Scholarships & Resources for Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Students
Getting through college can be a challenge, both financially and academically. Yet there are plenty of ways to get help if you know where to look. For sonography and ultrasound tech students, many scholarship and grant awards exist through individual schools, professional associations, community foundations, and nonprofits that can make college more affordable.
Even better, many of these and other sources provide substantial student services and support to help you before, during, and after completing your degree program. This guide is the perfect starting place to find these valuable scholarships and student resources. We’ve spotlighted over 15 top scholarships for sonography students like you while also providing key info on where to find helpful support services and resources both at school and online.
Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Scholarships and Grants
Becoming qualified to work as a sonography and ultrasound tech costs thousands of dollars. Fortunately, many students find scholarships and grants to help lessen or even eliminate those costs. Colleges and universities, professional associations, nonprofit foundations, hospital foundations, and many other entities provide scholarships and grants to help further the discipline. You’ll find several school-based and national and regional scholarships and grants detailed below along with tips for winning awards and information on other funding streams.
School-based Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Scholarships
One of the best places to look for scholarships is at individual colleges and universities. Because only admitted students qualify for these awards, the competitor pool is much smaller than awards open to any student considering sonography and ultrasound tech education. Begin by looking at departmental websites of individual schools. Many list both the awards available and the eligibility requirements to help you see if a particular scholarship or grant matches your financial needs and/or academic merits. If you can’t find the information online, contact the college’s financial aid office directly to learn about awards. If they can’t help you, get in touch with the school’s program director for the sonography and ultrasound tech program.
University of Southern Indiana
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern Indiana houses the radiologic and imaging sciences department. The department currently offers 11 scholarships with awards ranging from $100 to $1,000. Some of these can be renewed, while others are one-time awards. Some, like the Deaconess Health System Health Professions Scholarship, require students to demonstrate both academic merit and financial need. Review each award carefully to see how it can help you save money if you decide to attend USI.
Deaconess Health Systems Health Professions Scholarship
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
Varies
Eligibility
SI students displaying compassion and care, studying full-time, and in good academic standing can apply for this award once accepted into the diagnostic medical sonography program.
How to Apply
Faculty select recipients, but students must demonstrate financial aid validated by the FAFSA to receive consideration.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The College of Health Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is committed to ensuring students can access the training and qualifications they need to work as diagnostic medical sonographers. Backing up that commitment, the department developed scholarships to provide financial assistance. The Terry J. Dubose Endowed Scholarship for senior diagnostic medical sonography students, for example, is named for the professor who developed the first educational program in Arkansas for diagnostic medical sonography in 1996. The award supports students demonstrating a commitment to the discipline.
Terry J. DuBose Endowed Scholarship
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
Senior year
Eligibility
Diagnostic medical sonography students in their final year of studies can apply for this award if they possess a 3.0 or higher GPA and are in good standing.
How to Apply
Students must demonstrate financial aid through a completed FAFSA. They must also provide two references, including one from a sonography professor.
National and Regional Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Scholarships
Organization
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Amount
$2,500
Deadline
6/30/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in sonography. They must also be SDMS members.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit an online form with proof of enrollment, FAFSA documentation, and three short essays.
Alan D. Waggoner Sonographer Student Scholarship
Organization
American Society of Echocardiography
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
12/1/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program can apply to this award after being nominated by their program directors.
How to Apply
After being nominated, students must supply a completed online application and ensure their membership to ASEF is in good standing.
Organization
Society for Vascular Ultrasound
Amount
$1,000-$2,500
Deadline
3/1/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students must be enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited program and possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. They must also be in good standing with the SVU.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit official transcripts, an essay outlining career objectives, two letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities.
Organization
California Department of Health Care Access and Information
Amount
$8,000
Deadline
2/22/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students living in California can apply for this award if they plan to become a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound technician. They must commit to a 12-month service placement in a medically underserved area after graduating.
How to Apply
Applicants must provide evidence of enrollment and graduation within the next year and provide official transcripts demonstrating 2.0 or higher GPAs.
Organization
International Foundation for Sonography Education and Research
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
Varies (Annual)
Eligibility
Students attending a CAAHEP-accredited sonography education program can apply to this award if their school hosts the annual Educator’s Summit.
How to Apply
Application requirements are set by individual schools, so check with your department if it hosts the educator’s summit.
Organization
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
Amount
Up to $7,000
Deadline
4/15/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students who maintain HOSA memberships can apply to a variety of scholarships and awards open to sonography and ultrasound technology students. They must create a Tallo account to apply.
How to Apply
Application steps vary based on the scholarship to which you are applying, but your Tallo account acts as part of your application.
Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship
Organization
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Amount
$4,000
Deadline
1/14/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Active members of ASRT can apply for this award if enrolled in an entry-level program focused on sonography or a closely related topic.
How to Apply
Students receive automatic consideration for all potential ASRT scholarships when submitting a general application. This is done after signing in with your membership credentials.
Joan F. Giambalvo Fund for the Advancement of Women
Organization
American Medical Association
Amount
$10,000
Deadline
7/15/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
This fund supports women advancing studies in medical fields, including sonography and ultrasound technology. Applicants must submit a research proposal.
How to Apply
Students complete an online application form and supply a research proposal that meets that year’s annual focus area.
John C. Volderauer Scholarship
Organization
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling (Annual)
Eligibility
Undergraduate sonography or ultrasound technology students can apply if they live in Kalamazoo County or plan to complete their clinical/didactic training at a facility within the county.
How to Apply
Supply a statement of educational goals, professional plans, and financial need alongside a transcript, letter of recommendation, and copy of financial aid award letter.
Organization
Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists
Amount
$500
Deadline
11/30/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Must be a member of the VSRT and be working towards a degree in sonography, mammography, or a related discipline.
How to Apply
Supply a completed application, letter of good standing, official transcripts, VSRT membership number, two reference letters, and answers to essay questions.
National Ultrasound Scholarship
Organization
National Ultrasound
Amount
$500
Deadline
6/21/22 and 12/1/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students must be enrolled in an accredited ultrasound education program and possess 3.0 or higher GPAs.
How to Apply
Supply a completed application and an essay of up to 1,500 words discussing how ultrasound technology has changed the face of a curriculum.
Organization
Society for Imaging Science and Technology
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
10/1/22 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students must enroll full time in a sonography or ultrasound tech program and have completed at least two years of their studies.
How to Apply
Submit educational information, CV/resume, career objectives, two reference letters, official transcripts, and a list of additional references by October 1st.
Royce Osborn Minority Student Scholarship
Organization
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Amount
Up to $5,000
Deadline
Varies (Annual)
Eligibility
Members of ASRT enrolled in entry-level sonography or related educational programs can apply to this award if they identify as part of a minority student group.
How to Apply
Applicants must be active members of ARST. They must also complete online applications and all required documentation.
Sonography Student Scholarship
Organization
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Amount
$2,500
Deadline
6/30/22 and 12/31/21 (Annual)
Eligibility
Students must be accepted to or enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography program and a member of SDMS.
How to Apply
Submit an online application, including required essay questions, and a FAFSA report by the deadline.
5 Smart Tips for Winning a Sonography Scholarship
Whether you’re applying to a scholarship offered specifically by your school or to a national award in competition with thousands of students, it’s important to put your best foot forward with every application. You only get one chance to leave a favorable impression, after all, so make sure you don’t waste all your efforts by making a silly mistake. Follow thee five suggestions to land awards.
TIP 1
Select a CAAHEP-accredited school
Most sonography and ultrasound tech scholarships require applicants attend a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
TIP 2
Apply each year of enrollment
Some awards focus only on incoming students, but many also prioritize students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of studies.
TIP 3
Join professional associations
Professional associations such as ASRT and SDSM provide scholarships, but they are only open to members. Ask about discounted student memberships.
TIP 4
Pay careful attention to eligibility requirements
If you don’t meet a key eligibility requirement, such as focusing on a specific area of sonography, don’t try to force yourself into the application. Move on and find an award better suited to you.
TIP 5
Proofread. Then, proofread again
You can spend hours working on your application, but it will be all for naught if application reviewers find careless spelling or grammar mistakes.
Other Ways to Get Help Paying for Sonography School
Even after exhausting all scholarships, grants, and other awards not requiring repayment, you may still need help paying for your sonography or ultrasound tech educational program. Fortunately, financial aid comes in many different forms, including student loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education, employment tuition reimbursement opportunities, and even loan forgiveness programs for individuals who commit to working in medically underserved areas after graduating. Carefully consider your options to find the best financial sources available to you.
Academic and Career Support Resources for Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Students
Top-tier support services can turn a good educational experience into a great one and ensure you receive helpful services every step of the way. The best services help students before during, and after they finish their sonography or ultrasound technician programs. Getting through college is not without its challenges, and advancing your career can take a lot of determination and focus. This section highlights just a few places to look for help at every step in the process.
University Student Support Centers and Services
Whether you’re looking into your sonography and ultrasound tech educational options, are in your first semester of study and trying to settle in, or are in your final semester and considering career pathways, your school’s student support services are there to help. These valuable offices can help you register for online and/or in-person classes, find campus housing, and connect with alumni who may be willing to provide mentorship services. Below are two schools with sonography and ultrasound tech programs that provide excellent support services.
Brookdale Community College
Located in Lincroft, New Jersey, Brookdale Community College provides a 12-month diagnostic medical sonography program. BCC prides itself on providing meaningful and concrete support services at every step of the way, beginning with the admittance process. Prospective students can register for monthly information sessions to determine if Brookdale provides the right program for them. Once enrolled and even after you graduate, the school provides a refresher course, job interview preparation, and help with exam study and other skillsets.
Broward College
Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida provides an A.S. in diagnostic medical sonography for students looking to become valued healthcare professionals. In addition to offering monthly diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound) online information sessions, the department also hosts networking and professional events during the academic year. It also works with incoming students to provide credit for prior learning and gives both current and past students access to a specialized career center.
Resources for Online Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Students
As more students decide to complete their sonography and ultrasound tech education coursework online, resources are increasingly available for distance learners. These five helpful sonography and ultrasound tech resources can help you feel like an online learning pro in no time.
Online School for Working Adults
If you’re thinking about pursuing a sonography or ultrasound tech program online but worry about how it will balance with your existing job, check out this helpful guide on how to succeed.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography provides an extensive array of resources and information to help online students feel confident about deciding to pursue sonography.
For online students seeking more academic resources and support, SonoMojo provides a fully online ultrasound curriculum gathered from free open-access medical education.
Transitioning to Online School
Students worried about moving from traditional, in-person classes to online learning can read about what to expect when enrolling in an online sonography program.
Ultrasound Students Learn Hands-On During Clinicals
Caris College looks at how clinicals work for online sonography and ultrasound tech students and what they can expect when shifting from online to in-person.
Sonography Student Organizations and Professional Associations
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Joining AIUM provides access to webinars, courses and events, online communities focused on different parts of the discipline, and a wealth of resources for students and practitioners alike.
American Society of Echocardiography
Becoming a member of ASE means you can access scholarships, grants, and awards; live and virtual courses; and CEU programming.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
CAAHEP accredits sonography and ultrasound technology programs and provides a database of currently-accredited programs to help you make an informed decision.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
SDMS provides access to information on learning opportunities, industry resources, and student services. The group also provides two scholarships.
Society for Vascular Ultrasound
SVU offers a variety of regional and virtual events, exam review courses, CME courses, and a career center with job postings.
Online Communities, Networking Sites, and Other Social Groups
Medical Sonography Professionals
This public Facebook group has nearly 9,000 members and daily discussions about all sorts of topics within medical sonography. Both students and professionals are welcome.
this active Reddit community provides a space where students and professionals alike can come together to discuss the field and get answers to their questions.
Natalie Avni has nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram where she shares her daily experiences as an ultrasound tech. Follow her journey to see what it’s like.
Ultrasound Imaging – Sonography
Another public Facebook group, this community has 5,000 members sharing questions, advice, relevant industry news, and other topics to keep you connected and in the know.
Articles, Videos, Books and Podcasts
This established podcast provides weekly episodes in addition to ultrasound imaging discussions, learning courses, and other services to help individuals learn at every step of the way.
Day in the Life of Two Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Concorde Career College provides this insider look at what a typical day looks like in the lives of two diagnostic medical sonographers. It gives you a better idea of what to expect working in the field.
Day in the Life: Ultrasound Technologist
Ultrasound technologist Marah Snoubar shares how she spends her days, current job responsibilities, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Pulling from her personal experience, YouTuber Tessa Kay looks at some of the pros and cons related to becoming an ultrasound technician or sonographer.
This podcast features experts in the field discussing their work and research in the discipline. It’s a great option for both students and practitioners.
