monday through Friday on varying schedules. Typical program hours are 8am-4:30pm but may vary slightly.

Program Time Off

80 hours of scheduled and unscheduled time off (sick time and vacation time) are permitted during the 24-month program. In addition, there are week-long breaks between semesters and all students are off on six legal federal holidays, during Christmas week, and on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Program Costs

• A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required on or before the application deadline. Checks are made payable to Henry Ford Hospital.
• Tuition is $8,000 for the 24-month program (textbooks not included). A tuition deposit is required upon acceptance into the program. All payments are non-refundable.
• A one-time fee of $150.00 is required from each enrolled student on the first day of the program, in addition to the first tuition payment. The HFH DMS Program utilizes the Trajecsys Reporting System as an electronic clinical handbook. This one-time fee will provide the student with utilization of this system for 24 months.
• Students are required to purchase required program textbooks (approximately $800). This is not included in the program tuition.
• Students will be required to purchase scrub-type uniforms of navy-blue color. Scrubs must be worn on class days and clinical days.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation, food and lodging during their time in the program.
•  All tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the HFH Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program do not qualify for Federal financial aid.

Admission Requirements

Download the 2025-2027 Program Booklet for a complete list of prerequisite requirements and coursework.

It is important for applicants to recognize that Medical Sonography Programs are not entry-level programs. Academic and clinical prerequisites are set by the accrediting body, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. All applicants must complete the prerequisites listed in the program booklet by the application deadline.

• Must have a college degree (minimum Associate Degree of Science required)
• GPA must be 2.8 or higher.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• All candidates must be eligible to legally work in the United States. The program does not accept candidates without established US Employment authorization. Due to the complexities and expense of processing a student visa request, the Program does not currently admit foreign students.
• All candidates must have documentation of at least 40 hours of patient care experience in ultrasound.
• All candidates must complete all prerequisite coursework (see Program booklet for details). All program prerequisite courses must be accredited by the U.S. Dept. of Education, or recognized equivalency of, and approved for post-secondary college credits.
• All candidates must have one of the following educational backgrounds (1 or 2 or 3) by the start of the program with a GPA of 2.8 or higher:
  Required educational background #1: Be a graduate of - or a student in good standing in - an allied health program that is patient-care related. Radiologic technologists, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, medical technologists are examples of health care professionals eligible to be considered for admission.
  -- OR --
  Required educational background #2: Have a U.S. (or equivalent) Bachelor of Science or of Arts degree, or a U.S. (or equivalent) Associate of Science degree, in any major. *An equivalent pathway is to complete the two-year Preclinical imaging sciences (Associate of Science in Natural Science program) at Madonna University of Livonia, Michigan.
  -- OR --
  Required educational background #3: Be a student currently enrolled, and in good standing, in Concordia University’s Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Please see website for more information: https://www.cuaa.edu/academics/programs/diagnostic-medical-sonography-bachelors/index.html

Program officials will determine if any prerequisite courses need to be repeated if courses are more than 10 years old.

Required Patient Care Experience

Candidates must complete and submit documentation of 40 hours of clinical patient care experience in Ultrasound, either through employment or volunteer hours, prior to the application deadline. At least 20 of those hours must be done in the Henry Ford Hospital Ultrasound department. To begin the process, visit henryford.com/visitors/volunteer and Apply to Volunteer at Henry Ford Hospital.

For all questions related to observation hours in Ultrasound, please contact:

Elyse Martinez Cobb, RDMS RVT
Clinical Coordinator
elysem@rad.hfh.edu

The Ultrasound Student Assessment Admission Exam

The Ultrasound Student Assessment Admission Exam on premises at Henry Ford Hospital scheduled and administered by program official prior to the interview. The Ultrasound Student Assessment Admission Exam is an aptitude type of exam and evaluation of the skills that are essential for the sonography profession. This test will evaluate hand-eye coordination, logic, reasoning, judgment, persistence, and visual and spatial perception.

Mandatory Health Screening and Background Check

Upon acceptance into the Program, all students must pass a mandatory background check and health screening. In order to protect patients and provide a safe environment for students, staff, and the public, all students and employees of Henry Ford Health System are required to have up-to-date immunizations, including the seasonal flu vaccine.

If an applicant fails to comply with the Henry Ford Health System immunization policy, fails the mandatory health screen and/or background check, the applicant’s acceptance into the program will be rescinded. Vaccine exemption forms are available through HFH Employee Health Services.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Qualified applicants are considered for admission to the Henry Ford Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, height, weight, national origin, age, sexual preference, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify us of any reasonable accommodation necessary to perform the essential duties of the position for which the applicant has applied.

Contact/Mailing Address for all Transcripts and Letters

Henry Ford Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Elena Gainey, MD, RDMS, RVT
Ultrasound Division
Department of Radiology
Henry Ford Hospital
2799 West Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48202-2689
Phone: (313)-916-3519
Fax: (313)-916-8927
E-mail: elenag@rad.hfh.edu