Online Sonography Programs in Florida: Degrees & Details

In-Depth Profiles of Standout Sonography Programs in Florida

You’ll find that most sonography and ultrasound degree programs are offered in person. This is because of the technical nature of the job and the need for hands-on, practical knowledge related to procedures and equipment. However, you’ll find that in Florida, many of the programs referenced in this guide allow you to complete your core coursework online, or they encourage a hybrid approach to your education — combining online learning through lectures and testing with in-person skills acquired in labs and classrooms.

While the length of ultrasound and sonography school depends on the level of education you’re pursuing, you’ll find both associate and bachelor’s degree options below. You’ll also find through your research that some accelerated programs are available, which are usually ideal for students with a background in the field or a degree in a related area.

Below, dive into a few of the standout sonography and ultrasound tech programs in Florida to learn more about what to look for as you research your future program.

Addressing Common Questions About Online Sonography Programs

Even after gaining more insights into these Florida programs, you might still have questions about your future as a student or imaging technician. To help you fill in some of the blanks, we’ve collected the most common questions from prospective online sonography and ultrasound tech program students like you, answering them below.

Can I get an advanced degree in sonography?

Advanced degrees are uncommon in sonography. Most practicing sonographers hold an associate degree, while others pursue a bachelor’s degree. Sonographers require more in-depth training than ultrasound technicians and can go on to complete programs like Eastern Florida State College’s Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Vascular Sonography or Echocardiography.

The more common route for increasing your opportunities and pay is choosing a specialization or concentration during your sonography program. As you continue your search, look out for CAAHEP-accredited sonography schools in Florida that offer specialties, particularly in areas you think may be of interest to you.

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

The requirements to become an ultrasound tech typically depend on your certification and location. First, you’ll need to complete an accredited program. Most prepare you to sit for national exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), which provides a list of clinical and academic prerequisites applicants must meet before sitting for their certification exams.

Applicants with backgrounds in another allied health field need 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound experience, while those who have completed an accredited sonography program do not require any additional clinical experience to earn their certification.

The state of Florida does not require any formal licensure to become an ultrasound tech, though most employers will at minimum look for the above qualifications.

How much does a sonography and ultrasound tech program cost?

The cost of online sonography programs in Florida can vary significantly and cost as much as $60,000 or more for a four-year degree. Associate degrees are significantly less expensive than bachelor’s degrees, although tuition also varies according to your residency status. For example, a bachelor’s degree in medical sonography at NSU Florida costs $23,580 for the first and second year (a fairly standard price across Florida programs) and $7,860 for the third.

To help reduce the cost of your program, you can often take online classes to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Online coursework often costs less money per credit, and many schools offer the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.

Keep in mind that financial aid is available to help fund many programs, as are scholarships specific to students in this field.

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

It’s common for people to use the titles 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.

Although the difference is mostly semantic, sonographers are often required to complete additional training and certifications based on their areas of specialization, including abdominal, breast, obstetric and gynecological, echocardiology, vascular, musculoskeletal, and neurosonography.

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

Completing an online sonography program in Florida makes you eligible to work at a variety of medical facilities. According to Advent Health University, 60% of diagnostic medical sonographers work in local, state, or private hospitals, 20% work in physician’s offices, and 15% worked in either laboratory settings or outpatient care centers.

While sonographer salaries vary according to your education, experience, and location, diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists (two of the most popular positions among Florida sonography school graduates) make an average of $80,850 annually.

Salary & Career Trends for Sonographers in Florida

Florida is a great state for sonographers. To start, the job growth rate for this industry in Florida is almost double the national average (22.2% compared to 14.3%). This means it’s easy for graduates of sonography and ultrasound programs to find work. They may also have more negotiation power in interviews, which can be used to ask for a better work schedule, more paid time off, or a higher salary. Speaking of pay, sonographers in Florida earn between $62,100 and $97,150 annually. In some parts of the state, like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and West Palm Beach, they could potentially earn even more. In Miami, for example, the 90th percentile of sonographers earns over $99,020 annually. In Tallahassee and North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, the 90th percentile earns over $100,000 each year. Along with location, your experience level and any specialized knowledge you possess can also impact salary.