Comparing Online Sonography Programs in Ohio

Spotlighting Ohio’s Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Programs Online

If you’re detail-oriented, compassionate, and interested in medical imaging technology, becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound tech could be your ideal career. Ohio provides numerous opportunities to turn your aspirations into reality. And while fully online programs are rare — seeing as hands-on technical training is a cornerstone of sonography education —the availability of both in-person and hybrid programs offers you added flexibility, enabling you to balance work, school, and family responsibilities when needed.

The time required to complete a sonography program varies according to a host of factors, such as your specialization, educational background, program type, and more. For example, some programs offer an accelerated pace of roughly nine months, while other programs resulting in bachelor’s degrees average four years in length. Like most colleges and universities, schools offering diagnostic medical sonography degrees typically provide scholarships, financial aid, and various payment plans. So, monetary challenges aren’t necessarily a barrier to education.

Below, we’ve highlighted a few high-quality sonography programs in Ohio. Our insights can aid your search for a qualified program near you and provide insights as to what you can expect from each.

Quick Guide: FAQs for Sonography and Ultrasound Tech Students

Despite the detailed information above, most prospective students still have additional questions. Here are some of the most common queries and their respective answers.

Are there any 100-percent online sonography programs in Ohio?

Since sonography is a hands-on field that requires learned skills instead of only knowledge, most core curricula are delivered via in-person classes, and in-person clinical placements are required. However, many schools — such as COTC and Stautzenberger College — offer hybrid options that allow you to complete some classes online. Thus, hybrid programs can be significantly more flexible than fully on-campus programs.

Can I get an advanced degree in sonography?

Most sonography programs offer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, both of which allow students to enter their careers as quickly as possible. A select few universities offer master’s degrees in sonography, but the highest sonography degree that most Ohio colleges and universities offer is a bachelor’s. Further, a master’s degree is not likely to be required for the vast majority of sonography jobs. If you hope to work in academia, research, or the most advanced sonography fields, a master’s degree in sonography or a related field may be worth considering.

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. This is why you generally won’t see a bachelor’s program in ultrasound technician training, but sonography bachelor’s programs are standard. Generally speaking, you can work as an ultrasound technician with sonographer qualifications, but the reverse is not likely true in most jobs and settings.

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

Most ultrasound tech and sonography schools in Ohio typically require a few prerequisites, as you’ll need considerable knowledge in math and science to effectively participate in the programs. Prerequisites vary by university, but most require college-level algebra, basic human anatomy courses, and basic physics classes. Some schools also require that you’ve passed these courses with a certain grade level or that you’ve achieved a minimum GPA. In addition, certain high school courses can help you prepare for a healthcare career and may count toward sonography prerequisite requirements at some schools. Check with your selected sonography program to determine which courses can be applied.

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

A degree in sonography prepares you to perform ultrasounds and imaging as a diagnostic medical or specialized sonography in any medical facility that offers them, including hospitals, retirement homes, private practices, and imaging centers. Your degree of specialization can be impacted by the type of sonography qualification you hold, with more advanced qualifications often leading to more specialized roles and higher salaries. Types of specialization include cardiac, vascular, musculoskeletal, and more. In Ohio, average salaries range from $78,520-$85,870. In greater detail, we’ll discuss your earning potential in the career and salary prospect section below.

Salary Trends for Sonography and Ultrasound Techs 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.