Online Sonography Programs in Florida: Finding the Right School

In-Depth: Online Sonography Programs in Florida

Because sonography is a hands-on profession, ultrasound tech programs cannot be completed fully online. However, many Florida programs offer hybrid options that blend online coursework with in-person training. As you compare programs, keep these key points in mind:

1. Program format: Hybrid programs deliver lectures, exams, and theory online while requiring in-person labs and clinical training at campuses or healthcare facilities.
2. Degree options: Both associate and bachelor’s degrees are available, with program lengths varying by credential.
3. Program differences: Admissions standards, curriculum focus, and the balance of online versus in-person instruction differ by school.

Below, we spotlight three Florida-based sonography programs with online components to help you understand what to expect as you begin your search.

FAQs from Florida Sonography Students

As you gain insight into program options, it’s inevitable that you’ll have additional questions about program elements, career prospects, and more. To help you fill in some of the blanks, below are the answers to five of the most commonly-asked questions by prospective Florida sonography students.

Can I get an advanced degree in sonography?

Advanced degrees are uncommon in sonography, with most practicing sonographers holding an associate degree. Sonographers with bachelor degrees are relatively common as well.

Generally speaking, sonographers require more in-depth training than ultrasound technicians and often go on to complete additional certificate programs, like the Vascular Sonography or Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Sonography Advanced Technical Certificates offered by Eastern Florida State College.

The more common route for sonographers looking to increase job opportunities and pay is choosing a specialization or concentration during their sonography program. As you explore program options, therefore, look for those that offer specialties, particularly in areas you think may be of professional interest to you.

What are the requirements to work as an ultrasound tech in Florida?

The state of Florida does not require any formal licensure to work as an ultrasound tech in the state. However, most employers will, at minimum, expect job seekers to meet certain professional requirements which typically depend on the particular professional certification(s) held by the job seeker.

Nevertheless, all persons pursuing careers as ultrasound techs in Florida will first need to complete an accredited ultrasound tech education program and obtain one or more professional certifications.

Most programs prepare students to sit for national certification exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ADRMS provides this resource describing the clinical and academic prerequisites applicants must meet before sitting for their certification exams.

How much does a sonography and ultrasound tech program cost?

The cost of online sonography programs in Florida can vary significantly depending on a number factors, the most impactful being:

• The particular credential offered
• Whether the program is offered by a public or private school. Private schools often charge higher tuition rates.
• Whether the student in a public school program is a in-state or out-of-state resident. Out-of-state residents are often charged higher tuition rates than in-state residents.

With that in mind, the costs quoted in the program spotlights above offer a pretty good idea of the range of prices of sonography programs in Florida — from around $9,000 for the associate degree program at Valencia College (a public school) to nearly $100,000 for the bachelor’s degree program at Nova Southeastern University (a private school.)

It’s very important to remember here that the actual cost of Nova’s program will likely be significantly lower once available financial aid is applied. And keep in mind that financial aid help is also commonly available to help fund students in other programs as well.

What Is the difference between a sonographer and an ultrasound technician?

It’s common for people to use the titles of sonographer and ultrasound technician interchangeably, as they both operate ultrasound machines to monitor body organs and systems, creating and analyzing ultrasound images to do so.

Nevertheless, there are differences between the two, the most impactfully being that sonographers are often required to complete additional training and certifications based on their areas of specialization. Common specializations include:

• Abdominal
• Breast
• Obstetric and gynecological
• Echocardiology
• Vascular
• Musculoskeletal
• Neurosonography.

What jobs can I get after graduation, and how well do they pay?

Sonographers and ultrasound techs in Florida find jobs in a wide range of healthcare settings, such as:

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic imaging centers
• Physician’s offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Medical research facilities

They’re also often employed as education and sales representatives by medical imaging equipment manufacturers.

Salaries for professionals in the field vary according to such factors as education level, experience, and geographic location. Generally speaking, though, diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists (two of the most popular positions among Florida sonography school graduates) make an average of $89,340 annually, according to recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary & Career Trends for Sonographers in Florida