Sonography Prerequisite Checklist- this checklist walks through every prerequisite step for diagnostic medical sonography in the order that keeps you competitive — from sequencing algebra before physics, to keeping your sciences inside the recency window, to submitting a complete application before the deadline. It’s built to be printed and worked through, whether you’re a student tracking your own progress or a pre-health advisor handing it to advisees. Sonography admission is competitive and seat-limited, so use this not as a box-ticking exercise but as a plan for finishing strong and early. Confirm every item against your specific target program, since requirements vary.
Work it in three passes. First, sort what you’ve already completed against the course lists below and mark those boxes. Second, identify what’s missing or expired, and slot those courses into the sequencing plan. Third, work the application checklist as your target deadline approaches. Advisors can hand the whole sheet to a student in a first meeting and use it to structure follow-ups.
These carry the most weight, because programs rank applicants on the science-and-math GPA. Aim for strong grades, not just passing. Each course should be from a regionally accredited institution, include a lab where noted, and fall inside your program’s recency window.
| ☐ | Course | Maps to | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | College Algebra (take first if math is rusty) | MATH 107 | Builds the algebra fluency physics assumes. |
| ☐ | Statistics (if your program requires/accepts it) | MATH 220 | Confirm whether algebra, stats, or either is required. |
| ☐ | Physics I, with lab (algebra-based) | PHY 115 | The defining requirement; basis of the SPI exam. |
| ☐ | Physics II, with lab (if a sequence is required) | PHY 116 | Some programs want one course, some a two-course sequence. |
| ☐ | Anatomy & Physiology I, with lab | BIO 270 | Near-universal; watch the ~5-year recency window. |
| ☐ | Anatomy & Physiology II, with lab | BIO 275 | Take in parallel with A&P I where possible. |
The detail behind each of these lives in dedicated guides: physics, A&P I & II, and college algebra & statistics.
These are lighter and lab-free, so they make good early wins while the science core is in progress. They’re usually treated as general prerequisites rather than part of the ranked science GPA — confirm with your program.
| ☐ | Course | Maps to | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Medical Terminology | EXSS 170 | Quick to clear; pairs naturally with A&P. |
| ☐ | Speech / Communication | COMM 200 | Often CAAHEP-mandated and non-substitutable. |
| ☐ | Psychology (if required) | PSY 190 | Required by some programs, not all. |
Before you apply, run these two checks — they’re where strong candidates quietly lose seats.
Order matters because physics depends on algebra, and because everything needs to be current at the same time. A workable sequence:
| Stage | Take | Why now |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | College algebra (if rusty) + start medical terminology | Algebra unlocks physics; terminology is an easy parallel win. |
| Stage 2 | Physics I (& II if required) + A&P I | Physics once algebra is solid; A&P runs independently. |
| Stage 3 | A&P II + speech / psychology as needed | Finish the science core; clear remaining gen-eds. |
| Stage 4 | Observation hours + entrance-exam prep | Do these while coursework wraps so nothing stalls the application. |
If you need several of these at once, the sonography prerequisite bundle sequences the science core on one timeline so courses stay current together.
Confirm before you rely on this. Exact courses, GPA thresholds, recency windows, observation-hour counts, and entrance-exam requirements vary by program, and a complete checklist never guarantees admission. Confirm every item with each program’s registrar. We don’t guarantee admission or transfer.
This checklist is designed to print and distribute as a single-page planner. It pairs with advising students toward sonography for the counseling framing, and with helping career changers map prerequisites for advisees coming from another field or an older transcript. Hand it out at intake, then use the GPA and recency self-checks to structure follow-up appointments — those two items are where most otherwise-qualified students fall short.
Every science and supporting course above is available self-paced and online through regionally accredited courses — useful for filling a single gap, refreshing an expired science, or completing the whole core around a job. See the sonography prerequisite bundle to sequence them on one timeline, the online-prerequisites overview for how acceptance works, or the complete prerequisites guide for the full picture.
The science-and-math core is physics (with lab), A&P I and II (with labs), and college algebra or statistics. Supporting requirements commonly include medical terminology, speech, and sometimes psychology.
College algebra first if your math is rusty, then physics, with A&P I and II running in parallel. The lighter, lab-free courses can be added anytime, and observation hours and entrance-exam prep go alongside the final coursework.
Run the recency self-check: A&P and physics commonly expire after about five years. Confirm each program’s window and refresh anything that has aged out before you apply.
Yes — it’s built to print and hand out as a one-page planner. Pair it with the advising guide for counseling context.
No. It keeps you organized and competitive, but programs are seat-limited and rank applicants. Always confirm requirements with each program.
Continue with the complete sonography prerequisites guide, how to get into a competitive sonography program, and what GPA you need.
Authoritative resources: the BLS Occupational Outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers and CAAHEP for accredited sonography programs.
