Your Guide to Online Sonography Programs in Texas

Uncovering Florida’s Online RN to BSN Programs

Are you looking for a career in healthcare but struggling to find ways to juggle work, school, and family responsibilities? You’re not alone. Students are increasingly turning to Texas sonography and ultrasound technician programs that offer the flexibility to attend both in-person and online classes.

While the hands-on nature of sonography means that considerable in-person coursework and clinical experiences are required, today’s hybrid options mean students can effectively balance coursework with personal responsibilities. Along these same lines, finances need not be a barrier to completing your education. Many hybrid and online sonography programs in Texas offer scholarships specifically for sonography and ultrasound techs along with financial aid opportunities.

Save valuable research time by reviewing our comprehensive profiles of three leading Texas schools offering online ultrasound programs. We’ve identified the crucial program features so you can make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Sonography Students

Prospective students like you often have a host of questions about online sonography and ultrasound tech programs in Texas. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, including those related to what makes up a quality program, the licensing process, and what jobs are available after graduation.

What should I look for in a quality sonography and ultrasound tech program?

No matter where you live or how quickly you want to earn your degree, your sonography program should have a few key features. Accreditation is an essential factor, as it ensures the school offers quality programs that meet various regulatory and certification standards. You also want to consider program length. While some students prefer a steady pace, others are looking for an accelerated pace program. You want an educational path that suits your academic and personal needs and that offers ample clinical opportunities along with a comprehensive curriculum. Additional features marking a top program include specialization opportunities in areas like pediatrics or gynecology and comprehensive student support and job placement services. Finding the right mix of features and essential elements is the key to discovering a quality sonography program that is right for you.

What’s the difference between ultrasound and sonography?

The terms “sonographer” and “ultrasound technician” are often used interchangeably, and they both refer to professionals who use imaging technology to scan and x-ray medical patients. Technically, though, ultrasound is a technology while sonography is a process that uses that technology. In other words, sonography programs train technicians to perform ultrasound imaging. Additionally, someone can be an ultrasound technician without being a certified sonographer. So, a sonographer is generally considered a more specialized professional than an ultrasound technician, but they’re both performing similar functions with similar equipment.

What are the licensing requirements, and how can I get certified as a sonography or ultrasound tech in Texas?

Sonography degrees in Texas offer a strong foundation in sonography principles and practices, and they can help you secure an entry-level position upon graduation. Some Texas schools also offer more intensive bachelor’s degree programs for a deeper understanding of and specialization within the profession. In Texas, as in most states, you can earn your sonography certification after graduating from a sonography program by passing a certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Though the State of Texas does not require certification for sonographers or ultrasound techs, many employers require an ARDMS credential.

What jobs can I get as a sonography or ultrasound tech after graduation, and how can I advance in my career?

An associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in sonography is the foundation for ultrasound technician or sonographer roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, imaging centers, and more. Specific jobs for those with a sonography degree and education include: vascular ultrasound technologist, diagnostic medical sonographer, virtual sonographer, MRI technologist, and OB/GYN sonographer. With additional training, you can move into supervisory positions or specialize in advanced areas of sonography. Sonographers who want to advance even further should consider a master’s in health science or a post-graduate certificate or specialized certification. Doctorate degrees in ultrasound physics or imaging can open doors to additional careers in research and academics.

How do I keep my sonography/ultrasound certification current?

Sonography and ultrasound equipment, like all medical technology, is constantly evolving. Staying up to date with this technology helps you understand the changing landscape of medical imaging. To maintain your certification in Texas, you must take a certain number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits according to your area of specialization. You must also pay a fee of $95 to renew your credentials yearly. The ARDMS offers a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program that aids recertification and offers ways to connect with other sonographers.

Sonography Career Outlook in Texas

We’ve surveyed the entire landscape of online RN to BSN programs in New York and listed what we believe to be the best of those programs in the rankings below. Or choices are based on a review of a number of important student-focused program elements, including accreditation, affordability, (including access to valuable financial aid resources), curriculum content, study flexibility, and the availability of quality academic and career support services.

Salary and Career Outlook for RN to BSN Track

If you live in Texas, becoming a sonographer could be a lucrative career decision. For starters, the state has a significantly high growth rate—28.3%. Compare that to the national growth rate for sonographers of 14.3%, and you can see why Texas is a great state for these professionals. This high growth should lead to more open roles, an easier job application process, and more opportunities for promotions. It could also mean sonographers can negotiate for higher salaries. Speaking of wages, the average salary range for sonographers in Texas is between $61,650 and $99,630. Some sonographers earn even more than this range, depending on where they live. In Odessa, for example, the 90th percentile earns $104,900 or more per year. Sonographers located in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area can expect even higher salaries, with the 90th percentile earning over $108,070 annually.