Medical imaging: Going beyond diagnostic medical sonography programs

One of the most competitive disciplines in Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging program is diagnostic medical sonography (DMS).

With the DMS discipline or certificate, you can develop expertise in sonographic physics and instrumentation, abdominal sonography, obstetrics and gynecology sonography and Doppler procedures. Through coursework and clinical experiences, you’ll learn how ultrasound technology supports patient care and diagnosis across a variety of clinical settings.

Even if you’re considering diagnostic medical sonography, there are seven other discipline options available to customize your degree and align your education with your career interests. Whether you want to specialize in cardiovascular imaging, advanced cross-sectional imaging or image-guided procedures, Boise State offers opportunities to cross-train and build expertise across multiple disciplines within medical imaging.

You must select one discipline to complete the degree program, with specialized coursework and clinical experiences tailored to your area of focus.

Explore advanced medical imaging disciplines beyond diagnostic medical sonography

Computed tomography

What is it: Computed tomography (CT) technologists use advanced imaging technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images that help physicians diagnose and monitor disease. In this discipline, you will learn CT imaging principles, patient care considerations and imaging protocols while gaining practical experience through clinical education.

Best for: This option is well-suited for imaging professionals who enjoy technology, precision and contributing critical diagnostic information that supports patient treatment decisions.

Echocardiography and vascular ultrasound

What is it: If you’re interested in cardiovascular health and want to play a direct role in diagnosing and monitoring heart and vascular conditions, the echocardiography and vascular ultrasound discipline offers a unique opportunity to build expertise in two highly specialized areas of medical imaging.

Students learn how to evaluate cardiac function, assess blood flow and identify vascular abnormalities using advanced ultrasound technologies. Through clinical experiences, you’ll develop hands-on skills while gaining a deeper understanding of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology and patient care.

Best for: Because this discipline combines both cardiac and vascular imaging, graduates can pursue opportunities across multiple specialty areas and become valuable members of cardiovascular care teams. It’s an excellent option for students who enjoy patient interaction, critical thinking and technology-driven health care.

Interventional cardiology

What is it: The interventional cardiology discipline focuses on imaging and procedures used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Coursework and clinical experiences help you understand cardiac anatomy, cardiovascular procedures and the specialized technologies used in cardiac catheterization labs.

Best for: Students interested in heart health, patient monitoring and working alongside physicians during specialized cardiovascular procedures may find this discipline especially rewarding.

Interventional radiology

What is it: Interventional radiology combines advanced imaging with minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. In this discipline, you’ll learn how imaging technologies guide procedures, develop technical skills used in procedural settings and gain experience collaborating with multidisciplinary health care teams.

Best for: This discipline may be a good fit if you enjoy fast-paced clinical environments, problem-solving and playing an active role in patient care during image-guided procedures.

Magnetic resonance imaging

What is it: Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) offers a deeper look into the body’s soft tissues, organs and structures without the use of ionizing radiation. Through this discipline, you’ll explore MR physics, imaging techniques and advanced problem-solving strategies while developing practical skills through clinical experiences.

Best for: Students who enjoy solving complex challenges, working with advanced imaging technology and contributing to accurate diagnoses may find magnetic resonance imaging to be a rewarding career path.

Specialized certificate options

For credentialed imaging technologists looking to add a new discipline or expand their expertise without completing a full bachelor’s degree, Boise State also offers undergraduate certificates that provide focused training in specialized areas of medical imaging.

Computed tomography certificate

What is it: This certificate provides focused education in CT imaging principles, protocols and patient care.

Best for: It is a strong option for technologists who want to expand their imaging capabilities and add advanced cross-sectional imaging skills to their professional toolkit.

Echocardiography certificate

What is it: This option prepares imaging professionals to use ultrasound technology to evaluate heart structure and function. Students develop expertise in cardiac anatomy, physiology and echocardiographic imaging techniques while learning how to assess heart health and support the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions.

Best for: This certificate is ideal for technologists interested in cardiovascular imaging who want to play an important role in helping health care teams diagnose, monitor and manage heart disease. It offers an opportunity to build specialized knowledge while working at the intersection of advanced imaging technology and patient care.

Interventional radiology and interventional cardiology certificate

What is it: Designed for working imaging professionals interested in interventional specialties, this certificate helps students build expertise in image-guided interventions. Coursework focuses on procedural techniques, patient care and collaboration within specialized clinical teams.

Best for: This option may be a good fit if you enjoy fast-paced clinical environments, problem-solving and playing an active role in patient care during image-guided procedures.

Magnetic resonance imaging certificate

What is it: Students in this certificate develop expertise in MRI technology, imaging procedures and advanced problem-solving. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and prepares technologists to confidently navigate complex imaging scenarios in clinical practice.

Best for: Students who are fascinated by advanced imaging technology and enjoy analytical thinking may find medical resonance imaging to be a natural fit.

Mammography certificate

What is it: This certificate prepares imaging professionals to develop specialized expertise in breast imaging and patient-centered care. Students learn mammographic imaging techniques, quality assurance practices and best practices for supporting patients throughout the screening and diagnostic process.

Best for: Because mammography plays a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer and other breast conditions, this certificate is an excellent option for technologists who want to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes while building expertise in a highly specialized area of medical imaging.

Vascular ultrasound certificate

What is it: The Certificate in Vascular Ultrasound provides focused training in the assessment of blood flow and vascular health using ultrasound technology. Through coursework and clinical experiences, students learn to evaluate arteries and veins, identify vascular abnormalities and support physicians in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of vascular conditions.

Best for: This certificate is well-suited for imaging professionals who enjoy combining technical expertise with patient interaction and want to expand their skills into a growing specialty within cardiovascular care.

Giving you the tools to succeed

Whether you choose diagnostic medical sonography, one of Boise State’s other advanced medical imaging disciplines or a specialized certificate, you’ll benefit from flexible online coursework, local clinical experiences and a curriculum designed to help you grow as a skilled imaging professional and patient advocate.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop a broader understanding of patient care, strengthen your ability to collaborate within interprofessional health care teams and gain the advanced imaging expertise needed to make meaningful contributions in the field of medical imaging.

Eligibility and credential requirements

Admission requirements vary by discipline and certificate. Some pathways are designed for students entering medical imaging for the first time, while others are intended for credentialed imaging technologists who want to add a new discipline or advance their careers.

Certain disciplines and certificates require applicants to hold specific imaging credentials before entry to the program. Because requirements differ by area of study, you should review the admission criteria for your discipline or certificate of interest before applying to Boise State University.

The degree is divided into two distinct phases: pre-advanced medical imaging and a final, discipline year. For each phase, you must successfully meet the admission requirements and application criteria to be considered for admission, though admission is not guaranteed.

For the most current information, visit the Boise State Advanced Medical Imaging program page or the webpage for your intended discipline or certificate.

Learn more about the advanced medical imaging program

Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.

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