Comparing Online Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Programs in Ohio
Are you considering a career in medical imaging? Ohio offers exceptional opportunities through online 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 Programs Online
If you’re detail-oriented, compassionate, and interested in medical imaging, a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound tech may be a strong fit. Ohio offers a wide range of education options, including in-person and hybrid programs that make it easier to balance school with work and family responsibilities.
When comparing sonography programs in Ohio, focus on these key factors:
- Program format: Fully online options are rare, but hybrid programs blend online coursework with required hands-on clinical training.
- Length and credential: Program timelines vary widely, from accelerated options around nine months to bachelor’s degrees that take up to four years.
- Cost and financial aid: Tuition can differ significantly, though many schools offer scholarships and other financial aid to eligible students.
To help you get started, we’ve highlighted three high-quality sonography programs in Ohio that show what you can expect in terms of structure, cost, and outcomes.
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
Programs that might interest 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
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
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $65,480 | $82,870 | $101,190 |
| Akron, OH | $73,980 | $89,460 | $100,130 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $71,930 | $79,500 | $99,470 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $72,090 | $84,950 | $106,730 |
| Cleveland, OH | $64,960 | $82,540 | $101,200 |
| Columbus, OH | $64,930 | $84,200 | $101,800 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $64,930 | $84,020 | $99,170 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $67,500 | $78,830 | $100,690 |
| Lima, OH | $67,840 | $82,430 | $97,800 |
| Toledo, OH | $69,020 | $82,560 | $101,050 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $66,100 | $78,880 | $94,700 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $67,210 | $85,310 | $101,190 |
Source: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 12 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
| 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
Top Online Sonography/Ultrasound Tech Programs in OH
Cuyahoga Community College District
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 66%Students W/ Aid
- $4,367Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cuyahoga Community College District
- The program’s strong outcomes include job placement rates up to 100% within six months of graduation.
- Students benefit from health-professions-specific grants and scholarships that can significantly reduce total program costs.
- The program offers multiple specialized tracks in abdomen/OB-GYN, adult cardiac, and vascular sonography, enhancing career options.
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 66%Students W/ Aid
- $4,367Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Stautzenberger College-Maumee
Program Details
- Location: Maumee, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 84%Students W/ Aid
- $6,401Avg. Aid Amount
- 23/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stautzenberger College-Maumee
- Hybrid format combines on-campus and online study, offering flexibility for working students.
- Students complete a supervised clinical practicum at an affiliated healthcare site for real-world experience.
- Financial aid support includes help exploring funding, scholarships, and grants to fit your budget.
Program Details
- Location: Maumee, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 84%Students W/ Aid
- $6,401Avg. Aid Amount
- 23/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Lorain County Community College
Program Details
- Location: Elyria, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 81%Students W/ Aid
- $2,819Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lorain County Community College
- The program is CAAHEP-accredited in abdominal and obstetrics/gynecology sonography, qualifying graduates for ARDMS certification exams.
- Entry does not require previous medical background, allowing motivated students without prior healthcare experience to enter the field.
- Students have access to multiple scholarship and grant opportunities through LCCC, the State of Ohio, and the SDMS Education Foundation.
Program Details
- Location: Elyria, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 81%Students W/ Aid
- $2,819Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Stautzenberger College-Brecksville
Program Details
- Location: Brecksville, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 65%Students W/ Aid
- $6,091Avg. Aid Amount
- 8/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stautzenberger College-Brecksville
- CAAHEP accreditation strengthens the program’s credibility and helps graduates meet common employer and licensure expectations.
- Students gain supervised clinical practicum experience at affiliated healthcare sites, building real-world skills before graduation.
- The program is a diagnostic medical sonography degree, aligning training with an in-demand healthcare specialty.
Program Details
- Location: Brecksville, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 65%Students W/ Aid
- $6,091Avg. Aid Amount
- 8/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Mercy College of Ohio
Program Details
- Location: Toledo, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 83%Students W/ Aid
- $10,197Avg. Aid Amount
- 5/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mercy College of Ohio
- The program is a CAAHEP-accredited, 11–12 month hospital-based diploma, offering accelerated entry into sonography practice.
- Graduates are eligible for ARDMS registry exams in abdominal and OB/GYN specialties, enhancing certification and employability.
- Students receive over 1,200 clinical hours with onsite didactic instruction, building strong, market-ready ultrasound skills in a major health system.
Program Details
- Location: Toledo, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 83%Students W/ Aid
- $10,197Avg. Aid Amount
- 5/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 83%Students W/ Aid
- $4,202Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected ATA College-Cincinnati
- 18-month program designed for faster entry into the workforce.
- Career Services helps graduates with job placement after completion.
- Flexible online classes plus hands-on on-campus labs support convenient learning.
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 83%Students W/ Aid
- $4,202Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Akron Main Campus
Program Details
- Location: Akron, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $9,319Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Akron Main Campus
- Students can earn both a Health Care Administration bachelor’s degree and a medical sonography certificate in just four years, saving a full year of tuition and starting their careers sooner.
- The program offers a unique cardiac sonography track through a seamless pathway into the Cleveland Clinic Cardiac Sonography program, combining health care leadership with specialized imaging training and eligibility for cardiac sonography credentialing.
- Students complete multiple clinical externships and scan labs integrated into the curriculum, providing extensive hands-on ultrasound experience and strong preparation for professional practice.
Program Details
- Location: Akron, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 67%Students W/ Aid
- $9,319Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Cleveland State University
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 70%Students W/ Aid
- $9,231Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cleveland State University
- The pathway allows students to complete an AAS at LCCC, then seamlessly finish a CSU bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, creating an efficient route from sonography training to a four‑year credential.
- Students can apply significant associate‑level sonography coursework toward CSU’s bachelor’s degree requirements, reducing time and cost to complete the four‑year degree.
- The structured transfer plan clarifies required courses and sequencing across LCCC and CSU, minimizing lost credits and ensuring a smooth transition into advanced study and professional preparation in diagnostic medical sonography.
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 70%Students W/ Aid
- $9,231Avg. Aid Amount
- 16/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 36%Students W/ Aid
- $7,378Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Program graduates complete supervised clinical internships at multiple healthcare facilities across Greater Cincinnati, building strong real-world experience and employer connections.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers national certification exam, supporting rapid professional credentialing and employability.
- The program offers concentrated training in abdominal, obstetric, and gynecological sonography, giving students a focused, in-demand general imaging specialization.
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 36%Students W/ Aid
- $7,378Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Clark State College
Program Details
- Location: Springfield, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $4,807Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clark State College
- The program is CAAHEP-accredited in abdominal-extended, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular sonography, signaling strong quality and employer recognition.
- Students receive hands-on training and clinical experiences using industry-standard ultrasound equipment, directly preparing them for real-world practice and credentialing exams.
- The program’s competitive, limited-enrollment structure supports smaller cohorts and more focused clinical and faculty attention for each student.
Program Details
- Location: Springfield, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $4,807Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/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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