10 Best Sonography Programs in Des Moines, IA for 2026

Des Moines offers several high-quality sonography programs to prepare students for careers in medical imaging and diagnostics. Here are the top 10 sonography programs in Des Moines for 2024 based on accreditation, graduation rates, reputation, and student outcomes.

1. Mercy College of Health Sciences

• Address: 928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: (515) 643-3180
• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
• Offers Bachelor‘s degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Cardiac Echo Specialization
• High job placement rates for graduates
• Students get extensive hands-on training using industry-standard equipment
• Small class sizes and personalized instruction

Mercy College is the top choice for sonography education in Des Moines. With a focus on clinical training and professional development, graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

2. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

• Address: 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
• Phone: (515) 964-6200
• Associate‘s degree and certificate programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Emphasis on vascular sonography training
• Partnerships with major hospitals and clinics in the region
• Students get over 700 hours of hands-on scanning experience
• High exam pass rates for graduates
• Affordable tuition rates

DMACC‘s sonography program is very competitive but offers an accelerated and affordable pathway to start a career in vascular ultrasound. The extensive clinical training produces competent entry-level sonographers.

3. Grand View University

• Address: 1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
• Phone: (515) 263-2800
• Bachelor‘s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Small class sizes of 12 students or less
• Structured clinical rotations at healthcare facilities
• Chance to earn while learning through paid cooperative education experiences
• Expert faculty with years of industry experience
• State-of-the-art simulation lab on campus

Grand View is a private university providing personalized instruction in sonography. With paid co-op opportunities and a high job placement rate, it‘s a worthwhile investment for launching a successful career in the field.

4. Des Moines University

• Address: 3200 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
• Phone: (515) 271-1400
• Master‘s degree program in Medical Ultrasound
• Advanced training in specialized ultrasound procedures
• Develops leadership and research skills
• Chance to collaborate with expert faculty on research
• Emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based practice
• Small class cohort for individualized training

Des Moines University‘s graduate program takes sonography education to the next level. Graduates can pursue advanced careers in specialized vascular imaging or ultrasound education and management roles.

5. Hawkeye Community College

• Address: 1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701
• Phone: (319) 296-4000
• Associate‘s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Credentialed faculty with decades of clinical experience
• State-of-the-art simulation lab
• Structured clinical rotations and real-world experience
• Emphasis on abdominal, ob/gyn, and vascular ultrasound
• High graduate satisfaction and job placement rates

Hawkeye‘s sonography program in Waterloo is worth the drive from Des Moines. With competitive tuition rates and a proven reputation for outstanding clinical training, it‘s an affordable option for launching a successful career.

6. Allen College

• Address: 1825 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703
• Phone: (319) 226-2000
• Bachelor‘s and Associate‘s degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Small class sizes for individualized training
• Over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience
• Chance to earn clinical hours during program
• Emphasis on professional development
• Expert faculty and high graduate employment rate

Allen College offers comprehensive sonography programs focused on professional skills and clinical competency. Graduates have a strong reputation among Iowa employers as thoroughly prepared entry-level sonographers.

7. Western Iowa Tech Community College

• Address: 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
• Phone: (712) 274-6400
• Associate‘s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Specialization in abdominal, ob/gyn, breast, and vascular ultrasound
• Over 1,000 hours of clinical rotations
• Hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment
• Dedicated faculty with decades of field experience
• High graduate satisfaction and job placement success

WITCC is a hidden gem, offering affordable and high-quality sonography education. Graduates are well-prepared for specialty credential exams and securing jobs at major hospitals and clinics.

8. Iowa Central Community College

• Address: 1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
• Phone: (515) 576-7201
• Associate‘s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Specialization in abdominal, ob/gyn, and vascular ultrasound
• Extensive clinical experience at partner medical facilities
• Small class sizes for individualized instruction
• Dedicated faculty and competitive tuition rates
• Excellent reputation among regional employers

For sonography students in central Iowa, Iowa Central offers an affordable pathway to launch your career. The program produces competent graduates ready to provide quality patient care.

9. Southeastern Community College

• Address: 1015 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, IA 52655
• Phone: (866) 722-4692
• Associate‘s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Specialization in abdominal, ob/gyn, and vascular ultrasound
• Over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience
• Credentialed faculty and high board exam pass rates
• State-of-the-art campus lab with simulation technology
• Competitive tuition rates

For sonography students in southeast Iowa, SCC is the top local choice. With extensive clinical hours and dedicated faculty, graduates consistently find employment at major regional hospitals and clinics.

10. Indian Hills Community College

• Address: 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
• Phone: (641) 683-5111
• Associate‘s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Specialization in abdominal, ob/gyn, vascular, and echocardiography
• Over 1,000 hours of clinical rotations
• Hands-on experience using cutting-edge ultrasound technology
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty
• Excellent reputation among regional employers

Indian Hills offers a comprehensive sonography program covering all major imaging specialties. With competitive tuition rates and a proven history of graduate employment success, it‘s a strong choice for launching your sonography career.