MCC to Debut Diagnostic Vascular Sonography Program in Fall 2027

In Fall 2027, Middlesex Community College will debut the diagnostic vascular sonography (DVS) associate degree program. Designed to provide a combination of classroom education and hands-on training, the program will prepare students for careers in a growing and highly specialized area of medical imaging.

“The program was developed through a collaborative planning process involving faculty subject matter experts, healthcare employer partners, institutional leadership, and workforce development stakeholders,” said Jane Morrison, MCC’s Professor and Coordinator of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). “The program was conceived in response to documented regional and statewide workforce shortages in vascular sonography and increasing demand for non-invasive vascular diagnostic imaging services within hospitals, outpatient vascular laboratories, and physician practices.”

At Middlesex, the two-year DMS program trains students to pursue a career producing ultrasound images. DVS uses ultrasounds to evaluate the body’s arteries and veins. Vascular sonographers perform the noninvasive examinations to help physicians diagnose conditions. The goal of MCC’s new program is to expand the college’s sonography offerings and increase its presence in healthcare education.

Middlesex hired Donna Kelly to serve as Program Coordinator of the Diagnostic Vascular Sonography, an alumna of the DMS program. Having worked in vascular ultrasound for years, Kelly saw firsthand how difficult it was for vascular laboratories to find qualified technologists. Knowing the strength of MCC’s DMS program, she believed the college would be a strong fit to create a pathway into the DVS profession.

“For students, the program provides a clear pathway into a specialized healthcare career,” Kelly said. “Students will receive focused education in vascular sonography rather than having to learn the specialty primarily through on-the-job training after completing another type of ultrasound program. By partnering with facilities for clinical education, MCC can help develop a pipeline of qualified professionals who may ultimately work in the same communities where they trained.”

Within the first year of MCC’s unique program, students will build a strong foundation in vascular anatomy, physiology, pathology, ultrasound physics, and vascular testing. Much of their education will take place in the ultrasound lab on MCC’s Bedford campus. Learning how to perform vascular examinations, students will develop their scanning skills before entering the clinical environment.

For their second year, students will spend four days each week at clinical sites. Working with practicing vascular sonographers and other healthcare professionals, students will gain real-world experience and learn how to perform a wide range of examinations before graduation.

Vascular ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of vascular disease. Having highly trained vascular sonographers available in the community helps ensure patients have access to high-quality testing, according to Kelly.

“There is something especially meaningful about seeing this program come to life at Middlesex,” Kelly said. “I began my own sonography education here, and now I have the opportunity to help create a program that will prepare the next generation of vascular sonographers.”

Learn more about special admission requirements to MCC's healthcare programs or email Kelly at KellyD@middlesex.edu for more information.