Seattle University quad and fountain looking north

Diagnostic Ultrasound, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Take your career a step further with the Post-Bachelors Diagnostic Ultrasound Certificate with a specialization in Cardiac, General or Vascular sonography.

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. Diagnostic Ultrasound, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Request Information

Loading...

About this Program

Learn how to create the ultrasounds used to diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Whether you want to specialize in Cardiac, Vascular or General (abdominal and ob-gyn) sonography, the Diagnostic Ultrasound Certificate offers a distinct pathway for you to confidently advance in your career.

Three Sonography Tracks

  • The vascular track allows you to focus on the blood vessels throughout the entire body. As a vascular technologist, you’ll be able to help monitor and diagnose a wide range of vascular conditions and vessel disease.
  • The general track, also known as the abdomen/OB-GYN track, focuses on the abdominal organs, abdominal blood vessels, small parts, pelvic organs and obstetrics. This program will teach you how to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of diseases and abnormalities.
  • Focus on the heart, its hemodynamics, thoracic arteries and veins, with the cardiac track. You’ll learn to help diagnose and monitor heart disease and valvular abnormalities.

Before Applying You’ll Need:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited program with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 of the last 90 quarter credits of the baccalaureate degree plus any post-baccalaureate coursework from a regionally accredited college or professional school.
  • A 3.0 cumulative grade point average in prerequisite coursework. 
  • A commitment to meet the College of Nursing and Clinical Agency requirements for annual health screening, immunization, medical insurance coverage, and other state and federal requirements.

Deadline to Apply

  • February 1st 
  • Admissions are cohort based with one cohort being admitted in the fall. 

Diagnostic Ultrasound at a Glance

Learn how this degree will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Once you complete this program, you’ll be able to:

  • Provide patient-centered care by applying the diagnostic ultrasound evaluation process to maximize the health of patients.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking attitudes, skills, and abilities in clinical decision making and evaluation of evidence-based diagnostic ultrasound practice.
  • Advocate for evidence-based diagnostic ultrasound evaluation for patients across the lifespan, health states and in a variety of health care settings.
  • Integrate information from multiple sources to appropriately inform modifications to diagnostic ultrasound plan of care for patients across health states and in a variety of health care settings.
  • Safely use and adjust diagnostic ultrasound technology and accurately analyze sonographic findings.
  • Use interpersonal communication, collaboration, and organizational skills to partner with patients, families, communities, and an interdisciplinary health care team to promote health.
  • Apply leadership principles and quality improvement techniques to influence diagnostic ultrasound industry practice to ensure quality and safety.
  • Demonstrate professional values through commitment to self-evaluation, lifelong learning, professionalism, service and respect for diversity and social justice.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

From our clinical partners

Kimberli Gascoigne, BS, RDCS

We've hosted several SU students for their clinical rotations. Each consistently comes prepared, exemplifies professionalism and is ready to engage in learning. They ask thought-provoking questions and apply feedback to their everyday practice. They've been a pleasure to teach and a joy to work with. Each graduates with high scores and is ready to care for patients and work with teams. We've been fortunate to hire graduates to our organization. Thank you, SU, for preparing your students so well!

Seattle Children's Hospital

Become a Sonographer

a professor in a lab coat points at a ultrasound image on screen while a student looks on

A Growing Industry

Job Outlook, 2022-32
10% (Much faster than average)

Employment Change, 2022-32
14,200

an aerial view of campus and First Hill hospitals in the winter sun

An Investment in Your Future

  • Can Be Completed in Two Years
  • 93% Overall Retention Rate in 2023
  • 94% Overall Credentialing Rate in 2023
  • 96% Overall Job Placement Rate in 2023

View Diagnostic Ultrasound program effectiveness data from the past three years. This data is updated annually. 

Program Effectiveness Data

Hear from our Alumni

Daniela Terebey, '23, Diagnostic Ultrasound Alum

Daniela Terebey

I highly recommend SU to anyone seeking to become a sonographer. I felt supported by the faculty, who were always kind and happy to walk students through topics we found confusing or challenging and created an environment that fosters learning. I received a clinical placement outside the area and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the program. I got to experience a new city, discover hiking trails and receive the most attentive teaching from my clinical instructor.

Class of 2023

Featured Faculty

Discover More Programs to Explore

Program Directory

  • Diagnostic Ultrasound, BS

    Major

    In the diagnostic ultrasound program, you’ll gain the technical skills and clinical experience to earn national certification and begin a professional career in diagnostic sonography.

    • Bachelor of Science

Get In Touch

College of Nursing