The Associate Degree in Medical Sonography graduate will be a trained professional in the field of Diagnostic Imaging technology that uses ultrasound in performing routine sonographic procedures under medical supervision.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, also known as ultrasound sonographers, use special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves at areas of a patient’s body and record the reflected echoes that form an image for interpretation and diagnosis by a radiology physician. Looking at the screen during the scan, the sonographers look for subtle visual cues that contrast healthy and affected areas. They decide if the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and select which ones are ideal to demonstrate to the radiologist. Diagnostic medical sonographers can perform obstetric, gynecologic, abdominal, breast, thyroid, prostate, and testicular sonography.
Sonographers can also specialize in vascular sonography or cardiac sonography. In addition to working directly with patients, sonographers maintain patient records and adjust and maintain equipment.
Oregon Institute of Technology
One of the best online sonography schools in the country, Oregon Institute of Technology helps students enter the field as imaging techs through coursework in sonographic principles and instrumentation, cross-section anatomy, applications of abdominal sonography, and pelvic sonography. Financial aid requires all learners to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for consideration. Transfer students may qualify for the presidential scholarship, and other students may qualify for the tech foundation scholarship program. Students receive these and other awards based on financial need and academic achievement. Students begin classes in January, April, June, and September depending on when they apply.
Adventist University of Health Sciences
As one of the best online sonography schools, Adventist University of Health Sciences caters to the needs of students interested in tech imaging with its bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Classes in the program include medical imaging in the digital environment, world religions for the healthcare professions, components of healthcare financial management, and leadership and organizational behavior. Before applying, students should ensure that they hold at least a 2.5 GPA, possess one of three possible licenses (listed under admission requirements) in imaging, and provide transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended by the student.
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College serves as one of the best online sonography schools in the country. The program offers coursework that readies graduates for professional imaging and interaction with clients. Coursework includes pathophysiology for health professions, applied administrative practices in health care, diversity in medical imaging, and ethical and legal issues in healthcare. The program caters to students already in possession of an associate degree dedicated to imaging or radiation therapy. To apply, students must hold at least a 2.5 GPA from their previous institution and supply either high school or college transcripts.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Perhaps one of the best online sonography schools in the U.S., the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences requires 35 credits prior to program admission in courses such as English composition, U.S. history, and an introduction to sociology. With these prerequisite, general courses out of the way, students go on to take courses such as radiographic procedures I Laboratory, basic patient care, radiation physics, and radiologic anatomy. For admission into the program, incoming transfer students must provide all official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities, a written essay, and a filled out application form. Prospective students also need to complete a successful interview.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is one of the best online sonography schools in the U.S. As a degree-completion program, students only need to complete 20 total credits to graduate. Core courses include principles of critical inquiry and management in health care; elective courses include cultural competence and communication and principles of education for health care professionals. Students must submit their applications to the program before May 16, September 30, or February 1, depending on the time of year they hope to begin attending. They must be in possession of a minimum 2.5 GPA, hold an NMTCB, ARRT, or ARDMS, and possess 40 credits of the prerequisite credits prior to entrance.