Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Schools Online: A Look Inside
Aspiring sonographers or ultrasound technicians can accomplish their dreams easily thanks to the convenience of online programs. With various options such as certificate programs or more advanced degree paths like an associate or bachelor’s, you may want to understand the differences between all of your choices. If you’re ready to help patients receive the best medical care possible, discover which schools made it onto our list as the best options for students like you to advance your sonography & ultrasound tech career by reading on.
Understanding How Online Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Programs Work
Students looking for an in-demand career in healthcare can earn an accredited sonography or ultrasound tech degree online. Fully and partially online programs allow students to study where and when it’s convenient and to acquire critical hands-on training, while the hands-on training can occur either on campus or at a healthcare facility close to the student.
Many programs can vary in length. Whether it be completing your studies in two years (associate) or four years (bachelor’s) with professional certification to follow, you’ll want to weigh your options between a certificate, diploma, and a degree. The certificate or diploma path takes around 12-18 months to complete, but there will be more non-degree sonographers looking for post-graduate employment than those with associate or bachelor’s degrees. Some employers might require a college degree for hiring; if they accept someone with a certificate, the pay is likely going to be lower. The vast majority of bachelor’s degree programs are designed for individuals who are already practicing as sonographers or ultrasound technicians. This degree level allows the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of sonography or learn higher level theory and management skills, potentially leading to leadership roles within health organizations.
A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College’s associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is delivered in collaboration with the area’s local and regional hospitals, along with imaging centers. Classroom theory and hands-on lab experience combine to provide students with the intellectual competency they need for this field. Finishing all of the degree requirements needed can allow students to take one of the various specialty sonography exams offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or the exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Duration: 80 credit hours
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,447.25 Florida Residents, $35,537.65 Non-Florida Residents
Admissions Requirements:
- Posses a 3.0 or higher college GPA
- Completion of prerequisite work
Curriculum:
- Principles and Protocols of Imaging
- Sonographic Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Abdominal Sonography I
- Abdominal Sonography I Lab
- Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography I
- Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography I Lab
- Medical Sonographic Physics
- Professional Aspects of Sonography
- Neurosonology and Superficial Structures
- Neurosonology and Superficial Structures Lab
- Abdominal Sonography II
- Abdominal Sonography II Lab
- Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography
- Obstetrics/Gynecology Sonography Lab
- Vascular Sonography
- Vascular Sonography Lab
- Clinical Education
- Vascular Sonography II
- Vascular Sonography II Lab
- Clinical Education II
- Abdominal Sonography Review
- Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation Review
- Clinical Education III
- Special Topics/Seminars
Best For: Florida residents wanting preparation for specialty sonography exams.
Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – State Fair Community College
State Fair Community College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is another CAAHEP-accredited course for those with technical, observational, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Safe use of ultrasound for diagnosing trauma and disease is the focal point of the program, featuring classroom theory, laboratory experience, and clinical application. This program features both general and cardiac degree tracks, with online didactic courses, in-person scanning labs, and clinical internships. Completing this program will enable you to take specialized certification exams, which are sometimes required by employers and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Duration: 22 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $24,633 for in-district, $28,284.50 for Missouri residents
Admissions Requirements:
- Completion of prerequisite general education and science courses
- Preparation of an eligible application with an advisor
- An additional application separate from the school’s main application
Curriculum:
- Program Prerequisites
- English Composition I and II
- Public Speaking
- U.S. History Before 1877
- U.S. History Since 1877
- American/National Government
- Mathematical Reasoning and Modeling
- Precalculus Algebra
- Statistical Reasoning
- Human Anatomy with Lab
- Human Physiology with Lab
- Medical Terminology
- Survey of Physics with Lab or Radiation Production and Characteristics
- Program Requirements
- Patient Care and Health Care Communication
- Ultrasound Scanning Lab I
- Seminar in Sonography
- Sonography Principles and Instrumentation I and II
- Ultrasound Lab II
- Sonography Clinical I, II, and III
- Vascular Sonography I, II, and III
- Allied Health Career Development
- Cardiac Track
- Cardiac Ultrasound I, II, III, and IV
- General Track
- General Sonography I, II, and III
- OB/GYN Sonography I, II, and III
Best For: Students residing in Missouri in or near Sedalia.
Post-Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Washburn University
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography course available at Washburn University is for those who have an associate degree or higher. There are three, one-year advanced certificate options for prospective students to choose from: abdominal extended and OB/GYN sonography, cardiac sonography, or vascular sonography. Students are free to pursue an additional specialty upon finishing their first program. As of 2006, the program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and prepares students to complete the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) before or after graduation.
Duration: 12 months for each certificate option
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $20,340 for Abdominal Extended and OB/GYN, $17,196 for Cardiac, and $17,161 for Vascular
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold an associate degree or higher in a healthcare program that featured hands-on patient care clinical rotations
- Other hands-on healthcare certifications/licenses may be considered
- Completion of required sonography pre-requisites
Curriculum:
- Abdomen Extended/OBGYN Curriculum
- Intro to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Sonography Principles & Instrumentation I, II, and III (III with Registry Review)
- Abdomen Sonography Procedures I and II
- OBGYN Sonography Procedures I and II
- Sonography Clinical I and II
- General Sonography Procedures III and Registry Review
- General Sonography Clinical III
- Cardiac Curriculum
- Intro to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Sonography Principles & Instrumentation I, II, and III
- Cardiac Sonography Procedures I and II
- Cardiac Sonography Clinical I, II, and III
- Cardiac Procedures III and Registry Review
- Vascular Curriculum
- Intro to Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Sonography Principles & Instrumentation I, II, and III (III with Registry Review)
- Vascular Sonography Procedures I, II, and III (III with Registry Review)
- Vascular Sonography Clinical I, II, and III
Best For: Those who want a boost in their current educational standings.
Online Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Programs by State
Important Considerations to Ask Yourself
Even though we’ve created a list of quality ultrasound tech programs to consider, you’ll still need to do your own research. Depending on your specific needs, you’ll need to be sure a potential program meets certain minimum standards; after all, there’s no point in completing a program that won’t put you in a position to work in your specific area or field of choice. Before applying to a sonography program, go through the following checklist:
- Is the online program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP)?
- Does the program meet the standards of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
- Is distance learning available in an online format?
- Are there in-person elements such as labs and clinicals?
- Does the school accept financial aid?
Answers to Questions for Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Students
Is sonography and ultrasound tech the same?
Ultrasound technicians are the same as sonographers and ultrasound technologists, and therefore have the same scope of practice. These roles all follow the same responsibilities, which includes operating imaging equipment, capturing images of certain parts of the body, and analyzing data for patients and doctors.
Can you learn ultrasound tech school online?
Most of these programs are offered in a hybrid format, meaning a combination of both online learning and in-person application. This is done in order to foster the most effective understanding of ultrasound technology, combining both theory and practice.
What is the difference between CAAHEP and ABHES?
The biggest difference between the two types of accreditation boils down to the range of programs they address. For example, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) focuses on accrediting a wider scope of health sciences and health professions education. On the other hand, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is a private, non-profit accrediting agency that evaluates health care education programs that provide a bridge to entry-level positions upon completion.
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 fields can be considerably challenging healthcare paths, but sonography is often seen as more technically demanding due to the specialized nature of ultrasound imaging, making it appear “harder” than nursing; keep in mind, however, that nursing demands a broader medical knowledge base and more patient interaction, demanding different challenges than sonographers would need to fulfill. Prospective students debating between the two must keep in mind each fields’ technical skills, clinical hours, and require medical knowledge.
Program Costs: Tuition & Fee Comparison for Sonography & Ultrasound Tech
Unfortunately, tuition for online sonography programs can sometimes feel a little steep. It’s important to remember that not all schools charge the same amount for education, and many have different forms of financial aid available to mitigate the cost of their programs.
Some points to ponder are application fees and exam costs. Application fees can range from $0 to $80 (with $30 to $60 being the most common range). An exam will cost $475 if you’re earning an RDMS from the ARDMS, which includes the cost for the basic exam plus one of the specialization exams. Becoming a Registered Vascular Specialist through the CCI will cost $365. Below are some school programs and their various types of courses offered and the fees that will incur for your chosen education path.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe College | Associate of Applied Science | $35,537.65 (non-FL) $13,447.25 (FL) |
| State Fair Community College | Associate of Applied Science | $24,633 (in-district) $28,284.50 (MO) |
| Washburn University | Post-Grad Certificate | $20,340 |
| PennWest University | Bachelor of Science | $28,700 (PA) $33,322 (non-PA) |
Top-Ranking 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 spotlighted schools the best programs available today. This list was created by comparing the nation’s regionally-accredited schools to find the programs that provide the best education at the best value. To understand exactly how we determined these rankings, see below for an extensive explanation of the rankings methodology designed to underscore the best programs for your needs. Find out about the schools that made it onto our list as the best online ultrasound tech and sonography schools by reading on.
St Luke’s College
Sioux City, Iowa
Private
Pitt Community College
Winterville, North Carolina
Public
Columbus Technical College
Columbus, Georgia
Public
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Public
Certification Requirements and Specializations for Sonography/Ultrasound
Graduation doesn’t necessarily mean the journey is done. At the very least, you will probably want to earn a nationally recognized certification. Not only does this help ensure you possess the requisite level of knowledge, but it may be a requirement for employment. Another benefit to certification is the opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of a particular specialization. The following is a list of three of the most common certification organizations, along with the certifications they offer. Gaining certification is an essential step for pursuing a bachelor’s degree program, along with obtaining an associate degree.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS)
To earn an ARDMS credential, you must complete your education requirements from an accredited 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)
The ARRT 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
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $63,680 | $84,470 | $116,300 |
| Alabama | $48,770 | $63,860 | $84,570 |
| Alaska | $49,940 | $93,840 | $125,730 |
| Arizona | $73,810 | $95,340 | $112,960 |
| Arkansas | $59,990 | $75,620 | $89,710 |
| California | $76,440 | $119,120 | $170,030 |
| Colorado | $81,120 | $101,840 | $120,850 |
| Connecticut | $78,450 | $98,590 | $127,530 |
| Delaware | $71,700 | $84,450 | $104,800 |
| Florida | $62,100 | $78,210 | $97,150 |
| Georgia | $57,950 | $79,520 | $99,680 |
| Hawaii | $94,430 | $113,010 | $126,050 |
| Idaho | $64,110 | $90,630 | $103,770 |
| Illinois | $67,810 | $90,400 | $112,820 |
| Indiana | $63,940 | $81,190 | $99,150 |
| Iowa | $65,690 | $80,760 | $98,130 |
| Kansas | $64,480 | $85,700 | $105,530 |
| Kentucky | $51,840 | $75,730 | $96,960 |
| Louisiana | $55,280 | $69,090 | $87,110 |
| Maine | $64,390 | $83,380 | $97,820 |
| Maryland | $76,090 | $89,050 | $106,280 |
| Massachusetts | $81,660 | $98,610 | $124,570 |
| Michigan | $60,890 | $77,900 | $86,670 |
| Minnesota | $81,530 | $99,960 | $106,960 |
| Mississippi | $46,000 | $69,430 | $82,180 |
| Missouri | $65,790 | $83,490 | $103,260 |
| Montana | $61,150 | $85,230 | $104,200 |
| Nebraska | $64,550 | $77,620 | $97,780 |
| Nevada | $72,800 | $85,330 | $107,640 |
| New Hampshire | $72,400 | $87,700 | $113,480 |
| New Jersey | $75,050 | $92,980 | $110,390 |
| New Mexico | $44,080 | $81,010 | $99,600 |
| New York | $73,920 | $96,840 | $112,200 |
| North Carolina | $63,630 | $81,500 | $99,950 |
| North Dakota | $65,540 | $83,290 | $95,510 |
| Ohio | $62,140 | $79,300 | $97,540 |
| Oklahoma | $64,130 | $78,570 | $95,220 |
| Oregon | $82,830 | $105,680 | $127,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,960 | $78,520 | $102,560 |
| Rhode Island | $79,500 | $100,580 | $117,550 |
| South Carolina | $63,620 | $78,730 | $92,250 |
| South Dakota | $46,430 | $67,430 | $83,360 |
| Tennessee | $54,560 | $76,230 | $95,700 |
| Texas | $61,650 | $81,660 | $99,630 |
| Utah | $75,570 | $93,600 | $112,960 |
| Vermont | $77,760 | $95,900 | $119,850 |
| Virginia | $64,550 | $83,200 | $108,060 |
| Washington | $46,620 | $101,530 | $129,820 |
| West Virginia | $56,330 | $66,060 | $86,400 |
| Wisconsin | $79,870 | $99,760 | $117,230 |
| Wyoming | $26,560 | $90,310 | $101,080 |
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.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 83,800 | 95,800 | 12,000 | 14.30% | 5,700 |
| Alabama | 1,290 | 1,500 | 210 | 16.30% | 90 |
| Alaska | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Arizona | 1,770 | 2,360 | 590 | 33.30% | 160 |
| Arkansas | 450 | 540 | 90 | 20.00% | 30 |
| California | 8,700 | 10,800 | 2,100 | 24.10% | 710 |
| Colorado | 1,370 | 1,740 | 370 | 27.00% | 120 |
| Connecticut | 1,060 | 1,240 | 180 | 17.00% | 80 |
| Delaware | 250 | 320 | 70 | 28.00% | 20 |
| District of Columbia | 290 | 330 | 40 | 13.80% | 20 |
| Florida | 6,680 | 8,160 | 1,480 | 22.20% | 520 |
| Georgia | 2,370 | 3,000 | 630 | 26.60% | 200 |
| Idaho | 310 | 410 | 100 | 32.30% | 30 |
| Illinois | 2,980 | 3,300 | 320 | 10.70% | 190 |
| Indiana | 1,330 | 1,510 | 180 | 13.50% | 90 |
| Iowa | 690 | 830 | 140 | 20.30% | 50 |
| Kansas | 670 | 760 | 90 | 13.40% | 50 |
| Kentucky | 950 | 1,090 | 140 | 14.70% | 70 |
| Louisiana | 1,170 | 1,360 | 190 | 16.20% | 80 |
| Maine | 370 | 400 | 30 | 8.10% | 20 |
| Maryland | 1,130 | 1,310 | 180 | 15.90% | 80 |
| Massachusetts | 760 | 890 | 130 | 17.10% | 50 |
| Michigan | 3,040 | 3,360 | 320 | 10.50% | 190 |
| Minnesota | 1,550 | 1,780 | 230 | 14.80% | 110 |
| Mississippi | 550 | 630 | 80 | 14.50% | 40 |
| Missouri | 1,300 | 1,530 | 230 | 17.70% | 100 |
| Montana | 180 | 230 | 50 | 27.80% | 20 |
| Nebraska | 420 | 460 | 40 | 9.50% | 30 |
| Nevada | 500 | 610 | 110 | 22.00% | 40 |
| New Hampshire | 340 | 390 | 50 | 14.70% | 20 |
| New Jersey | 3,570 | 4,200 | 630 | 17.60% | 260 |
| New Mexico | 340 | 440 | 100 | 29.40% | 30 |
| New York | 6,520 | 8,280 | 1,760 | 27.00% | 180 |
| North Carolina | 3,390 | 4,290 | 900 | 26.50% | 290 |
| North Dakota | 250 | 300 | 50 | 20.00% | 20 |
| Ohio | 3,620 | 4,040 | 420 | 11.60% | 240 |
| Oklahoma | 1,140 | 1,280 | 140 | 12.30% | 80 |
| Oregon | 1,070 | 1,280 | 210 | 19.60% | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,190 | 3,590 | 400 | 12.50% | 210 |
| Rhode Island | 330 | 370 | 40 | 12.10% | 20 |
| South Carolina | 990 | 1,160 | 170 | 17.20% | 70 |
| South Dakota | 320 | 390 | 70 | 21.90% | 30 |
| Tennessee | 2,010 | 2,540 | 530 | 26.40% | 170 |
| Texas | 6,690 | 8,580 | 1,890 | 28.30% | 580 |
| Utah | 700 | 950 | 250 | 35.70% | 70 |
| Vermont | 110 | 130 | 20 | 18.20% | 10 |
| Virgin Islands | 20 | 20 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Virginia | 2,040 | 2,290 | 250 | 12.30% | 140 |
| Washington | 1,830 | 2,140 | 310 | 16.90% | 160 |
| West Virginia | 640 | 720 | 80 | 12.50% | 40 |
| Wisconsin | 1,340 | 1,600 | 260 | 19.40% | 100 |
| Wyoming | 80 | 100 | 20 | 25.00% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
