Somerset Community College introduces sonography program

Somerset Community College has launched a new healthcare training program designed to meet the workforce needs of the region. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will award students who complete the program with an Associate of Applied Science degree in General Sonography. Students can apply for the program through March 15, 2026, and in order to be eligible to begin the program in the Fall 2026 semester, students must attend a pre-admission conference on February 3 or March 3.

According to an article on Somerset Community College’s website, Randall Hammock, who serves as the director of the new program, was quoted as saying, “This program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled sonographers in our region and beyond. Students will graduate with the knowledge and clinical experience with local health facilities needed to make an immediate impact in Southeastern Kentucky’s healthcare workforce and the needs of our partners.”

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will be offered at both the Russell Center and the Laurel Campus, and is a 66–77 credit hour program. Students will learn anatomy, ultrasound instrumentation, and imaging techniques, as well as abdominal, small parts, and OB/GYN sonography. The program combines academic coursework and hands-on clinical experiences and training.

Jessica Gaffney is the Director of Women's Health Services at Cumberland Family Medical Center. She sees the benefit of the college offering this program, as sonography services are in high demand. She said, "Our rural healthcare systems depend on skilled sonographers, and the need has never been greater. Somerset Community College’s Sonography program brings hope, opportunity, and workforce development directly to our area. We are incredibly thankful for the addition of OBGYN sonography training and the positive impact this program will have on patients and providers alike."

Echoing these sentiments, Nathan Bennett, the Senior Director of Imaging at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, said, “The addition of a local sonography program at SCC is a significant investment in the region’s healthcare workforce. Programs like this help ensure patients have access to high-quality care and timely diagnostic imaging while also creating strong, sustainable career paths for students who want to serve our communities.”

The program is accepting applications through March 15, 2026. In order to be eligible to apply, students must be CPR certified, have completed a 75-hour nursing assistant course, and submit their official transcripts and ACT scores. Additionally, students must attend a pre-admission conference on February 3 or March 3. 

Josh Branscum, the KY State Representative for the 83rd District, said of the program, “Programs like Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Somerset Community College are exactly the kind of strategic investments South Central and Southeastern Kentucky needs. By training students for high-demand, well-paying healthcare careers right here at home, SCC is strengthening our local workforce, supporting regional hospitals, and keeping talent and economic opportunity in our communities. This program not only improves access to quality healthcare, but it also drives long-term economic growth for our region.”

For more information about Somerset Community College, visit the school’s website.