Comparing Online Sonography Programs in Ohio
Are you considering a career in medical imaging? Ohio offers exceptional opportunities through quality sonography and ultrasound technology programs. With lengths ranging from 19 months to 4 years, these programs combine hands-on training with flexible online learning formats. Explore costs, requirements, and salary trends to help you determine if an online sonography program is right for you.
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Spotlighting Ohio’s Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Programs Online
If you’re detail-oriented, compassionate, and interested in medical imaging technology, then becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound tech could be an ideal career choice.
Ohio provides numerous education options to prospective sonography/ultrasound tech students. And while fully online programs are rare, the availability of both in-person and hybrid programs offers you added flexibility, enabling you to balance work, school, and family responsibilities when needed.
The time required to complete a sonography program varies according to a host of factors, such as your specialization, educational background, and program type. For example, some programs offer an accelerated pace of roughly nine months, while other programs resulting in bachelor’s degrees average four years in length.
Program costs vary to, sometimes substantially. Fortunately, schools offering diagnostic medical sonography degrees typically provide a variety of financial aid options — including scholarships — to qualifying students.
Below, we’ve spotlighted three high-quality sonography programs in Ohio. These spotlights will provide you with a good idea of what you can expect to find from the programs you consider.
Central Ohio Technical College
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology. As an accelerated-paced program, students must attend full-time for eight consecutive semesters.
While sonography courses are offered exclusively in-person on COTC’s Newark campus, students may be able to complete general education courses online or on extended campuses in Mount Vernon, Coshocton, and Reynoldsburg. Students also participate in clinical rotations at local program-affiliated healthcare facilities.
Students choose between two diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) majors: General and Cardiovascular. COTC’s BAS in Diagnostic Sonography Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Hybrid (in-person sonography classes plus some online general education courses)
Cost: $27,490 (est., in-state resident, tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- Submit an online application
- Provide official high school/GED and college transcripts
- Complete any remedial required coursework with a grade “C” or higher
- Complete the online sonography information course
- Pass the Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI) exam
- Prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, algebra, physics, and anatomy and physiology with a grade of “C” or higher
- Submit materials on or before May 1 of each year
- Attend a mandatory orientation
- Obtain CPR certification
- Complete mandatory background checks and drug screening before official admission
Core Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Human Nutrition
- Basic Life Support (CPR)
- Vascular Techniques Scan Lab
- Current Issues in Healthcare
- Introduction to Sonography
- General Scan Lab I & II
- Survey of Vascular Technology
- Fetal, Neonatal & Pediatric Echocardiography
- Echo Techniques Scan Lab
- Survey of Echocardiography
- Survey of Musculoskeletal Sonography
- Sonographic Physics & Instrumentation I & II
- Specialty Exams & Invasive Procedures Externship
- Vascular Sonography I & II
- Obstetrical & Gynecological Sonography I & II
- GYN Techniques Scan Lab
- General Clinical I, II & III
- Abdominal Sonography I & II
- Technical Report Writing
- Breast Sonography
- Breast Techniques Scan Lab
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Stautzenberger College
Stautzenberger College offers a streamlined Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that is completed in just over 19 months. The hybrid-formatted curriculum combines online coursework with campus-based classes and labs and an in-person clinical practicum attended at a local medical practice facility.
Students in the program:
- Learn to perform general sonography and conduct diagnostic examinations
- Gain an understanding of human gross and sectional anatomy
- Learn to recognize normal and abnormal sonographic appearances
Student support services include access to on-campus tutoring in both group and individual settings. Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Duration: 19 Months (112 quarter credits)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $46,000 to $49,000 (est.)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or hold a qualifying college degree
- Be at least 17 years old
- Demonstrated “digital readiness” to ensure preparation to “thrive in a modern learning environment”
Curriculum:
- Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation
- Abdominal Sonography
- Obstetric & Gynecologic Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Patient Care & Ethics
- Clinical Practicum
- General education coursework to meet the requirements of an associate degree
Kettering College
Kettering College’s CAAHEP-accredited BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography combines general education and major-specific coursework with in-person clinical experiences to prepare students to earn sonography specialized certifications in:
- Abdominal
- Vascular
- Cardiac
- Obstetrics/gynecology sonography specialties
In addition to courses providing a theoretical and practical foundation in sonography, students complete coursework in cultural diversity in healthcare, morality and medicine, and humanities, as well as required religious courses associated with Kettering’s Christian affiliation.
The program boasts a 95% registry pass rate and 97% job placement rate. A variety of financial aid resources is available to qualifying students.
Duration: 4 Years
Mode: Hybrid (in-person sonography classes with some general education courses available online)
Cost: $100,000 (est.)
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete an online application
- Complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, writing, communication, algebra, physics, medical terminology, and sociology with a minimum grade of “C”
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- Demonstrated computer proficiency
- Obtain CPR certification and a background check
- Meet physical and health requirements
Core Curriculum:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Sectional Anatomy
- Morality and Medicine
- Cultural Diversity in Health
- Basic Patient Care
- Introduction to Sonography
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Abdominal Sonography
- Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
- World Religions for Healthcare Professionals
- Cardiac Testing
- Gynecological Stenography
- Spirituality in Healing and Health Care
- Obstetrical Sonography
- Echocardiography
- Seminar/Capstone
- Clinical Externship
- Registry Review
Quick Guide: FAQs for Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Students
As you explore your education options, you’re bound to come up with a number of questions of your own. To aid you in that regard, here are the answers to five commonly-asked questions by prospective Ohio sonography/ultrasound tech students.
Are there any 100-percent online sonography programs in Ohio?
Competent sonographer practice requires the development of hands-on skills with imaging equipment and dealing with patients. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to complete all requirements for your sonography education program online.
Instead, you will likely need to attend some lab sessions on your school’s campus as well as in-person clinical experiences held at a program-approved medical facility in your local area.
Can I get an advanced degree in sonography?
It’s possible. However, most sonography programs offer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, both of which allow students to enter their careers as quickly as possible.
A select few universities offer master’s degrees in sonography, but the highest sonography degree currently offered in Ohio is a bachelor’s. Further, a master’s degree is not likely to be required for the vast majority of sonography jobs.
If your ultimate career goal is to work in academia, research, or the most advanced sonography fields, then a master’s degree in sonography or a related field may be worth considering.
What is the difference between a sonographer and an ultrasound technician?
Both sonographers and ultrasound technicians operate sophisticated ultrasound equipment, which is why so many people use these titles interchangeably. But there are differences between the two occupations.
The main difference is that ultrasound technicians focus primarily on performing digital imaging on patients, while sonographers additionally interpret the results of digital images. Sonographers also often specialize in specific parts and systems of the body.
As a result, becoming a sonographer requires additional education and training beyond what is normally needed to work as an ultrasound tech.
What prerequisites do I need before I start a sonography program?
Most ultrasound tech and sonography schools in Ohio typically require a few prerequisites, typically in the form of foundational coursework in math and science (college-level algebra, basic human anatomy, basic physics, etc.).
In some cases, high school courses can help you prepare for a healthcare career and may count toward sonography prerequisite requirements at some schools. Check with your selected sonography program to determine which courses, if any, can be applied.
What jobs can I get after graduation, and how well do they pay?
Graduates of sonography degree programs find employment in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, retirement homes, private practices, and imaging centers. Popular job titles include:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Musculoskeletal Sonographer
- OB/GYN Sonographer
- Pediatric Sonographer
- Vascular Sonographer
- Echocardiographer
In terms of earnings, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Ohio enjoy an average salary of $81,960, according to the most recent (May 2024) figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (More on salaries below.) What you actually earn in your Ohio-based sonographer job, however, will depend on a number of factors, such as:
- Specific employer
- Specific job title and responsibilities
- Geographic location
- Sonographer’s level of professional experience
Salary Trends for Sonography and Ultrasound Techs in Ohio
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $64,760 | $89,340 | $123,170 |
| Ohio | $63,120 | $80,950 | $99,260 |
| Akron, OH | $69,610 | $86,080 | $96,640 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $63,260 | $76,460 | $92,220 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $69,560 | $81,710 | $102,450 |
| Cleveland, OH | $61,390 | $80,470 | $95,020 |
| Columbus, OH | $66,590 | $84,980 | $101,350 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $64,620 | $83,820 | $102,170 |
| Lima, OH | $67,080 | $77,780 | $86,220 |
| Mansfield, OH | $58,730 | $76,940 | $111,230 |
| Toledo, OH | $66,540 | $79,590 | $96,170 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $64,910 | $78,200 | $92,510 |
Source: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 83,800 | 95,800 | 12,000 | 14.30% | 5,700 |
| Ohio | 3,620 | 4,040 | 420 | 11.60% | 240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Sonography/Ultrasound Tech Programs in OH
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,198 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mercy College of Ohio
- Mercy College’s Sonography/Ultrasound Tech program offers nearly $300,000 annually in scholarships, supporting students based on financial need and academic achievement to ease tuition costs.
- Students can apply for financial aid including book vouchers that use aid to purchase required materials, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for textbooks and supplies.
- Mercy College provides personalized financial assistance such as a Student Emergency Fund Grant for unforeseen expenses that could impact enrollment, helping students stay on track during emergencies.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,198 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Cuyahoga Community College District
Cleveland, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,145 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cuyahoga Community College District
- The Sonography/Ultrasound Tech program offers CAAHEP-accredited specialty options including Adult Cardiac, Abdominal Extended, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Vascular Sonography, allowing focused career preparation.
- Students may qualify for federal or state financial aid programs and some health career-specific grants or scholarships once admitted, providing valuable financial support.
- The program combines on-campus didactic and lab instruction with off-campus clinical experiences at affiliated healthcare institutions, enhancing practical training and clinical placement opportunities.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,145 Avg. Aid Amount
- 24% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Kent State University at Ashtabula
Ashtabula, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,977 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Ashtabula
- Kent State University at Ashtabula’s Sonography/Ultrasound Tech program offers rolling admissions, allowing flexible application timing for prospective students.
- The program is conducted at the Robert S. Morrison Health & Science Building, providing specialized facilities tailored for healthcare and sonography training.
- Students benefit from Kent State’s extensive employer partnerships, enhancing clinical placement opportunities and supporting job readiness upon graduation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,977 Avg. Aid Amount
- 31% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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