Introduction to Ultrasound Schools

Ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers or sonographers, use some of the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology available to assist doctors in examining health conditions, identifying pregnancy and accomplishing other valuable medical services. Ultrasound techs evaluate whether the image is clear enough for the doctor and other medical staff to make an exact diagnosis. Also, the ultrasound technician may be required to take measurements and implement calculations, though it is typically left to a doctor to evaluate the resulting images.

If you are looking to become an ultrasound technician, there are several ways to pursue training and education (Read more). Generally, there are three different program styles; one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs, and four-year bachelor’s degree programs. The most common training is an associate\’s degree program. Coursework includes human anatomy, ultrasound equipment usage, pathophysiology, and obstetrics. In most programs, students must complete clinical education at designated hospitals. State certification or registration as an ultrasound technician is not required, but employers typically prefer having a professional assessment of an individual\’s skills. Clinical education is a requirement of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) for anyone wishing to take the registration examination for certification.

Top Online Health Services Programs

There are multiple educational paths that can be taken to become an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer. The schools below do not offer ultrasound-specific training, but they do offer medical assisting and other healthcare programs closely related to sonography. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

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DeVry University
AS in Health IT
 		DeVry University — Although DeVry University's online associate's degree in health information technology program is not specifically an ultrasound training program, it does prepare students to be HIT leaders in contemporary hospitals, physician's offices, medical clinics, and more.
Virginia College Online
BS in Health Services Mgmt
 		Virginia College Online — If you want to complete a health-based interdisciplinary studies degree online that will prepare you for ultrasound technology as well as for management, then apply for Virginia College's bachelor's degree in Health Services Management or associate's degree in medical office administration. The tuition for each program includes the cost of every textbook for every course. After earning this degree, additional training may be required to become an ultrasound technician.
Lincoln College
AAS in Health IT
 		Lincoln College — The AAS in Health IT degree program from Lincoln College Online teaches students the ins and outs of technological-related medical work such as data tracking, organizing, and recorded. This degree is useful for anyone wishing to advance in his/her career within a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ultrasound clinics, physician offices, and more. Additional training is required before becoming an ultrasound technician.
Herzing University
AS in Medical Assisting
 		Herzing University — The AS in medical assisting degree program from Herzing University is not an ultrasound training program, but it does present students with an introduction to a physician's office, and can help lead to careers in sonography. Students learn how to assist doctors and nurses in the exam room as well as perform routine medical laboratory procedures.
Rasmussen College
AAS in Health IT
 		Rasmussen College — Rasmussen University's AAS in health information technology program prepares students to become health information technicians, a job which requires knowing how to manage and maintain patient health information, organize medical records within databases, and code diagnoses and medical procedures. The AAS program at Rasmussen University also includes management training, and training in quality assurance. Becoming an ultrasound technician may however require additional training not offered through this program.

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DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. Program availability varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound Degrees & Jobs

What exactly is an ultrasound degree?

An online degree specifically for ultrasound techs is unlikely to be found. A degree that prepares an individual to become an ultrasound technologist is usually some sort of medical assisting degree, typically at the associate’s degree level from an ultrasound school. Most two-year associate’s programs in healthcare, medical assisting, health services, or health technology will prepare you for a career as an ultrasonographer, radiology technician, or other type of medical assistant, which may require additional training.

What are the different types of degrees in this field?

While an associate’s degree in ultrasound or ultrasonography is not usually offered, there are several viable alternatives to get you started with an ultra sound job. They include:

Associate’s Degrees for Medical Assistants & Other Healthcare Professionals

Bachelor’s Degrees for Medical Assistants & Other Healthcare Professionals

What is the average salary of an ultrasound technologist?

The average salary of an ultrasound technician varies by state and level of ultrasound technician certification. Typically, a medical sonographer can expect to earn between $48,000 and $68,000 per year, depending on number of hours worked. More info.

Which schools offer medical assisting or other healthcare degrees?

Schools that offer degrees that may lead to careers in medical assisting include:

What kinds of financial aid are available for ultrasound tech schools?

Numerous forms of financial aid are available to students seeking ultrasound technician training. FAFSA is the standard first place to look for government aid for education in any subject. Ultrasound-specific scholarships are available for qualifying students as well. More info.

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