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When discussing ultrasounds and sonographies, most people automatically assume they are for a pregnancy or prenatal exam. However, the job of a sonographer goes far beyond obstetrics! Ultrasound jobs are one of the fastest-growing areas within the medical field with great prospects for the future. Read on to learn how to get your ultrasound certification and take your first step into the medical arena!
Product FAQ
1. What Is An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is an exam in which a specially-trained technician uses a machine to make an image of a person’s internal body structures or organs. For example, a pregnant woman will have an ultrasound performed to make sure that the baby is developing properly. Ultrasounds are also useful to examine a patient’s abdominal and pelvic organs, heart, blood vessels, muscles, and tendons.
Using a probe, the ultrasound machine emits high-frequency sound pulses into the body, which bounce back to create a photo of the internal structure being examined. The probe is usually moved around the surface to obtain different views or, in the case of a pregnancy, detect a fetal heartbeat or movement.
2. What Does An Ultrasound Technician Do?
3. What Kind of Education Is Required to Become an Ultrasound Tech?
Formal education is mandatory and requires either an associate or bachelor degree. Employers may require special certifications. Check your state licensing boards for specific instructions and requirements.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters school features, degree programs, tuition, and program delivery. Each school will note its physical location and a link for more information to start the application process.
Overall Price Range
Only prices for full-time, undergraduate (over 12 credits) tuition are considered here. Any additional costs, such as room and board, books, or uniforms are separate. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $20,000 a semester, and more if you’re not a resident of the state where you choose to go to school.
What We Reviewed
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Newman University
- University of Oklahoma
- Seattle University
- Bryan College of Health Sciences
- Cambridge Institute of Allied Health
- Vanderbilt University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Long Island University
- Rush University
- American College for Medical Careers
Newman University
Wichita, Kansas
Features
Newman University is a private Catholic university. The School of Nursing and Allied Health at Newman will prepare students for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers examinations in Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen, OB/GYN, and Vascular. The program requires several prerequisite courses prior to acceptance.
Program Offerings
Newman University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sonography, an Associate degree in Radiologic Technology, and CT Certification.
Program Delivery
Programs are only available on campus.
Tuition $$
Information
https://newmanu.edu/academics/undergraduate/sonography-wichita
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Tulsa, & Norman
Features
The University boasts four health clinics within its College of Allied Health. Accepted applicants must obtain a criminal background check and drug test.
Program Offerings
The University of Oklahoma offers four Bachelor programs: Bachelor of Science in Sonography, Bachelor of Science in Radiography, Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences (online).
Program Delivery
Courses are available on-campus and online, depending on the program requirements.
Tuition $
Information
https://alliedhealth.ouhsc.edu/Prospective-Students/Academic-Programs/BS-in-MIRS-Sonography
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Features
The diagnostic ultrasound program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The program is now part of the College of Nursing.
Program Offerings
Students of Seattle University can pursue either a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound or a Post-Baccalaureate Diagnostic Ultrasound Certificate
Program Delivery
Both programs are only available on campus.
Tuition $$
Information
https://www.seattleu.edu/nursing/ultrasound/
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Lincoln, NE
Features
Students can choose a major or minor in sonography or a double major.
Program Offerings
Bryan College offers two Bachelor programs: Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Bachelor of Science in Adult Cardiac and Vascular Sonography. Students also have the opportunity to declare a Minor in Vascular Sonography.
Program Delivery
Classes must be attended on campus.
Tuition $
Information
https://www.bryanhealthcollege.edu/bcohs/academic-programs/sonography/diagnostic-medical-sonography-curriculum/
Cambridge Institute of Allied Health
Georgia and Florida
Features
The Career Services department meets with students beginning in the admissions process to discuss their chosen field. Partial online classes are available, but students must live in the area to attend clinics and course room work.
Program Offerings
The Cambridge Institute offers Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Program Delivery
Depending on the program location, students can pursue courses online, on campus, or a combination of both.
Tuition $$
Information
https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/program/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Features
The diagnostic ultrasound program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and enables graduated to apply for the certification exams for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. All students must undergo a background check. Unlike other college programs, Vanderbilt offers a concise 18-month certification program that consists of six rotations of clinical courses. Classes only enroll a maximum of five students per cycle.
Program Offerings
Vanderbilt University offers an 18-month certificate in General Sonography.
Program Delivery
Students attend classes on-campus and clinical sites.
Tuition $$
Information
https://ww2.mc.vanderbilt.edu/dms/
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Rochester, NY
Features
The program has been designed to meet and exceed the objectives of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Program Offerings
Rochester offers a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)or a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Program Delivery
Students must attend on-campus courses and on-site clinical internships
Tuition $$$
Information
https://www.rit.edu/study/diagnostic-medical-sonography-ultrasound-certificate
Long Island University (LIU)
Long Island, NY
Features
Students are eligible to take the ARDMS examination in three concentrations: abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, and echocardiology. This is only one of a few bachelor programs that integrates general ultrasound and adult echocardiography. The Long Island University Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Program Offerings
LIU offers a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound.
Program Delivery
Classes are only available on-campus.
Tuition $$$
Information
https://liu.edu/Brooklyn/Academics/School-of-Health-Professions/Academic-Programs/Diagnostic-Medical-Sonography
Rush University
Chicago, IL
Features
Students do not need previous experience in the medical field to enter the program, though they will need a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter hours at an accredited college. The two-year program enables students to earn a bachelor degree and sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographres certification exam.
Program Offerings
Students can earn Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound from Rush University.
Program Delivery
The program is only available on-campus.
Tuition $$
Information
https://www.rushu.rush.edu/college-health-sciences/academic-programs/bachelor-science-vascular-ultrasound
American College for Medical Careers
Orlando, FL
Features
For the DMS program, students are prepared to become ultrasound technicians through classroom training and a clinical externship at a medical facility.
Program Offerings
American College for Medical Careers offers two programs: a Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Sonography or a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Program Delivery
Both degree programs are only available onvcampus.
Tuition $
Information
https://www.acmc.edu/medical-career-programs/diagnostic-medical-sonography/