Online Sonography Programs: Finding the Right School

How Online Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Programs Work

Students looking for an in-demand career in healthcare can earn an accredited sonography degree online. But before signing on to any specific program, it’s critical that you explore the varied program details to find the one program that best fits your professional and personal needs and preferences.

These hybrid-formatted programs combine online didactic coursework with hands-on training typically attended in-person on campus or at a healthcare facility in the school’s or student’s local area.

Additionally, sonography and ultrasound tech programs vary in length due primarily to the specific credential offered (certificate, diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree.)

This guide delves into all of these issues in detail. But to get you started on your program search, here are spotlights of three exemplary sonography programs available today that feature online options.

Find a Sonography Program Near You

Online sonography programs are available in nearly every state. Among the states offering the widest variety of programs are:

• Florida
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Texas

Sonography Student Q&A

Is sonography and ultrasound tech the same?

No, but they are quite similar. Both sonographers and ultrasound techs use ultrasound technologies for diagnostic imaging of body organs and systems.

However, sonographers typically have advanced and specialized training, focusing more on the interpretation of diagnostic images. Along with additional training, sonographers often obtain certifications based on their specific areas of specialization.

Can you learn ultrasound tech school online?

Partially. Online sonography and ultrasound tech programs are almost always presented in a hybrid format in which students complete didactic coursework online.

However, due to the nature of sonography/ultrasound practice, it is necessary for students to attend in-person training to gain hands-on experience in operating ultrasound equipment.

What is the difference between CAAHEP and ABHES?

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are both professional organizations involved in the accrediting of sonography education programs. The main difference between the two when it comes to accreditation is that the CAAHEP accredits individual sonography programs while the ABHES accredits the educational institutions that offer sonography education programs.

Therefore, both CAAHEP and ABHES accreditation are indications of quality academics. However, the CAAHEP is considered the primary accreditor for most sonography programs providing the more direct path to eligibility to take ARDMS certification exams.

How can I pay for my ultrasound and sonography tech program?

Scholarships and financial aid are alternative sources of funding that can help you pay for cost of attendance, with the former being the most desired forms of financial aid because scholarships do not need to be paid back. Many different sources offer scholarships, such as corporations, charitable organizations, state government, individuals and the schools themselves. the most popular form of financial aid will be a school loan, which must be paid back, sometimes with interest and usually after graduation. Other forms of financial aid include work study, grants and loan forgiveness. To apply for the most popular forms of financial aid, including some scholarship, students must complete the Free Application for Financial Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Keep in mind that these sources play just a small part in the total cost of an education. For example, if tuition is $10,000 per year and a student has a $5,000 scholarship, that education costs exactly the same as a school with a $5,000 annual tuition rate and no scholarship award. As you vet schools, make sure to factor in whether or not they offer and/or accept financial aid.

Is sonography harder than nursing?

Both occupations are challenging. Sonography, however is often seen as more technically demanding due to the specialized nature of ultrasound imaging. On the other hand, nursing demands a broader foundation of medical knowledge and skills, and involves a higher level of patient interaction.

So, if you’re trying to decide between a career in nursing and sonography, it’s important that you take the time to carefully consider you own personal and intellectual strengths and weaknesses in light of the unique professional requirements of each occupation.

Tuition & Fee Comparison

One of the biggest concerns of prospective sonography students is education cost. And while they may seem quite steep, it’s important to remember that total program costs can vary, sometimes substantially, from program to program. Common factors impacting cost include:

• Credential type (certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree)
• Program length
• Whether the program is offered by a public or private school
• Whether the student is an in-state or out-of-state resident (public school programs only)

It’s also important to again remind yourself of the wide range of financial aid resources out there that can help lower your total sonography program price tag.

Bearing all of that in mind, the chart below offers a look at the current tuition and fees costs for four current online sonography programs.

Certification and Specializations

Professional certification is an important step in your sonographer career path. Obtaining any of a number of professional certifications demonstrates to potential employers that you have attained a requisite level of knowledge and skills in the specific area of the certification. In fact, it is common for employers to require professional certification of its sonographer job applicants.

There are a variety of professional certifications you can choose from to demonstrate your competency and enhance your resume, many offered by the following three major certification organizations:

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS)

To earn an ARDMS credential, you must complete an accredited sonography program and have 12 months of full-time clinical sonography experience. ARDMS exam specialties include:

• Abdomen
• Breast
• Fetal Echocardiography
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatric Sonography
• Adult Echocardiography
• Pediatric Echocardiography
• Vascular Technology

The American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT)

ARRT certification requires an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited sonography program. ARRT exam specialties include:

• Vascular Sonography
• Breast Sonography
  

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

A combination of education and clinical experience is required for CCI certifications. The requirements will vary depending on specific exam.

CCI exam specialties include:

• Advanced Cardiac Sonographer
• Register Congenital Cardiac Sonographer
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer
• Registered Phlebotomy Sonographer
• Registered Vascular Specialist

Salary & Career Potential for Sonographers & Ultrasound Techs

EduMed’s Top Online Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Schools

Choosing an online sonography and ultrasound tech school program can be overwhelming. To streamline your decision-making process, we’ve surveyed the current program landscape and ranked what we believe to be some of the best programs, which we’ve listed below. Click the “About the ranking” button for a description of the methodology we used in making our program choices.