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Diagnostic Ultrasound, BS

Seattle University's Diagnostic Ultrasound program is noted as one of the first baccalaureate programs of its kind in the nation and the first in Washington State to offer a bachelor's degree in ultrasound.

About this Program

Innovative, High-Tech Sonography Program for a Rewarding Career

Prepare for your future as a diagnostic health care professional by joining Seattle's first Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound (BS DIUS) program.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, non-surgical diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and tissues within the body to help identify health issues.

Our three curriculum tracks—General, Vascular and Cardiac—offer you program experiences to prepare you for a career in your specialization.

Hands-on, Holistic Education for Better Health Care

Our Bachelor of Science degree and post-baccalaureate certificate offer you access to leading edge on-campus lab facilities, classrooms and off-site clinical practice experiences that allow you to hone your skills and work with diverse groups of patients.

During your studies, you will be prepared didactically and clinically with a strong background in the sciences and human body, which will give you a strong footing if you choose to further your career by pursuing an advanced degree in another field (such as Physician’s Assistant, Medical Doctor, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Physical Therapy and Master of Business Administration).

Our graduates have high placement rates in their field because they benefited from a bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate certificate program that pairs the skills employers seek with values that come with a Jesuit education. Join our Redhawk alumni network to transform health care in ways that create a more just and humane world.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Degree at a Glance

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

As a student of our Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound (DIUS) program, you will join a community of faculty and students dedicated to your success. No matter what track you pursue, your program of study will include foundational courses in math, biology, physics, chemistry and other undergraduate core courses. In your third and fourth years, you will take higher level courses that focus on your specific track within the DIUS program.

Whether you are a first time in college, transfer or post-baccalaureate student, we have developed plans of study that allow you to dive into the foundational and DIUS courses you need to earn your degree.

Learn about our Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program.

With three learning domains of Vascular, General and Cardiac in the DIUS Program at Seattle University, the Program Goals are to:

  • To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
  • To prepare competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
  • To prepare competent entry-level vascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

To achieve these goals, students complete the following Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. Provide patient-centered care by applying the diagnostic ultrasound evaluation process to maximize the health of patients.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking attitudes, skills, and abilities in clinical decision making and evaluation of evidence-based diagnostic ultrasound practice.
  3. Advocate for evidence-based diagnostic ultrasound evaluation for patients across the lifespan, health states and in a variety of health care settings.
  4. Integrate information from multiple sources (including electronic information management systems) to appropriately inform modifications to diagnostic ultrasound plan of care for patients across health states and in a variety of health care settings.
  5. Safely utilize and appropriately adjust diagnostic ultrasound technology and accurately analyze sonographic findings.
  6. Use interpersonal communication, collaboration, and organizational skills to work in partnerships with patients, families, communities, and an interdisciplinary health care team to promote health.
  7. Apply leadership principles and quality improvement techniques to influence diagnostic ultrasound industry practice to ensure quality and safety.
  8. Demonstrate professional values through commitment to self-evaluation, lifelong learning, professionalism, service, 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

Tanya Miranda, BS, RCCS, RDCS, ACS

As an SU graduate and Clinical Instructor at Stanford Hospital, I've been consistently impressed with the students from the SU diagnostic ultrasound program. The students are exceptionally prepared, possessing a strong foundation in pathology and advanced scanning abilities that allow them to quickly adapt to our protocols and expectations. We've hired multiple SU graduates, valuing their quick learning and exceptional performance in image optimization and ability to produce high quality images.

Class of 2007
Stanford Heart and Vascular Clinic

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#15

Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools —College Factual, 2024

#1

School in Washington state

For a Bachelor's in Nursing —College Factual, 2024

#1

In Washington State

Best Schools for Bachelor’s Students to Study Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician—College Factual, 2024

Prepared for a Meaningful Career in Seattle’s Health Care Industry

Student doing an ultrasound in a clinical setting

Clinical Experience

The last year of your program includes a hands-on sonography clinical experience in which you will be placed at one of our partner sites, including both inpatient and outpatient settings in teaching hospitals, community hospitals and ambulatory care clinics sites within the Puget Sound region, Washington state and beyond.

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Uniquely Situated in The Dynamic Heart of Seattle

Only steps away from ‘Pill Hill’— so called because of the density of several major medical centers, giving students easy access to clinical classes in a variety of settings.

Three Specialties for Exciting Careers

As a highly respected graduate of a high-demand career in a major U.S. city, there will be many diagnostic ultrasound jobs and opportunities available to you throughout your career.

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Program at Seattle University offers three distinctive track specializations: Cardiac, General and Vascular sonography. Each track helps you personalize your coursework to fit your career goals and interests.

Common Job Titles:

  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer® (RDMS®)
  • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer® (RDCS®)
  • Registered Vascular Technologist® (RVT®)

Top Employers:

  • University of Washington
  • Harborview Medical Center
  • Swedish Medical Center
  • Virginia Mason Medical Center
  • Providence Medical Center
  • Kaiser Medical Center
  • Overlake Medical Center
  • MultiCare Health systems
  • Stanford Hospital
  • Queen's Medical Center

Hear From Our Alumni

Nathan Eller, '24, BS in Diagnostic Ultrasound

Nathan Eller

“I’m glad that I chose Seattle University’s Diagnostic Ultrasound program because the atmosphere is centered around learning and it is extremely evident that each and every professor here truly cares about the success of their students. Also, I’ve never been surrounded by such a focused and driven group of people that push me to be better in the classroom and in the scan lab.”

Class of ‘24

Featured Faculty

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about Diagnostic Ultrasound at Seattle University, contact:

College of Nursing