Washburn University, located in Topeka, was established by members of the Congregational Church in 1865. Today, more than 7,500 students pursue programs at the College of Arts and Sciences and schools of Applied Studies, Business, Law, and Nursing. The university’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program offers a two- and four-year degree. Specialties are offered in general, vascular, general/vascular, and cardiac fields. Both programs have offered didactic courses in an online format for more than 11 years, with clinical experiences offered in a range of professional settings. Graduates are qualified to sit for appropriate ARDMS or CCI certification examinations.
Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
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Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs
Ultrasound technician schools online provide a flexible education pathway for learners who want to work in healthcare. Many students who complete ultrasound technician programs work as ultrasound technicians. These professionals may work in hospitals, doctors' offices, or diagnostic imaging centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for medical sonographers and technologists to grow 14% from 2020-2030.
This career requires only an associate degree but may lead to a higher-than-average income. Medical sonographers and technologists earn a median annual salary of $70,380, according to the BLS. This figure surpasses the annual median salary of $41,950 for all occupations.
Our guide lists the most affordable ultrasound technician schools online. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become an ultrasound technician.
Questions About Ultrasound Tech Schools
How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician?
Ultrasound technicians can practice with an associate degree. Full-time students can earn this degree in two years.
Does an ultrasound technician need to be licensed or certified?
Some employers prefer candidates with certification. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers certification in this field.
Is an ultrasound tech the same as a sonographer?
Yes. These two terms refer to the same profession. Employers use the titles interchangeably.
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Why Get a Degree in Ultrasound Technology?
Online ultrasound technician degrees train learners to work with precision. Graduates create images that doctors use for accurate diagnosing purposes. The degree also helps students build their communication and people skills.
Earning a sonography degree online helps learners enter the workforce quickly and conveniently. An online format lets students continue working while earning their degree. They can build their resumes and continue earning a paycheck while in school.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Technician Degree Cost?
Students at two-year schools spend an annual average of $10,300, according to EducationData.org. However, cost varies by school type and learners' residency status. Students can save money by attending a public in-state school. Learners attending private or out-of-state schools typically spend more.
Degree-seekers who pursue a career that only requires an associate degree usually spend less on higher education. Many schools charge per-credit tuition. Students who finish a degree quickly can avoid rising tuition rates.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for extra expenses, such as scrubs and protective gear for clinical site visits. Some schools charge online degree-seekers to access virtual classroom platforms or databases. Online programs often require a premium subscription to video-conferencing sites like Zoom.
Online students should also budget for materials and books. They can save money by renting or buying used or digital versions.
How Much Do Ultrasound Tech Graduates Make?
Ultrasound technicians earn an annual average salary of $62,560, according to Jan. 2022 Payscale data. Technicians with less than one year of experience earn an annual average of about $53,000. The same professionals with more than 20 years of experience earn about $66,560.
Geographic location impacts salary. For example, Californian medical sonographers earn a mean annual wage of $108,400, according to the BLS. Medical sonographers in West Virginia earn $62,920.
Employer type may also influence pay. For example, medical sonographers working for private practices may earn less than professionals who work in hospitals.
Courses in an Ultrasound Technician Program
Ultrasound technician coursework teaches degree-seekers how to create precise medical images. Ultrasound technicians need an eye for detail and the ability to troubleshoot technological issues.
Some ultrasound technician programs let learners specialize in a topic. For example, some schools offer concentrations in diagnostic medical or obstetric sonography. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. However, ultrasound technician programs may vary in length.
See below for three common classes in ultrasound technician programs. Keep in mind that class titles and descriptions vary by school.
Ultrasound technicians must know how to encourage patient cooperation to create a clear image. This class teaches best communication practices. Learners discover how to mentally and physically prepare patients for an imaging procedure. They also learn how to accurately record a patient's medical history for a medical professional to review.Patient Preparation
Enrollees study the components of the musculoskeletal system. They also learn how to take images of this system. Students learn best practices for working with patients experiencing pain and injury. Coursework covers how to take sonograms of sprains, arthritic joints, and cysts.Musculoskeletal System Sonography
This class focuses on capturing images of organs in the abdomen. Learners discover the location of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas. They also learn how to identify abnormalities, like gallbladder stones. Some classes highlight obstetric sonography.Abdominal Sonography
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Most employers require some formal higher education and on-the-job training to begin practicing. Entry-level ultrasound technicians may need to gain supervised experience. Some learners attend ultrasound technician schools online while working full time.
After earning a certificate or associate degree, learners can apply for certification. Not every employer requires certification. However, gaining certification can make candidates more competitive. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers various certifications in this field.
Online Ultrasound Technician Schools 2022
#1 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
#2 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
In 1924, the Sisters of Mercy founded Misericordia University, making it the first four-year institution of learning in Luzerne County. Since the 1970s, MU has been a co-educational university and today serves more than 3,000 students on its upper and lower campuses near Wilkes-Barre. The full time Bachelor degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a hybrid program blending on-campus coursework with online studies. Students can sit for the ARRT Sonography exam. Practicing sonographers can elect to complete an Express Diagnostic Medical Sonography Bachelor Degree on a part-time basis. Sonographers with credentials can apply earned credits toward the 125-credit express degree.
#3 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
Siena Heights University
Adrian, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded as a Catholic University in Adrian in 1919, Siena Heights University became a coeducational institution in 1969. Today, as one of the nation’s 18 Dominican Catholic colleges and universities, SHU serves 2,700 students. The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Radiologic Technology program requires applicants to hold an Associate of Applied Science Radiologic Technology degree or a combination of hospital-based training, two years of related work experience, and ARRT registry. The program includes no additional RT training, focusing instead on a curriculum that satisfies bachelor degree general education requirements. Students can also complete the Associate of Applied Science RT degree at SHU’s Adrian and Southfield campuses.
#4 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Fort Hays State University was established on 200 acres in Hays, KS in 1902. FHSU currently enrolls more than 14,210 campus students, with another 6,000 students pursuing degrees online. The 55-credit-hour core making up the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Diagnostic Sonography includes 22 credit-hours of practice experience (12 months) with local clinical affiliates. Coursework is completed in five semesters, including one summer of studies. Specialties include abdomen and superficial structures, musculoskeletal, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatric echocardiography, neurosonography, vascular, ophthalmology, breast, and adult echocardiography. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#5 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in Omaha in 1891, Nebraska Methodist College serves 1,000 students dedicated to the study of art and science of healthcare. The focus is on service-learning experiences and community-based education affiliated with the Methodist Health System. The 21-month sonography program combines didactic instruction with hands-on clinical training. The 76 credit-hour degree includes the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum. Prerequisites include completion of college algebra, physics (including a lab), psychology, anatomy/physiology, and medical terminology. There are electives in clinical experience and clinical externships. Graduates are prepared to take American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology examinations.
#6 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) was founded in 1947. Every degree program is based on theory and practice, blending clinics, lab-based classes, and externships in addition to the general-education core. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography baccalaureate program, located at the Klamath Falls campus, is comprised of 192 credits to be completed in four years. The competitive admission program gives preferences to applicants with previous coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Graduates are prepared for certification exams offered through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). More than six scholarship programs are available to DMS applicants.
#7 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
MCPHS University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
MCPHS University was founded as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1823, making it Boston’s oldest institution of higher learning. Today it offers programs through campuses in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester. Baccalaureate degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography are offered at the Boston and Worcester campuses. Sonography students complete 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical training across New England. The accelerated bachelor degree DMS program can be completed in three years. The MCPHS fast-track program for applicants with previous college work leads to a degree in 15-24 months. Students can choose from a General Track or Echocardiography Track.
#8 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The diagnostic medical sonography program at Adventist University of Health Sciences was launched in 1988. Partnered with the Adventist Health System, the university offers a Christ-centered education with extensive clinical opportunities. The full-time track is built on a two year, six-semester program with tracks in general sonography or cardiovascular sonography. Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification examinations.
#9 Online Ultrasound Tech Schools 2022
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Health Professions (CHP) was established in 1971 to offer full degree programs as well as professional continuing education. The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography has an annual March 1 deadline for applicants to begin courses in a cohort of 12 students the following academic year. The 120-credit degree program includes 48 semester credits of prerequisite studies. ARDMS-certified sonographers can complete the degree without any required clinical rotations. Upon completing the degree, graduates can take American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification examinations.
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