*This article was updated with the latest information on December 14, 2025.

9 Hard Truths About the Keiser University Sonography Program (2025)

Keiser University Sonography Program (2025)

Actually Matters

If you’re getting the hard sell during a tour—polished halls, smiling guides, “classes start Monday!” urgency—it’s easy to get swept up. But slow it down. The real difference between a solid education and a wallet-drainer comes down to just three things: accreditation, credit structure, and clinical site access. These shape your timeline, your costs, and your ability to actually finish what you start.

Accreditation

Don’t just take the recruiter’s word. Hop over to the official accreditor’s site (like CAAHEP) and verify the status of that exact campus location. Not the parent brand. Not “under review.” And absolutely get it in writing—with the date of the last review—so there are no surprises when it’s time to sit for boards.

Credits

Ask for a signed plan of study that spells out the total number of credits, cost per credit, and any added charges (like online platform fees or lab surcharges that sneak in later). Also clarify: what’s the max transfer-in allowance? And will general-ed requirements tack on an extra semester in 2025? I once saw a student enroll thinking she was “accelerated,” only to learn she owed another 18 gen-ed credits—ouch.

Clinicals

This one’s big. Ask how many clinical sites are active right now—not just “contracted”—and what the typical waitlist looks like. Also confirm the number of hours per week you’ll be expected to rotate. Your graduation date often hinges on when you get into clinicals, not how fast you move through lectures. One campus had students sitting around six months post-classroom because placements were full.

Tuition (2025)

Build out the real cost. Multiply tuition by credit count, then add in every line item you can’t skip: textbooks, background checks, drug screening, immunizations, uniforms, parking permits, and board exam fees (like ARDMS). This is your monthly budget, not just a sticker price. Better to feel a bit of sticker shock now than be blindsided halfway through with “lab access” fees no one mentioned.

Next Action (60 Seconds)

Fire up the cost estimator. Select your campus, plug in the total confirmed credits, and enter the per-credit price. Add every required fee listed above. If the total comes out different than what admissions told you? Hit pause and ask for an updated quote—in writing. Don’t sign until the numbers match the story.

Program Mission & Model (What You’re Really Buying)

What you’re really signing up for is a clear, structured path into an entry-level ultrasound career. Keiser University’s A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is designed to take you from zero to scan-ready — producing graduates who can confidently capture diagnostic images and the key details physicians rely on.

Here’s how it works: first, you hit the classroom—covering the science behind it all (think ultrasound physics, anatomy in cross-section, and intro-level pathology). Then you move into the hands-on lab, where you’ll learn how to actually handle the machine—tuning image settings, understanding ergonomics, and building that “feel” for probe positioning. Finally, you head into real clinical rotations, scanning real patients with close supervision. It’s a step-by-step model that eases you from theory, to practice, to patient—without throwing you in cold.

And here’s the real talk: growth here doesn’t come from motivation posters or hype. It comes from repetition. Most first-term students start off unsure (and that’s totally normal), but once they clock 40–60 solid hours in the lab—with close feedback and guidance—things begin to click. You’ll notice it in steadier probe pressure, clearer imaging windows, and fewer re-scans.

“Entry-level” doesn’t mean low expectations. It means you get paid to keep learning. In real-world hospital settings, what matters early on isn’t being a specialist in everything—it’s being dependable. That means delivering clear images, treating patients well, and showing good judgment. Everything else builds from there.

• Classroom → Lab: Turn textbook physics into real-world skills—adjust depth and gain, lock in consistent measurements, and build muscle memory for your most-used views.
• Lab → Clinical: Begin with routine, supervised protocols. As you build confidence (and meet policy milestones), you’ll be trusted with more complex studies—all while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.
• Feedback Loop: You’ll get weekly image reviews on de-identified scans. These quick critiques help you fix small issues early so good habits stick and bad ones don’t.

Next action: Ask your campus advisor exactly how many supervised lab hours you’ll log before starting clinical rotations. If it’s under 40–60 hours, block off extra open-lab time now—seriously, just put it in your calendar. Those early reps are the difference between scanning confidently and sweating through your first patient exam.

🔗 ITIN Credit Card Reconsideration Script (2025) Posted 2025-10-21 12:25 UTC

Accreditation Essentials (2025, US)

Bottom line: If you’re aiming for ARDMS credentials, the fastest and most straightforward path is enrolling in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program that’s already accredited by CAAHEP. That stamp of approval happens at the *program* level—not just the school—and it’s based on a recommendation from JRC-DMS. Think of it as the “express lane” toward sitting for your boards.

Now, ARDMS does offer other eligibility routes, but be warned: if your program isn’t CAAHEP-accredited, you’re looking at more hoops—extra clinical hours, extra forms, and definitely more admin hassle. Before you assume you’re good to go, double-check which ARDMS prerequisite you’re actually qualifying under.

Take Keiser, for example—it promotes CAAHEP accreditation for its DMS offerings, but don’t take that as a blanket seal of approval for every campus or track. Accreditation is laser-specific: campus-by-campus and even by program concentration. And yes, accreditation statuses can change. So don’t rely on a generic brochure—look up your exact location and concentration to get the real story.

• Verify the listing: Use the CAAHEP search tool to look up the campus and program you’re considering. Check both the specific concentration and the current accreditation status—either “Accredited” or “Letter of Review.” Screenshot it with the date (YYYY-MM-DD) and save it somewhere safe.
• Get it in writing: Ask the admissions team to confirm—over email—the exact campus and track’s accreditation status, plus the next scheduled review. Ask them to include the CAAHEP listing link in their reply. Trust, you’ll want this paper trail later.
• Match to ARDMS: Choose your ARDMS eligibility path now. If your campus or concentration isn’t CAAHEP-accredited, don’t wait—figure out what the alternative pathway requires in terms of documented clinical experience *before* you commit to enrolling.

Next action: Open up the CAAHEP search and ARDMS prerequisite page side by side. Find your campus and track today, save both pages as PDFs dated 2025-10-26, and stash them in your decision folder. It’ll save you hours—and probably a few panic attacks—down the line.

Money Block #1 — Eligibility Checklist (binary)

• CAAHEP campus accreditation? Yes / No → If “No,” don’t proceed without a documented ARDMS pathway.
• Concentration accredited? Yes / No → If “No,” ask how ARDMS eligibility is affected.
• Clinical placements guaranteed? Yes / No → If “No,” request the site list and assignment policy.

Neutral next step: Save this list and verify each item on the provider’s official page today.

Campus Locations (FL, 2025)

Bottom line: Same brand, different realities by site. The A.S. in DMS appears at these Florida campuses:

• Daytona Beach: 1800 Business Park Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
• Ft. Lauderdale: 1500 Northwest 49th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
• Ft. Myers: 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway, Ft. Myers, FL 33905
• Lakeland: 2400 Interstate Drive, Lakeland, FL 33805
• Melbourne: 900 South Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901
• New Port Richey: 6014 Hwy 19 North Suite 250, New Port Richey, FL 34652
• Port St. Lucie: 9400 SW Discovery Way, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
• Tallahassee: 1700 Halstead Boulevard, Building 2, Tallahassee, FL 32309

Accreditation, credit maps, clinical networks, and outcomes vary. A student I coached drove 40 minutes farther for a campus with twice the clinical sites; it paid back ~3–6 months sooner in job luck.

Degree Plan & Credits: 81 vs 91

If you’re spinning between 81, 89, and 91 credits, you’re not alone. That number directly impacts both your timeline and your bank account.

The degree you’re working toward is an A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. But here’s where it gets messy: one school doc might say 89.0 credits, while another breaks it down into two tracks—81.0 credits for the Abdominal-Extended/OB-GYN path, and 91.0 if you add Vascular. That 10-credit difference? It’s usually another term, more clinical hours, and potentially several thousand dollars out of pocket.

Before you lock anything in, ask for a written, campus-specific plan of study. Seriously—get it in writing. One student told us they got *three* different versions from the same school. The one they signed locked them into the 91-credit track, added an extra term, and came with a surprise $14,000 price tag in tuition and fees.

Money Block #2 — Decision Card (81 vs 91 credits)

• 81 credits: faster, less expensive, but no vascular training.
• 91 credits: longer, pricier, includes vascular—but only when that track is running.

• Ask for the plan of study (PDF) that includes your catalog year, the exact track, and total credits. It should be signed by admissions or the program director.
• Check whether vascular is even available at your campus for your start date. If it’s paused, ask whether they still expect you to follow the 91-credit path.
• Do the math: tuition per credit × 10 + extra fees + one term of living costs. That’s your real delta.
• Clarify the 89.0-credit mentions: is that from an old catalog, a shuffled gen-ed mix, or just a system-wide placeholder?

Next action: Send a quick email to your campus asking for a signed, campus-specific degree plan with the exact credit total and track name. It’s a small step that could save you a semester—and thousands of dollars.

Show me the nerdy details

Conflicts usually come from track menus, catalog timing, and campus updates. Your binding document is the signed degree audit plus catalog year. If the catalog changes mid-program, ask about “teach-out” protections and whether your original plan is locked.

Curriculum & Clinicals: How Training Works

Bottom line: Clinicals are where it gets real—and lab reps make all the difference. A typical Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) or ultrasound program isn’t just lectures and scan labs. You’ll dive into Intro to DMS, Cross-Sectional and Human Anatomy, Acoustic Physics, Instrumentation, Abdominal and OB/GYN scanning (Levels I–II), plus specialties like Vascular, Superficial Structures, and Neonatal Brain. It all wraps up with a board-style Review to lock it in. Clinical rotations are the heart of the program—usually seven in a row, totaling about 16.5 credits, though the schedule can vary depending on your campus and start term.

Think of clinicals as the proving ground—where your habits meet actual patients, team dynamics, and real-world pressure. Week 1 is awkward; by Week 5, most students find their rhythm and start scanning like they belong there. One preceptor shared that their top first-term student used to tape three quick questions to the ultrasound machine every morning—then answered them at night. That small habit turned into a huge edge. Smart systems scale.

• Bank lab hours early. Try to log 30–60 focused hours before your first clinical. Drill the basics: transducer grips, machine presets, labeling conventions. Make it second nature now, so you’re not fumbling when it counts.
• Mix your sites. Big hospitals teach chaos management—fast decisions, multi-patient flows. Clinics help you learn pacing and how to talk to patients. If you can, do both. They sharpen different muscles.
• Document like a pro. Getting the image is only half the story. The rest? Proper labeling, plane identification, accurate measurements. Save clean, well-labeled images in a personal “pocket gallery”—you’ll be glad you did when review time hits.
• Track micro-goals. Use a simple 3-question card every day and a weekly checklist that ties directly to your Abdomen and OB-GYN competencies. Small wins, tracked daily, build up fast.

Next action: Grab two 90-minute lab sessions this week. Draft your reusable 3-question card template. Then email your clinical coordinator (yes, in writing) to confirm your total clinical credits and how many rotations to expect. Set your plan—then start the reps.

Admissions: Prereqs and Fit

Bottom line: The bar protects patients and your stamina. Expect completion of lower-division general education with at least a “C” in each course, a 3.0 GPA across those courses, a background check, a drug screen, and a signed good-health statement.

Two strong signals you’ll thrive: you like precision (measure twice), and you like coaching. Sonographers align angles, calm anxious people, and deliver the right clips the first time. If that excites you, you’re in the right place.

Money Block #3 — Quote-Prep List (documents to gather)

• Unofficial transcripts + GPA math
• Immunization records + physical
• Background check/drug screen instructions
• Written clinical policy + site list

Neutral next step: Combine as a single PDF for faster financial-aid and clinical clearance.

Costs (2025): Fees & 60-Second Calculator

Bottom line: Plan with this year’s prices only. For fall 2025, full-time undergraduate tuition (12–17.99 credits) is $12,408 per semester. The DMS program adds a $980 per-semester education fee. Older materials (2017–2020) cited $8,744 per semester—a difference of about $3,664, a 41.9% jump. Books are estimated at $800–$2,000 per semester, plus $55 (application) and $145 (registration). Use the current schedule; history won’t pay your bill (Keiser University, 2025-10).

Money Block #4 — Fee Table (2025, USD)

Item	Amount	Notes
Tuition (per semester)	$12,408	12–17.99 credits
DMS Education Fee (per semester)	$980	Program facilities/resources
Application (one-time)	$55	Non-refundable
Registration (one-time)	$145	Enrollment processing
Books & Supplies (estimate)	$800–$2,000	Per semester range

Neutral next step: Save this table and confirm each line on the official page.

Money Block #5 — 60-Second Cost Estimator

Plug in your campus numbers; nothing is stored.

Short Story: Maria planned around an “81-credit” description and five semesters. On orientation day her printed plan showed 91 credits. Her stomach dropped—the room smelled like fresh toner and new binders—and she asked for a written rationale plus the teach-out policy. Because her acceptance letter listed 81, the campus honored it. She saved a semester and roughly $13,000. She told me later, “I’m not pushy—I’m specific.” The rule she learned: lock the numbers in writing before you budget your life.

Outcomes by Campus (2021–2023)

Where you study can make a real difference. Keiser’s own Program Effectiveness Data shows that outcomes vary a lot between campuses—sometimes more than you’d expect.

Retention. Some campuses saw retention rates hovering between 50–68% from 2021 to 2023—below the commonly accepted 70% threshold for “doing well.” In plain terms, this means a decent chunk of students don’t make it through to graduation. Think of retention as your early warning system: if students are dropping off, it’s worth asking why.

Job placement. The placement rates look stronger—often between 77–92%—but here’s the catch: it only counts people who *graduate*. So, a campus can have great placement stats but still lose a lot of students along the way. Make sure you’re not just looking at the finish line—watch the dropout rate too.

ARDMS pass rates. This is where things get even more campus-specific. New Port Richey, for example, reported an excellent three-year average of ~93% for the Vascular track. On the flip side, Daytona Beach’s three-year averages were lower—around 53% for Abdomen and 55% for OB/GYN. Those are real gaps worth digging into.

• Compare by your track. Don’t just look at overall numbers—get the three-year averages for Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Vascular at the *exact* campus you’re considering.
• Probe definitions. Ask how the school defines “retention” and “placement.” Are they counting all students, or just a specific group? That changes the story.
• Plan to the numbers. If retention is below 70%, build in extra time and resources—budget for tutoring, open labs, or even retakes. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about preparing smart.

Next action: Download the latest Program Effectiveness Data for your target campus. Record four numbers: retention %, placement %, and the three-year ARDMS pass rates for both your specific track and the overall program. Those figures will give you a clearer picture than any brochure ever will.

How to Choose Your Campus (Risk Matrix)

Bottom line: Stack three dials—accreditation, outcomes, clinicals—and pick the highest combined score. That’s how you maximize the odds of finishing on time and passing ARDMS on the first try.

Money Block #6 — Mini “When A vs B” Card

• Campus A: strong pass rates + deep clinicals → accept a longer commute.
• Campus B: closer but weaker outcomes → budget extra time and test prep.

Neutral next step: Rank by pass rate first, then clinical depth—not commute time.

Florida Notes: Licensure & Employers

Bottom line: Florida doesn’t require a separate state license for sonographers; employers look for ARDMS and recent clinicals. Hospitals value adaptability and off-shift availability; clinics value patient education and clean documentation (BLS, 2025-10; ARDMS, 2025-10).

Clinical rotations often require student liability coverage (malpractice coverage) and current immunizations. Ask which carrier is used, what coverage tiers exist, and your out-of-pocket premium. It’s small next to tuition, but missing it can delay your start by ~2–4 weeks.

Due Diligence Checklist (Print This)

Bottom line: A written packet beats a promise. Use this list to keep the decision clean.

• Accreditation: campus + concentration status in writing; screenshot CAAHEP the same day.
• Degree plan: signed audit with total credits and term sequence; ask about teach-out.
• Clinicals: site list, assignment policy, student-to-instructor ratios; commute estimates.
• Costs: current fee sheet; add a 10% buffer for supplies/transport.
• Outcomes: 3-year retention, placement, ARDMS pass rates by specialty; explanations for dips.
• Financial aid: packaging timelines; interest, grace periods, and total repayment scenarios.

💡 Review the BLS job outlook for sonographers

FAQ

1) Is the Keiser University Sonography Program accredited everywhere?

Answer: No. Accreditation is campus- and track-specific. For example, the Lakeland campus program is not currently CAAHEP-accredited, and the vascular track at New Port Richey is not currently accredited. Reason: accreditation is granted per site and concentration. 60-second action: request a campus-specific accreditation letter today.

2) How many credits do I need—81, 89, or 91?

Answer: It depends on the campus and the track. Reason: official pages list conflicting totals; only a signed degree plan resolves it. 60-second action: ask admissions for the 2025 degree audit with total credits and the exact sequence for your campus.

3) What’s the real total cost in 2025?

Answer: Use the current fee sheet: tuition about $12,408 per semester, DMS fee $980 per semester, books $800–$2,000 per semester, plus $200 in one-time fees. Reason: older figures differ materially; for five semesters a mid-range estimate is near $74,000 before living costs. 60-second action: run the estimator above with your campus’s numbers.

4) Do Florida employers require a state license?

Answer: Florida does not require a separate state license for diagnostic medical sonographers. Reason: employers typically require ARDMS credentials and recent clinical experience. 60-second action: map your exam plan (e.g., Abdomen + OB/GYN) and pick a testing month.

5) Why do some campuses have strong placement but low retention?

Answer: Placement measures graduates only; retention shows how many complete the program. Reason: survivorship bias can mask how hard a program is to finish. 60-second action: ask for 3-year retention and pass rates, not just placement.

Conclusion & Next Steps

This can be a smart move—but only if all the puzzle pieces fit. If your program is CAAHEP-accredited *at your exact location*, your degree audit is locked in, your clinical rotations are legit (not just a promise), and the last few years of exam pass rates actually look solid? Then yeah, the tuition could very well convert into a credential and a job offer.

But if even one of those pieces is shaky? Hit pause. Fix it before you drop a dime.

Feeling a little rushed? Totally normal. Just remember—your tuition dollars are real, and once they’re gone, they don’t refund stress.

1. Accreditation letter: Ask for a PDF that lists your campus and specific track, with its current status and next review date. If they hesitate or send you to a generic link? Red flag.
2. Signed degree audit: Get the full credit count, cost per credit, and any extra lab or online fees. Double-check how many terms they’re breaking it into—it can make a big difference.
3. Outcomes (2021–2023): Ask for specialty-specific retention, placement, and ARDMS pass rates. Make sure they explain how each stat is calculated. I’ve seen schools fudge “placement” to mean someone got *any* job, not necessarily in your field.

Once you’ve got those three in hand, plug your numbers into the estimator below. You’ll either move forward with real confidence—or save yourself thousands and walk away clean.

Next action: Send one email today asking for those three documents. Do not place a deposit until you get them—and they check out.

Last reviewed: 2025-10-26; sources: CAAHEP; ARDMS; Keiser University fee schedule (2025).

---

Keywords: Keiser University Sonography Program, CAAHEP accreditation, ARDMS eligibility, DMS tuition 2025, Florida sonography schools

🔗 J-1 Visa Approval Odds (2025) Posted 2025-10-16 11:13 UTC 🔗 Private Student Loan Application Without Cosigner Posted 2025-10-12 12:23 UTC 🔗 UT Austin International Student Waiver Posted 2025-10-07 23:24 UTC 🔗 MPOWER / Prodigy Eligible Schools Posted 2025-10-03 UTC