Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the program located?

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is located on the Foothill College Campus in Los Altos Hills, California, just off Highway 280 in Silicon Valley approximately 40 miles south of San Francisco and 10 miles north of San Jose. Classroom facilities are adjacent to Parking Lot 5.

Mailing Address, Maps and Driving Directions

Q: Is the DMS program accredited?

The DMS program is fully accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The Foothill College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is one of 12 accredited general concentration programs in California as listed in the CAAHEP directory; Commission on Accredation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Q: Where will I be assigned for my clinical/hospital preceptorship?

The DMS program has numerous partnerships with affiliate hospitals and medical facilities throughout the bay area region within 125 miles from the campus as well as the Sacramento and Central California. Students are assigned to a training facility closer to where he/she lives.

Q: How can I contact the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program's Director?

Nancy Cheung, Division Dean
Phone: 650.949.7643
Email: cheungnancy@foothill.edu

Q: May I attend part-time?

Sorry, as each DMS class graduates the new incoming class is assigned to the clinical education centers. To afford maximum learning experience the ratio of student to clinical education center is 1:1. Part-time is not an option. A combination of campus classes and clinical education is 40 hrs/wk.

Q: What is the job market like?

The job marked is very good. Activity shows the number of positions available exceed the number of qualified applicants. Starting graduate salaries in the San Francisco Bay area are $50-60.00/hr plus benefits. See our jobs page for possible job offerings.

Q: My goal is to get a DMS Degree. How can I prepare as a High School student?

The student should apply to Foothill College and get a Student ID#. The high school student can meet with an academic counselor and create an education plan to satisfy the prerequisites for the program. They may enroll in prerequisite or general education courses while in high school.

To meet the patient care experience requirement, the student should consider applying to our other Health Career programs where they will gain this experience as part of the curriculum.

Q: Does my patient care experience satisfy the prerequiste for the program?

A minimum of 2-years of patient care experience is required for the program.

To understand if your experience counts. Email our division office healthcareerprograms@fhda.edu and we will connect you with a DMS faculty to assist you. Tell us about your experience, duties, responsibilities as well as how long you worked or volunteered for this experience.

Q: What does the program cost?

The following fees apply to the DMS program. All fees are subject to change.

Tuition Fees (see college fees)
Total Units for DMS Program 116.5
Materials Fees $60.00
Uniforms and Shoes $200.00

Additional Program Expenses: example

Books approximately $ 1,500.00
ARDMS nat'l exam fees (minimum) $ 725.00

FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE is avaialbe at (650) 949-7245 or by accessing our online guide. Also the Steve & Lola Kaider Health Care Scholarships for reentry into health care careers (only through Foothill-DeAnza Community College District).

Please note, in addition to the program fees, you are responsible for all Foothill College enrollments fees.

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