Online Sonography Programs in Georgia: Schools, Cost, and FAQs

Program Profiles: Popular Sonography Programs in Georgia

If you’re looking for remote-first or online sonography programs in Georgia, you’ll have plenty of options. Be aware that many remote-first Georgia sonography programs are hybrid, with some form of in-person learning, including hands-on training to operate equipment, or clinical rotations at a hospital or other healthcare facility. These are a crucial part of your sonography education, complementing traditional coursework. To give you an idea of what you might expect in a Georgia sonography program and help you get started in your research, here are profiles of three high quality programs.

FAQs About Online Sonography Programs in Georgia

Before you apply for your online sonography program in Georgia, it’s normal to have a few questions. Below, you’ll find some commonly asked questions for prospective sonography students and answers to help you with your research.

Are there online sonography schools in Georgia?

Yes, there are online sonography schools in Georgia. Georgia Southern University 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. However, it’s important to know that most sonography programs in Georgia with an online component also require some in-person work, because clinical rotations and hands-on training with sonography equipment are critical in sonography education.

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 can enroll in health science programs with a sonography emphasis or specialization. Generally, a bachelor’s is considered one of the more advanced sonography qualifications. Master’s degrees in sonography do exist but are less common, and are typically a good step if you hope to pursue research or academic work.

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 as $39,500, while a four-year bachelor’s degree can be as much as $86,400. Many sonography programs in Georgia offer financial aid for students with demonstrated financial need, and you may also qualify for federal student aid. Be sure to explore private scholarship opportunities as well, for the chance to secure additional funding.

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 and, on average, earn higher salaries than ultrasound technicians. However, salary for both sonographers and ultrasound technicians is also highly dependent on location and experience.

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

Prerequisites can vary according to the online sonography school. Most include a minimum age of 18, 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. Be sure to check your school’s prerequisites, and the deadline for meeting them. Some schools will allow you to complete your prerequisites after applying, but you will need to have successfully completed them before classes begin.

Ranking the Best Online Sonography Degrees in Georgia

Below, you’ll find rankings of top online sonography programs in Georgia. When determining our rankings, we consider multiple factors within a school and their online sonography program for overall rank. These include availability of online classes, available student services and resources for remote learning, time to graduation and graduation rates, cost, and availability of financial aid. For a more detailed description of how we determine rankings, see our methodology section. Here is a look at Georgia’s top online sonography programs.

Salary & Career Outlook 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.