Sonography Program Director - Department of Nursing and Public Health

If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions.

Full Consideration Date:

12/15/2026

Job Description:

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) seeks an innovative and highly qualified leader to launch, develop, and direct its new Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program. This is a rare opportunity to build a program from the ground up, establish meaningful clinical and community partnerships, and prepare graduates for successful careers in a growing healthcare field. Reporting to the Associate Department Head of Nursing and Public Health, the Program Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sonography education at UNI and expanding healthcare workforce capacity across Iowa and the surrounding region.

During the initial development phase, the Program Director will serve as the primary architect of the program, leading curriculum development efforts, laboratory planning, clinical affiliate recruitment, and the CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accreditation process. Following the planned launch of the program in Fall 2028, the Program Director will oversee program operations, teach, support student success, and lead efforts to secure final accreditation while positioning the program for long-term growth and excellence.

This opportunity comes at an exciting time for UNI as the university strengthens its investment in health sciences education. UNI recently established the School of Health & Human Sciences, a collaborative and innovative academic community dedicated to preparing future health and human science professionals through evidence-based practice, inclusive learning environments, and hands-on learning experiences. Recent investments in Nursing and Health Sciences, including concentrations in Public Health Administration and Diagnostic Medical Sonography, reflect the university's commitment to meeting evolving workforce needs and advancing healthcare education. Join UNI at a pivotal moment of growth and innovation and make a lasting impact on students, the sonography profession, and the communities they will serve.

This two-year, term appointment is expected to begin on or before May 2027 and may evolve into a regular position, depending on institutional needs.

Position Responsibilities:

During the development and launch of the program, the Program Director will:

• Design and implement a comprehensive baccalaureate curriculum aligned with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) National Education Curriculum (NEC);
• Lead planning efforts related to the physical footprint and infrastructure of the DMS concentration;
• Oversee the purchasing, inventory, calibration, and setup of the on-campus ultrasound scanning laboratory;
• Serve as the primary liaison with JRC-DMS and direct all aspects of the accreditation process;
• Establish and maintain clinical affiliation agreements with healthcare partners to create a robust clinical education network;
• Collaborate with university leadership in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of additional faculty and staff;
• Provide high-quality instruction in a relevant adjacent program, such as Health Sciences, Public Health, or Public Health Administration; and
• Prepare the program for successful enrollment of the inaugural student cohort.

Following program launch, the Program Director will:

• Support ongoing program development;
• Monitor student achievement and program effectiveness measures;
• Maintain regular office hours and provide academic advising and mentorship to students; 
• Provide high-quality instruction in the DMS curriculum; and
• Ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation standards and best practices in sonography education.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree; at least two years of clinical experience as a practicing registered sonographer; experience as an instructor, clinical coordinator, or preceptor within a CAAHEP accredited DMS program; current, active Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS); and current certification in one or more sonography concentrations, such as Abdomen (AB), and/or Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN).

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree; college teaching experience; experience with ultrasound simulation technology or cloud-based image review systems such as SonoSim or Trajecsys; and experience preparing a JRC-DMS self-study report and/or participating in a CAAHEP site visit.

Position Details:

Job Category: Professional and Scientific

Type of Position: Term

Service Schedule: Calendar Year

Application Instructions:

All application materials must be submitted before December 15, 2026, to be considered for this position.

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 319-273-2422.

Compensation:

Salary: $77,000 to Commensurate

Pay Grade: 121

Pay Basis: Salary

Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at [email protected] or call (319) 273-2422.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

Privacy Statement | Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement | Federal EEO Rights | E-Verify | Policies and Procedures | Tobacco Free Campus