What You Need to Know: Georgia Online Sonography Programs

Unfortunately, you are now, once again, staring down an impossible number of options. If you want to study at one of the leading sonography schools in Georgia but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place.

At this point you probably have a million questions swirling around inside your head. What should I look for in an online sonography school in Georgia? How much should I expect to pay? What licensing regulations will I need to comply with to start working, and what job opportunities are available? Keep reading to have all these questions and more answered. We’ll walk you through our top choice, a comprehensive program checklist, and your future earning potential so that you can feel confident taking your next step. Discover which school made it onto our list as the best choice for students like you by reading on.

Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Program Checklist

Knowing why you want to pursue a sonography career and where to find potential schools is great, but it isn’t always enough. You may still be wondering what exactly you need to consider to make an informed decision, which is why we’ve put together the following checklist. Keep reading to explore some of the key features you’ll want to look for as you choose your online sonography school in Georgia:

FAQs About Sonography Schools in Georgia

If you still have some unanswered questions about earning an advanced degree at a Georgia sonography school, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions prospective ultrasound and sonography students ask. Keep reading to learn more about the availability of online programs, the certification process, your potential job salary, and more:

Are there online sonography schools in Georgia?

Yes, there are online sonography schools in Georgia. GSU offers a fully online Radiologic Sciences Bridge Program with a specialization in diagnostic medical sonography. The Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology also offers a hybrid Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that allows students to complete foundational classes online or on campus.

Can I get an advanced degree in sonography?

While you don’t need an advanced degree in sonography to practice, it is possible to earn one if you’re hoping to climb the ladder at work, expand your skills, and increase your knowledge. Students interested in doing so can enroll in Health Science programs with a sonography emphasis or specialization.

How do I get certified?

Students enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited sonography school in Georgia automatically qualify to sit for the certification exam of their choice after graduation. Exams are administered according to specialty. For example, students hoping to work as cardiac sonographers should enroll in the necessary specialization exams to earn their Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certificate, while those interested in earning a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) certificate would do so in order to pursue careers in vascular sonography.

How much does a sonography and ultrasound tech program cost?

The cost of ultrasound tech training in sonography schools in Georgia varies for several reasons, including whether you’re an international, in-state, or out-of-state student. The cost of a two-year associate degree can be as much $39,500, while that of a four-year bachelor’s degree can be as much as $86,400.

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

Although ultrasound technicians and sonographers both operate ultrasound equipment, their roles differ slightly. Ultrasound technicians can only monitor a patients’ internal organs or a baby’s growth during pregnancy, while sonographers can also help make diagnoses and perform ultrasound-guided treatment. As a result, sonographers require greater academic qualifications than ultrasound technicians.

What prerequisites do I need before I start a sonography program?

Prerequisites can vary slightly according to the online sonography school you’re applying to. However, most include a minimum age of 18 years, a high school diploma or GED, and a passing grade in prerequisite classes. For example, Gwinnett Technical College requires students to have taken and passed American literature, anatomy and physiology, math, and physics, before the application deadline.

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

Graduating from a reputable sonography school in Georgia can give you access to a number of well-paying job opportunities, including the following:

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn an average annual salary of $84,410.
• Cardiac Sonographers typically earn $78,000 per year.
• Vascular Sonographers can expect to earn an annual salary of $73,133.

Licensing & Regulatory Requirements for Ultrasound Techs in Georgia

To maintain quality patient care standards, regulatory organizations like ARDMS dictate licensing requirements all sonographers must meet. ARDMS collaborates with sonography schools in Georgia to ensure these standards are met.

Clinical Experience

The clinical experience requirements for ARDMS licensing depend on your education level. If you complete a two-year program, you need 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound experience before you can earn your certification. No additional clinical experience is required if you graduate from an accredited sonography school in Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in sonography.

Continuing Education, Renewal & Career Advancement

Sonographers are required to earn 10 to 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME) each year in order to stay up to date on the latest methods, theories, and to maintain their credentials. ARDMS also recommends that license applicants earn a minimum of 30 relevant CMEs in preparation for their certification exam. Earning a new credential or passing a new specialist examination gets you a waiver of 15 CMEs. Licensed sonographers can access their CME progress on the ARDMS CME Bank.

Educational Pathways

The typical pathway to becoming a sonographer involves obtaining either an associate or a bachelor’s degree, which in turn dictates your suitability for specific ARDMS certifications. Most certified sonographers practice as registered diagnostic medical specialists (R.D.M.S.), while some receive advanced certifications.

Examination & Certification Requirements

To earn your certification, you must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentations (SPI) exam and a corresponding specialist exam according to the area you’d like to practice in, including abdominal, breast, adult echocardiogram, vascular technology, or another specialization.

Scope of Practice and Regulations

National and state-specific regulations dictate sonographers’ scope of practice. The national guidelines state that sonographers can collaborate with licensed professionals to perform invasive procedures, maintain ultrasound equipment to ensure optimal functioning, and conduct diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under the direction of licensed professionals.

Job Prospects & Salary Insights for Sonographers in Georgia

If you live in Georgia, sonography is a great career path to explore. The reason boils down to the job growth rate. Nationally, there’s a 14.3% growth rate for the industry. In Georgia, the demand skyrockets to 26.6%. Such a high growth rate indicates that it will be easy for graduates of sonography and ultrasound programs to find a job they enjoy. They may also have more negotiation power in interviews, resulting in the potential for more paid time off, a better work schedule, or a higher wage. Speaking of salary, sonographers in Georgia earn between $57,950 and $99,680 annually. To earn on the higher end, consider moving to certain parts of the state, such as the Atlanta area, where the 90th percentile earns $100,920 or more per year. While location impacts salary, your experience level and any specialized knowledge you possess also play a role.