Your Guide to Online Sonography Programs in Ohio
A degree in sonography offers you a flexible, affordable way to pursue your passion of working in the allied health field without spending years studying. Learn more about top schools, key program features, and more below.
Are you graduating high school? Looking for a new direction? No matter where you are in your career journey, it’s important to find a field that can offer you stability both now and in the long term. Sonography does just that.
If you’re looking for top ultrasound tech and online sonography schools in Ohio, you’ve come to the right place. These programs offer you the skills and expertise you need to launch a career helping to diagnose, treat, and reassure patients in as little as one year.
Ultrasound tech schools in Ohio offer flexible degree paths, with both associate and bachelor’s degree options. While the curriculum is often jam-packed and tends to require some in-person learning, these degrees often offer hybrid learning options and come with a lower price tag than many other four-year programs. Through sonography programs, you get hands-on experience working with patients while working at the forefront of medical imaging technology. Get started by learning about some of the standout schools we highlighted below.
Standout Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Schools in Ohio
As the medical industry continues to grow, so do your educational opportunities. A popular option is sonography, with a variety of well-known schools offering associate or bachelor’s degrees. Whether you need a flexible, hybrid option to accommodate your busy schedule or a more rigorous, in-person option to help you graduate and earn your certification sooner, there is a program for you. Keep reading to take a closer look at what three popular programs have to offer.
Central Ohio Technical College
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) offers an accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology. This three-year program begins on campus in the spring semester each year. Students are expected to attend the program full-time for eight consecutive semesters. While sonography courses are offered exclusively in-person at the Newark campus, students can complete their general education courses online, or at any of the school’s extended campuses.
The degree combines a standard curriculum with advanced, hands-on training—including five clinical rotations— that prepares graduates to enter and excel in the job market. The program’s curriculum also prepares students to sit for five credentialing exams needed for employment. According to COTC, student pass rates consistently exceed the national average.
Students have the option to choose between two DMS majors: a general major or a cardiovascular major. All DMS concentrations offered through COTC are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
In-state students pay $164 per credit while non-residents pay $329 per credit. To help cover costs, COTC offers substantial financial aid and awards $1 million each year in scholarships.
Kettering College
Kettering College offers a CAAHEP-accredited four-year Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonographythat prepares graduates to earn their certification in abdominal, vascular, cardiac, or obstetrics/gynecology sonography specialties. In addition to taking courses that help them develop a theoretical and practical foundation in sonography, students take courses in cultural diversity in healthcare, morality and medicine, and humanities. The entire program consists of 129 – 132 credits.
Prospective sonography students at Kettering can expect to pay roughly $25,000 per year in tuition, however eligible full-time students qualify for financial aid. The program boasts an impressive 96% job placement rate, a 96% registry pass rate, and annual graduate salaries of nearly $68,000 annually.
Kettering’s admission process is rigorous, and requires students to have completed prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, writing, communication, algebra, physics, medical terminology, and sociology. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8, a CPR certification, and proficient computer skills, to name a few.
Stautzenberger College
Students looking for a more streamlined, flexible online sonography program in Ohio should strongly consider Stautzenberger College’s 112-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students can complete their required coursework in-person, online, or in a hybrid format to fit their schedule. All students have access to on-campus tutoring in both group and individual settings. In just 19 months, students learn to perform general sonography and conduct diagnostic examinations. They also gain an understanding of human gross and sectional anatomy and learn to recognize normal and abnormal sonographic appearances.
Stautzenberger’s sonography program is accredited by CAAHEP. This 112-credit degree program offers flexible start dates and no enrollment fee.
Prospective students can use the school’s net price calculator to estimate the cost of their program, their eligibility for financial aid, and their funding options.
The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing the Right Sonography School
When it comes to becoming a sonographer, finding the right ultrasound tech school in Ohio is half the battle. While your educational interests are an important factor, they are just a starting point. You also want a school that offers various concentrations, clinical opportunities, and courses. When the time comes to choose the online sonography program for you, consider the following features.
Accreditation
When a college is accredited, it means a reputable external agency has determined it meets certain quality standards. Regardless of whether the degree you’re seeking is online, in-person, or a mixture of the two, accreditation provides legitimacy to your degree. It also gives you the freedom to transfer schools without falling behind most schools only accept credits from other accredited programs.
Certification Preparation
Most sonography programs prepare you for a career outside of the classroom, but the best programs also offer certificate preparation along the way. Regardless of where you work or what specialty you’re considering, you’ll need to pass certain credentialing exams before you’re certified to work. Keep your eye out for programs that offer tutoring, study guides, or other resources to help you pass these exams.
Clinical Opportunities
With any allied health profession, hands-on clinical experience is often essential to getting hired after graduation. Having experience in addition to a strong academic record puts you a step ahead of competing applicants and gives you the confidence to hit the ground running. Look for schools that place equal, if not greater, emphasis on giving students the practical skills they need to succeed.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Being involved in the medical industry requires a wide range of knowledge that prepares you not only to perform ultrasounds but to interact with patients and doctors. When considering schools, look carefully at the curriculum. Does it include classes in the concentration that interests you? Is it well-rounded and thorough? You want a large variety that makes you a capable and competitive job applicant by the time graduation rolls around.
Specialization Opportunities
Ultrasound tech and online sonography programs in Ohio usually offer a number of different concentration or specialization opportunities to suit students’ interests and professional aspirations. Students can choose to earn a generalized degree with a broad overview of many forms of imaging or opt to specialize in a distinct area of the body. Consider schools that offer both options so.
Student Support & Job Placement Resources
A degree is only worth as much as the support you receive while you pursue it. One of the most common ways your sonography or ultrasound tech school can support you is by providing you with networking opportunities. Well-established programs have strong networks that connect you with career opportunities and internships. Also consider the resources you need while still in school. Does the university offer tutoring? Financial aid? Mental health services? Ask yourself what matters most to you and look for schools that offer it.
Answering Your Questions About Ultrasound Tech Schools in Ohio
Applying to any college program is complicated, and ultrasound tech schools in Ohio are no exception, so it’s understandable if your head is still swimming with questions. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common questions about these programs, how they work, and what it means to pursue this field.
Are there online sonography programs in Ohio?
There are several ultrasound tech schools in Ohio that offer programs that can be completed partially online, however since sonography is such a hands-on field, you will almost always have to attend a few classes (and your clinical placements) in person. Stautzenberger College, for example, offers a hybrid learning option where you take certain classes online and the rest in person. You can learn more about different learning modes and determine which suits you best on our dedicated learning in healthcare page.
Can I get an advanced degree in sonography?
Most sonography programs offer an are associate or bachelor’s degree, both of which allow students to jump directly into their careers as quickly as possible. There are a select few universities that offer master’s degrees in sonography, but the highest sonography degree most Ohio universities is a bachelor’s.
How do I get certified?
In Ohio, the vast majority of employers require employees to hold a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or specialty certification. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography provides these certifications. Programs like COTC offer concentrations in cardiovascular, abdomen, and obstetrics sonography, preparing you to sit for corresponding certification exams.
How much does a sonography and ultrasound tech program cost?
The biggest factor affecting how much you’ll pay for ultrasound tech school in Ohio is the degree you’re aiming for. Associate degrees are typically more affordable, hovering around in low tens of thousands while bachelor’s degrees are more expensive, with some reaching over $50,000. That said, many schools also offer competitive financial aid that can help offset the price of tuition.
What is the difference between a sonographer and an ultrasound technician?
Both sonographers and ultrasound technicians operate ultrasound machinery, which is why so many people use these titles interchangeably. The main difference is that ultrasound technician programs are more generalized while sonographers take on more specialized roles, and require more education and training.
What prerequisites do I need before I start a sonography program?
Most ultrasound tech schools in Ohio typically require a few prerequisites, as these programs are heavily math and science-based. The prerequisites vary by university, but most require college-level algebra, basic human anatomy courses, and basic physics classes. Certain high-level high school courses may count towards these requirements.
What jobs can I get after graduation and how well do they pay?
A degree in sonography prepares you to perform ultrasounds and imaging in any medical facility that offers them—including hospitals, retirement homes, private practices, and imaging centers—as a diagnostic medical or specialized sonographer. In Ohio, average salaries range from $50,00 to $70,000. We’ll discuss your earning potential in greater detail the career and salary prospect section below.
A Deeper Look at Ultrasound Tech Schools in Ohio and Their Requirements
The requirements and regulations you’ll face as an aspiring sonographer go far beyond your time researching ultrasound tech schools in Ohio, beyond your graduation day, and into your career. Let’s take a deeper dive into the details of what it takes to work in sonography in Ohio.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is the cornerstone of any medical degree, including ultrasound technician programs. In Ohio, healthcare students must complete a structured clinical training program as part of their curriculum. This hands-on work helps you enhance your knowledge, qualify for certification exams, and train for real-world application.
Most programs require you to complete a certain number of clinical hours and in-person training that involve interacting with patients, working with experienced healthcare professionals, and learning how to use ultrasound equipment.
Continuing Education, Renewal & Career Advancement
Technology is constantly changing and evolving, particularly in the medical industry. Continuing your education is a vital aspect of maintaining your skills, staying up to date with this changing technology, and maintaining your credentials. In Ohio, ultrasound technicians are required to renew their RDMS certificate each year for an annual fee of $95.
Educational Pathways
In Ohio, students interested in becoming ultrasound technicians have multiple paths available to get there. Students can choose from certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Certificate programs offer a streamlined approach, equipping students with essential skills for entry-level positions. Associate degrees provide a more comprehensive foundation, while bachelor’s require more extensive education but often lead to higher-paying career options.
Examination & Certification Requirements
To practice as a sonographer in Ohio, graduates must take exams and earn certifications beyond their degree. These requirements typically include passing examinations from recognized bodies such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). These certifications prove your proficiency in various ultrasound specialties.
Scope of Practice and Regulations
Like any professional in the allied health field, sonographers and ultrasound technicians must adhere to strict ethical standards when dealing with patients. This is why Ohio, and many other states, require practitioners to hold degrees from accredited universities to get a job in the field. It’s also why you must maintain valid certification each year.
Career & Salary Outlook for Sonographers in Ohio
Nationally, sonography is a great career path. While this is also true in Ohio, sonographers may find fewer opportunities and open roles in the state. This is because Ohio’s average growth rate is 11.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 14.3%. Still, 11.6% is above the average growth rate for all career fields, meaning sonographers in Ohio still have ample opportunities and room to grow professionally. Another key concern when choosing a career path is what you can expect to earn after graduating. Currently, sonographer salaries range from $62,140 to $97,540 in Ohio. These salaries are lower than in some other states, but it’s important to keep in mind that Ohio has a low cost of living, meaning your salary will go further. Additionally, it’s possible to earn more in some parts of the state, such as Dayton and Mansfield, where sonographers in the 90th percentile earn over $100,000 annually.
| 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.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $62,140 | $79,300 | $97,540 |
| Akron, OH | $66,910 | $80,350 | $85,790 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $62,350 | $80,030 | $87,900 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $64,200 | $81,120 | $96,420 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $65,530 | $79,300 | $97,540 |
| Columbus, OH | $61,260 | $80,370 | $94,340 |
| Dayton, OH | $67,650 | $83,160 | $104,220 |
| Lima, OH | $62,680 | $67,970 | $82,940 |
| Mansfield, OH | $59,630 | $70,680 | $107,000 |
| Springfield, OH | $52,000 | $63,400 | $82,300 |
| Toledo, OH | $56,380 | $78,150 | $90,260 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $58,700 | $74,350 | $79,130 |
Source: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
