Picking an Ultrasound/DMS Program: Bachelors vs. Associates vs Certification

Hi everyone, one question I commonly get is how to pick between ultrasound programs.
Which one is better? Bachelors vs Associates vs Certification???
Are there more benefits in getting more of a higher education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography? Is the pay different?
What do you get coming out of these programs? What is the most important?
Here I answer all those questions!
1:27 -- What kind of degree or certification I received after MY program
1:57 -- SPI board exam completion
2:53 -- What you will receive after completing your program & board exam?
3:44 -- THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WHEN LOOKING FOR AN ULTRASOUND PROGRAM!
4:48 -- My honest advice... don't be stupid
7:01 -- Pay difference?
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TUNING IT. I HOPE YOU FIND THIS VIDEO HELPFUL
If you have any questions feel free to message me on...
--- Instagram- @kristydms ----
Give me a follow for any daily updates and posts!

[@yoh_ii]

The one thing that *does* matter tho, is making sure that the program you've chosen will actually *allow* you to sit for the registration exam.

[@erikaflores2566]

As a college dropout (mental health reasons), first time mom, and no set career path, your video was so encouraging! It really put things into perspective on whether I needed to actually go back and get a degree or just do the certification path. I’m understanding that it isn’t going to be easy but it is accomplishable. Thank you!

[@michaelu2562]

im going through depression, always tired, no energy to focus taking organic chem 2 rn and i'm about to drop the damn class and just pursue this, idk your comment caught my attention, hope you're better now!

[@ELMKTF]

I’m in the same position! Now that I have my baby I gotta get my life together and finally graduate with something in college. I wanna be financially stable for the two of us. The only thing is my commute to the program is gonna be crazy 🫤

[@Errsvydiibc]

It’s so real a lot of students with bachelor’s right now are even unemployed.

[@lolgeselle]

It’s true, this will happen with any degree and any field. Managers are being laid off. Executive chefs being let go. Hospital workers being furloughed. It’s a sad time. 😔

[@deysisalazar5485]

Thank you so much! All your videos have been super informational and I love how REAL you are! I’m excited to start my journey you definitely have inspired me 😊

[@yoanachavezdesoto6269]

Thanks so much for your videos! They have helped so much and I love how you keep it real for us girl.

[@rositatolentino75]

Thank you for explaining everything, but also getting to the point! ^^ your video was so helpful thanks:3

[@brianna7289]

Thank you for this video, it is so helpful! This is a big question of mine looking into sonography

[@jas2beinspired146]

Thank you so much! Literally helped me not waste anymore time researching/ scrolling all over the internet 😂 for this topic!

[@adrianatoledo2170]

Thank for making this video💗

[@Thatsher.Shantelle]

Thanks for putting me on to game girl! I just applied to my ultrasound program cant wait!

[@crystalrodriguez4600]

Best video hands down! I have been so confused as to what program I should sign up for. THANK YOUUUUUU

[@perezgiselle]

Thankyou so much for your videos. I’m really researching for a new career and want to pick the best for me. 🤩✨

[@tooglamtam431]

Omg thank you so much!! I’ve been losing my mind trying to find a bachelors that was in my budget!! I’m def going to go this route and if I feel I want to further my education I’ll think about that later. Thank you so much💕

[@em-im1jt]

Thank you! you've inspired me so much

[@tiabryce4973]

Clear speaking and no rambling. Love it subscribed

[@ballmonokuma9484]

Hello! Thank you for the advice at 4:48. After a year in college, I think this is the direction I'd like to take. So to hear that I don't exactly need the bachelor's is very reassuring, I'll be sure to keep researching!

[@aidasija3982]

Kristy I love your videos!! Can’t wait to start my program and get to where you are !! Rooting for you xo 💗

[@KristyDMS]

You’re the sweetest !good luck

[@caydiemustafa4731]

Your videos have really helped me pick what to do in terms of college... so thanks

[@gracesamaha5386]

This is the think I’m confused about. Do I go to one year of college and then enter a program?

[@caydiemustafa4731]

@@gracesamaha5386 I'm just going straight into a program. Because it IS college where I live i just googled a program and it came up

[@angeladeniselee]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

[@Pelviccore]

I love this so much!!!

[@katrina7636]

I literally love you this video calmed down my nerves down sooooo much

[@TaniWeinstein]

I just got accepted to my #1 sonography program 2 days ago, and I am so excited, but also so nervous! Your videos are so helpful to me and I am really studying up so I know more of what o expect. THANK YOU!

[@lolgeselle]

Congrats Tani!💖

[@wendycovarrubias5923]

any tips???

[@dianaz9262]

Hi, I was wondering how much this program cost you? I’m really stressed over the price of the program I’m looking into

[@shannonp4037]

@@dianaz9262 What did you find? My daughter is a HS senior now and looking at programs, they are $+ thousand per year for the bachelors program.

[@RachelSBell]

Your videos are amazing and I am now pursing Sonography!!!

[@Bostongreenm3.]

I’m so glad i came across this video… just what i was looking for! I want to leave ophthalmology and move on to become a RDMS, and my first option was UMBC but the cost was about $22k… then i did more research and realized that I didn’t have to spend that much to become a RDMS. Montgomery college became my first option. This video is very informative! Keep up the good work.

[@miraclesR4Eva]

im so happy that there's a video that compares all 3. I'm sitting here wondering which one should I get. Thank You Kristy the savior lol

[@ashrenea93]

Best video Iv watched about sonograms and Iv been watching a lot

[@ashiebriggs5662]

You're so helpful.. I'm 38 now and want to do a sonography program..and watching you really encourage me to do it

[@katiejohnson1459]

Thank you so much very helpful and informative!

[@kco22]

Thank you for sharing! Your information relieved a lot of stress on me and I feel encouraged to keep seeking out this field as I’m just beginning to contemplate on sonography school and where to begin! Thank you again! Have a lovely day. :)

[@KristyDMS]

I'm so glad! good luck!

[@Chromosome999]

Your videos are so good really the most helpful and informative I found on YT thank you so much ❤

[@michaeladunbar9777]

Such a great video!

[@chrisswitzer3541]

Just a heads up, bring accredited does not matter especially if you already have a Bachelors in something else. I have a business degree. Per the ardms, you can sit for the exams immediately after completing any program (accredited or not). Most main hospitals do not care ie Kaiser, UCSF ect. All they care about is the ARDMS. If you don't have a bachelors then you need 1yr to sit for those exams. In that case, I'd recommend going to an accredited school. Finding a job without the ardms is very hard. This is related to Califonia.

[@kaitlynfrichtel5603]

What path did you take since you originally had a business degree? Could you take the certificate program?

[@vthomas6029]

Hi Chris- i was wondering if you had any advice l- I have a AA from 2009. (with a ton of science courses) What’s my next step? The school near me only has a rad tech program. I don’t think that would help me pass the ARDMS. Are there Assc. Of Science for Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound that are online only? Or are there accredited certificate programs?

[@sorryfoo]

What path did you take? Certificate, AA, or bachelor's? I have a bachelor's located in CA and not sure which path makes most sense

[@monicacastillo7771]

I have a BA and I’m searching for any DMS program since we are allowed to take the ARDMS exam right after completing the program

[@denychangy7386]

dropping so much knowledge. Thank you

[@lisablake5727]

Thank you so much!! very informative

[@DANTESOUNDS]

Thank you so much for making this! My GF & I have had much smoother sailing because of your videos. Don't stop!

[@lolgeselle]

Kristy is amazing!! She has so much knowledge and is a great inspiration! 🥰🤍

[@norreluxe2278]

Thank you so much for posting this video super helpful. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jasmineking145]

I’m attending Montgomery College too! I’m so excited to be a raptor again 🤗 (went to MC years ago but left due to not knowing what to do with my life). So happy to have someone to relate to on this 💕 keep making more vids! You’re an inspiration to us all 😊.

[@KamilaDalmate]

Montgomery college has a certificate program as well?? I’ve been debating how to get it done because I need to work full time

[@joanseason2740]

Love this content. very inspiring. might be a sign for me to go for it !

[@MadelineBrooklyn2827]

you're so helpful !!!

[@faithcdl1546]

This was so helpful!!!!

[@emilypowell6401]

My future job!! Your videos are really helping

[@lolgeselle]

Hopefully we can hear about your journey!

[@Sara_-et1gt]

Thank you so much.I'm forty years old stay at home mom.Before all these,I I worked as teacher at high school about fifteen years.I'm looking for something I want to learn and then start my new career in US.Your video really gave me some ideas.

[@lolgeselle]

You’re an inspiration for others! ❤️

[@brittanyharris2301]

Congratulations to you and your accomplishments. I know that you must be so thrilled because I too recently graduated, and sat for my Abdomen and OB/GYN registries and I PASSED them!!! YAYYYY US! Anyway, my question to you is did you have to request for those certificates from ARDMS? I took my SPI my first year but I never received that certificate. As well as I haven’t received my certificate for the abdomen or OB/GYN. I took them both in September. How long should I wait? Thanks

[@_dyanna]

Omg thank you so much🥺🥺❤️❤️i really want to do sonography!!!

[@aeishawoodard7014]

Thank You Thank You Very Good Information you May Have Answered My Guestion🤔😊👍🏽

[@genevith7868]

I’m so glad I found your video I’m really struggling on what I want to do for a career. I think I’m not believing in myself but this career is what I’m more interested than anything else. I hope to watch more of your videos to learn more about it thank you for sharing

[@KristyDMS]

you got this!!! work hard now to get where you want! good luck to you!

[@madeleinelyann9939]

I'm in the same boat! You got this!

[@resetmyzen1585]

Thank you for this 🙌🏼

[@Fabrise88]

I really enjoyed your video and you gave great information.

[@courtneywesley5725]

Thank you for this!!!!!!

[@cindybesitos8933]

I finally graduated thank you, I remember watching you before I started this journey now I’m studying for my ARRT boards.. then I sit for the ARDMS in a month or so.. I appreciate your advice babe Mine is 40K but I finished in less than 2 years.. Much love from California

[@KristyDMS]

Yesss!!

[@kaylawilliams9644]

@Cindy besitos I'm in cali to do you have any tips on programs to start. I'm sooo lost 🥺

[@Chall0518]

What school did you go

[@Nat-os1wb]

@cindy besitos @kristy le I am confused about ARRT accredited programs vs CAAHEP accreditation, the programs around my area are accredited by ARRT but when I look at jobs requirement in new york they say "CAAHEP accredited education & ARDMS certification". If you go to a program accredited by ARRT are you allow to sit for the ARDMS? would really appreciate your feedback.

[@cindybesitos8933]

I went to WCUI it’s a great school I would suggest if u do not have a Bachelors already in another field do the bachelors program there. Tell them Estela R. Sent you. You may get a better price or discounted price.

[@gunchief0811]

I'm Signed up to become an X-RAY technologist it's a two-year Associates degree and it's got 1,900 clinical hours. FULLY ACCREDITED school I'm using my G.I. education benefits it's a very very thorough program I LOVE COMMUNITY COLLEGES! they teach us sooooooo much I start the D.M.I. Program I start this summer and also I'm taking the Medical terminology course and the college ALGEBRA I had a lot fo the general ed stuff already done from. different college so that's very helpful it makes it easier for me to focus on the stuff I need to focus on.

[@Qetsia]

This was so helpful omg thanks

[@alib.5159]

I’m absolutely obsessed with this job, thank you for sharing so much information about this! I was wondering, as a potential future Sonographer, would it be smart for me to become certified in every specialty area? Does it make a difference, in your experience, to be employed?

[@KristyDMS]

If you’re strictly going to have one concentration of sonography you’ll work in there’s no point of get every speciality certification unless you plan to do different things in the future. Like right now I do MFM. So my OB cert is the most important. I have abdomen but I highly doubt I’d go back

[@redone7384]

Thank you for bringing up the accreditation from CAAHEP ..there are a few schools located where I live. but most require a associate degree to enroll, two do not but the difference is the one that has the accreditation is triple the cost..as far as suny or cuny there seems to be a waiting list here. I'm really in a tough spot lol

[@katherinetheresa8873]

Yep

[@katherinetheresa8873]

The one in Brooklyn, is like 50k right? I’m guessing you’re from NY. And I’m not talking about SUNY downstate either.

[@redone7384]

@@katherinetheresa8873 Yes thats the one

[@YesMamii]

Did you decide on a school? My dream school was Suny Downstate but they require prerequisites which I'm missing 3. My next option is NY Medical Training Center 30k includes uniforms but isn't accredited. CAHE is 58k now but is accredited and has a great program. Stuck here as well.

[@gabrielacelleri8490]

@@YesMamii Im un the same spot, but I was thinking about to get an associate degree in radiology and then get a certification in sonography since there are a lot of more options in ny more cheaper and is accredited by caheep

[@bukiandrybear]

Thank you for this ☺️

[@Chuck.Mast3r]

Great information! I have a Chemical Engineering background and had been looking to get into Sonography. This made things seem far more practical for me to do! Thank you🙏🏽

[@johnsantiago8781]

i was in chemE in a university but dropped out even before the harder tier classes n i ended up in community college n whatever she sayin on the money.. although some of my peers that did stay and become engineers are atleast making 5-10k more or around my salary which is outstanding to me.. so yeh u in the right field.. also specialize on more areas bro... u gon be a money machinneeee

[@madisonprotain3258]

love your videos so much!! are their any DMS schools you would recommend in New York or around that area because I have been looking and researching but a lot of the reviews say they just want to take your money.

[@KristyDMS]

Not familiar with different areas except my own. Go on CAAHEP to look for schools in your area! Look at the reviews from there

[@anon52O]

Although it is recommended to attend an accredited program, it's not absolutely necessary. What's more important is whether the program has legit clinicals for you to attain the necessary scanning hours/studies to sit for the exams. I'm in pediatric echo (that started in adult echo) and I've had friends go the CCI route first, then ARDMS and it has worked out great for them. I apologize if this has been reiterated.

[@Errsvydiibc]

Wow, so I could literally go to a community college.

[@lolgeselle]

Yup! Community college for cheap and make the same amount of money as a bachelors. Just depends if that’s what you want!

[@sisterjames4110]

@@lolgeselle Can i do it without going to college?

[@redietyilma1878]

@@sisterjames4110 some ultrasound schools offer the prereqs you take in other colleges and teach you along with their program or before their program starts but it’ll be a little expensive. It would be smart to take your pre-reqs at a community college then apply to the cheapest accredited ultrasound school and get your associate or certificate

[@sisterjames4110]

@@redietyilma1878 Ugh but i hate college sm

[@Timababii]

Go girl I’m signing up for July classes ❤wish me luck

[@Livelaughshart]

I'm so thankful for this video girl..u have helped my ass so much

[@Sound7heWarCry]

Lol

[@stresslesswithbri]

This is so helpful, I just registered. I need to take my prerequisities first😊 I'm hoping it doesn't take too long. Thank you so much.

[@KristyDMS]

Fingers crossed!

[@EchocardiographyHeart]

@@KristyDMS thank you for guiding I started follow ur vdos now can you share your insta acc

[@meganbowen7869]

Kristy I love your videos!! Are there sonographers that work in emergency medicine? Like in the Emergency room?

[@KristyDMS]

Megan Bowen yes and no! So if you wanna do ER you’d just work at any hospital. Bc they sent ER patients to ultrasound but you’d technically be in the radiology section and stay there. So no technically just ER. you’d do ER, inpatients , and outpatients

[@allisona7076]

THANK YOUUUUUU

[@roxannamattke1358]

Hey! Thanks for all the information. I'm wondering how you go about getting certified in other specialties? For example, I am going to school for cardiac sonography, but I am also really interested in Ob Gyn. Thank you!

[@emilypotter1391]

Very informative vdo 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@necolebeautiful6694]

Thank you for this information. Please tell me is how you are working on adding Fetal echo as one of your certifications?

[@yatubane8690]

WoW i stopped going to college this year thinking I could go straight into the program without an associates

[@phelishagabriel6028]

It was very helpful 😢

[@cameron3045]

I went to school and have a bachelors. Now I’m going back for my ultrasound certification :)

[@cameron3045]

also the closest accredited program where I live is a private school. I’m going to be super in debt after..would you recommend moving somewhere else in state that has the certification? From what I see not many places near me are accredited yet

[@KristyDMS]

Cameron that’s your own judgment call. I’m not sure oh that. If you really want to then sure

[@janetsantiago9928]

Thank you for this beautiful 😘💞🤗🤗

[@ameinahill7138]

How long did you have to attend your community college all together? Did you have to take prerequisites before starting the program at your school?

[@a.d.w8385]

The problem is for many. A lot of states don't have it. Or the ones that do are from private schools. The one closest to me is a damn private Christian university. It's a 27 month program. A bachelor's degree. I dont want to go there but the only other option is in cities 3 hours away or other states.

[@imadaldeenestanbilly2774]

Hi Many thanks for your explanation. I Got the ARDMS Certificate in Obs and Gyn and I wonder which exam board I have to do to get registration in the USA as a sonographer in Obs and Gyn. Also, I have not trained in the USA but as an overseas doctor. Many thanks

[@EricTaylor-ru4oy]

Thank you

[@jasminerodriguez4434]

Hi Kristy love your videos you are always clear and straightforward. You mentioned on your video that you also have a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I know it takes less time to earn maybe a year or fifteen months you also decided to go for your Associates. How much does a Sonographer make with a certificate a year. I can't find any information on the pay with a certificate only. I know an Associate degree is better I am having a very hard time looking for a program in Jersey that's not to far from me. Still in the early stages of figuring out which route is best for me

[@rubenssmith9162]

It does count

[@emmamayorquin]

This lovely content creator must not live in California. It's it the 30k range not 10k range over here. 🙈 Anyway thank you for your informative video. I just got a text from my school trying to reel me into the bachelor's program since I'm a month away from AA completion. I must decline her offer after this vid 😊🙌🏼

[@animel03erlol34]

Wish me luck, I am applying into the program through accredited school and I only need to take physics to complete the requirement and it's under 10 grand for a two year associated program.

[@charmellwashington3870]

What school is this?

[@twoalright31]

The school that I’m planning on attending is diagnostic sonography. But I wanted to specialize in either pediatric or neuro. How do I do that? Is it after I finish or?

[@chepis7893]

Thanks

[@SairaKhann]

Hi! So I’m currently a freshman in college and earning my associates degree in sociology but I really want to become an ultrasound tech and I’ve changed my major sooo many times. So is it okay if I have my associates in sociology but a certification for sonography? Also could you tell us how the board exam was for you if you haven’t already? 💗

[@Addielp]

Hii! Thanks for the video!💗 I have a question, if you want to do fetal echo, do you need to do a whole different program after graduated from abdomen and ob/gyn? Or you need to do extra hours at work and then do the registry? I would love more information on this please:)

[@Beegurl94]

very helpful

[@queenky5040]

Thank you for your video. One of the things that caught my attention is that you stated school needs to be accredited but I spoke with ARDMS and there’s multiple ways to sit for your SPI. If the school is not accredited some offer to take the ARRT exam first to sit for your SPI. Do you have more insight on that?

[@juicybouche]

So what’s the point of offerin the associates and bachelors if they’re all the same? So what’s the different between ultrasound tech and a registered DMS?

[@lordvoldemort1985]

i cannot put into words how much this video helped me lol. The process is SO CONFUSING bc there are 3 routes you can take to become a DMS. NO WHERE AT ALL spells it out like you did here that all of the routes lead to the same job and same pay. This took me forever to figure out, bc I already have a college degree but I think I want to do DMS instead of physical therapy. Anyways, you rule and tyvm.

[@KristyDMS]

i appreciate the love and happy you were able to get into this career! there is barely any info online. and im happy you were able to find my info informative and helpful for you

[@estefanicruz9418]

hi im a teen mom and im about to graduate high school, all i want is to take care of my family can you tell me about if you went college and what classes you took and did the program come in the college? can you please just let me know i really want to be in this field

[@christopherayesu723]

If you plan on going to medical school. Then you should consider the bachelors

[@tbms-jb3qx]

Hey! I need your help! I got my bachelors and it’s a waste the only way I can do anything with it is if I do more school like nursing, dental hygiene, PT, OT, etc etc etc...there is only like 3 programs near me that is considered an associates I believe. All of them are ridiculous to get into and cost more I’m sure. Where can I do the certification route? I’m ready to work as soon as possible. Would you say that everything you said in this video is still true now or have things changed like do you have to at least have an associates now?

[@isaiasbazail1457]

Nice

[@berrios2]

What do you think about online school program? For Sonography, do you know someone who has done it? Thanks 😊

[@sidology1.0]

It's not recommended and is hard to find because this field is soo hands on dominanted.

[@BlackMoon-ck6qq]

Hi Kristy! Do you kno if casa loma(van nuys, ca) is accredited by CAAHEP?

[@evelynyan9920]

I like this video very much, which is very helpful to me, and I have a question, if the institute is not Accredited but it shows Registered on the accreditation Canada website, can I choose this school?

[@charlesmosquera6279]

Hi Kristy, if you want to learn Vascular Ultrasound, please let me know. Charles Mosquera, RVT since 2002.

[@allie_g419]

Hey, Do you have to take extra courses in Echo or Vascular before taking the board exam to become specialized in those areas? Also, I really enjoyed the video!

[@KristyDMS]

Algeria Gammage once you are RDMS is one speciality, I believe you need to get certain clinical experience hours and study , get someone to sign off and take the board exams. You don’t need to go through another program if you wanna do more

[@faithtillman2567]

Hello Kristy, so I just got accepted into a Sonography program that offers a Bachelor's degree. My only issue is that my program used to be accredited but now it's not. My program coordinator says they are working on getting reaccredited but it's taking more time to do so because of this pandemic right now. But my head program coordinator also told the class since we are a program that's getting a bachelors degree then that allows us to sit for our board exams and we can apply for jobs before graduation. If it were you would you stay in this program since the program coordinator said you are allowed to sit for your board exams but currently isn't accredited right now?

[@KristyDMS]

the main thing i would want guaranteee from your program if it is not accredited is to ask for sure if you are "eligible to take your registry board exam after complettion of the program" bc sometimes you cant. so just make sure!!!! ask askask. you do not wanna waste your time.

[@요링이]

Hi Kristy, Thank you for your video, I am looking for school to be a sonographer. And I found one private school but it doesn't look like has CAAHEP. I just searched it after your video. Then It means, I can't get a job even I take the programs? I am so confused.

[@macailamcdonel9992]

I have a bachelor's in biology and I've been leaning more and more towards diagnostic medical sonographer... I have no idea where to go from here 😕

[@Sweetheart0189]

Same! I’m going through with DMS instead of nursing now.

[@TheFallonCarrington]

I already have a bachelors in health administration, what’s your take on going back to school to be a sonographer?

[@tbms-jb3qx]

I second this!

[@amor_en_fatis]

Do it!

[@lolgeselle]

If sonography is what you ultimately want to do, do it! Never too late to do something new or have a career shift. I’m all for new things and new adventures, especially if it’s something you’re truly interested and love!

[@HolaPriscilla]

Did you get a bachelor's in health administration if so what kind of job did you end up getting? I wanted to major in it.

[@rachelletyson3041]

Get an associates in sonography because then you can be a manager.