Online Ultrasound Technician Schools

Ultrasound Technician: Milestone Map

Earning your credentials as an ultrasound technician may be the first in many achievements during your academic and professional career. Below is a map that highlights some of the milestones one could accomplish during their career.

Ultrasound Tech Schools: The Online Experience

Earning your ultrasound technician degree online is a great option for those who desire flexibility in their academic schedule. While online programs are less common, many schools are beginning to offer at least a portion of the required classes online.

Online ultrasound technician programs require a mix of classroom and clinical time if you are pursuing your associate degree. Due to the nature of the skills needed as a practicing technician, hands-on experience in a clinic, hospital, or specialist’s office is a vital part of the curriculum. Some schools offer bachelor’s degree programs entirely online if you are already a certified sonographer. Because prior work experience can count toward the clinical requirements, students can complete the classroom components online while continuing to work in your field.

When preparing to begin an online ultrasound technician program, consider how well you are able to manage your time in order to complete online assignments, as well as your availability for in-person labs and clinical requirements. Research what online or on-campus resources are available for students in the program so you can connect with peers and instructors for any additional support you may need. Reliable access to the internet is also important to ensure you can participate in online discussions, log in to any university portals, and submit assignments.

Ultrasound Technician Online Program Types

The type of program you decide to pursue depends on the time available for you to dedicate to your education, and how you would like your professional career to advance. Most employers require an associate degree as the minimum education level when hiring ultrasound technicians. While there are additional opportunities for those who want to earn their bachelor’s degree, one can begin building a successful career with two years of school versus four.

Common Online Courses: Ultrasound Technician

When comparing both online and traditional schools, similar coursework will be found among ultrasound technician programs. These will include a combination of math and science classes, courses focused on specializations such as vascular or abdominal sonography, as well as a humanities curriculum. Below is an overview of common courses you can expect to take during your academic career.

Choosing an Ultrasound Technician Program

With a variety of degree options and specializations available, it can be difficult to choose the right school for you. Here are some things to consider during your search for an online ultrasound technician program:

Accreditation for Ultrasound Tech Programs

Graduation from an accredited program is one of the first things a potential employer will look at when considering a candidate for a position. An institution’s accreditation ensures that certain standards have been met in terms of administration, resources, faculty, and facilities. Accreditation among health-related disciplines is also an assurance that a qualified workforce is providing healthcare services.

The first thing to look for when you begin comparing online ultrasound technician programs is that they are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. Through their 23 review committees, the CAAHEP currently accredits more than 2,000 educational programs in 28 health science professions.

Online Enrollment Timeline: Ultrasound Technician

As you consider a career as an ultrasound technician and research online schools offering this program, it can be helpful to outline the necessary steps leading up to when you will begin classes. Making a list of key dates will ensure that you are prepared and don’t miss any deadlines. The following list maps out a few of those necessary steps to starting an associate degree in ultrasound tech.

	Time Before Program Start Date
Step 1 Apply to online colleges	9-12 months
Step 2 Apply for financial aid	9 months
Step 3 Register for classes	4-6 months
Step 4 Graduate from high school	3-4 months
Step 5 Earn CPR certification	3-4 months

Before your classes begin and while you are working toward your degree, there are additional things you can do to prepare for classes and your career.

• Take math and science classes in high school, especially advanced algebra, physics, and biology. This will not only better prepare you for your college curriculum, but also ensures that you have a strong interest and aptitude in these subjects.
• While in school, seek job opportunities in a healthcare organization so you can become familiar with the work environment you may experience upon graduation.
• Take additional communication or business classes to better prepare for the non-clinical aspects of the profession.
• As you near graduation, research and begin studying for certification exams such as those offered by the ARDMS.
• Consider specialized certification courses you can take post-graduation.
• Join a professional organization such as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) which will allow you to network with other professionals and stay abreast of continuing education opportunities and other resources.
• Maintain your Basic Life Support certification since most employers will require this of prospective candidates.

Ultrasound Technician: Specializations

Ultrasound technicians work closely with patients and physicians in a variety of health organizations—from hospitals to private practice—which means your work environment will vary depending on where you seek and find employment. Those who work in a hospital setting may experience varied hours and be asked to cover on-call shifts. Technicians working in private practices will work a more traditional and consistent schedule.

Successful ultrasound technicians are detail oriented, have excellent hand-eye coordination, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. They also have an aptitude for understanding complex machinery and computerized instruments. The projected job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers is 26 percent, much faster than the national average.

Graduates with a degree in ultrasound technology may go on to work as diagnostic medical sonographers, specializing in areas like abdominal, fetal echocardiography, or neurosonography. Most diagnostic imaging professionals have at least one certification but many have multiple certifications. Other careers for graduates of online ultrasound technician programs include vascular technologist or cardiac sonographer.

Career	Description	National Median Annual Salary (2014)	Minimum Education & Licensure
Ultrasound Technician	Ultrasound technicians, or diagnostic medical sonographers, specialize in creating images of the body’s organs and tissues that physicians use to make a diagnosis.	$67,530	Associate or bachelor’s degree and certification from the ARDMS
Registered Vascular Technologist	Vascular technologists create images of blood vessels and collect data that helps physicians diagnose disorder affecting blood flow.	$54,330	Associate or bachelor’s degree and certification in vascular sonography
Cardiac Sonographer (Echocardiography)	Cardiac sonographers monitor the cardiac systems of patients to identify any abnormalities that may be present.	$58,859	Associate or bachelor’s degree and certification from ARDMS or the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2014)
PayScale.com (2014)

Ultrasound Technician Licenses & Certifications

Upon graduation from an accredited program, additional professional certifications are available to ultrasound technicians. While these certifications may not be required by prospective employers, they can set you apart from other candidates.

Most common in the field of sonography is certification with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ARDMS certification is recognized internationally and the organization offers examinations and awards credentials in the following:

Additionally, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification in sonography, vascular sonography, and breast sonography. The exams consist of questions about patient care, physical principles of ultrasound, and relevant sonographic procedures and competencies for each certification.

To add an additional level of communication, protection, and record keeping, some states (including Oregon, New Mexico, West Virginia, and New Jersey) have begun to license sonographers. In lieu of independent licensing requirements, most states recognize the criteria set forth by ARDMS and/or ARRT

Similar Online Vocational Programs

If the idea of working in the health industry appeals to you but a career as an ultrasound technician doesn’t seem like quite the right fit, there are several other career paths available. Here are a few other programs with similar curriculum and growth potential.

Additional Resources