Online Ultrasound Technician Courses and Schools
An ultrasound technician, or sonographer, captures images of a patient's body for medical diagnosis using ultrasonic imaging devices. Get information about training and certification options.
What You Need to Know
Ultrasound technicians should earn an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or a certificate through an accredited program to work in this field. You will take courses relevant in the medical field such as anatomy, applied sciences, and identifying pathological images. Certification and licenses aren't always required but are generally preferred by employers.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Programs</b> </td><td> Associate's or bachelor's degree programs preferred; certificate programs also available</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Ultrasound physics, abdominal ultrasound, and ultrasound instrumentation</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Recommended; American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers certifications</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfUltrasoundTechnicianDegreesCanIEarn">What Types of Ultrasound Technician Degrees Can I Earn?</h3><p>You may choose to earn an online Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. There are also programs that allow you to obtain a certificate in general and vascular sonography that includes abdominal and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Due to the hands-on component of ultrasound technician training, online programs are rare. Online certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography are much less common than online degree programs.
</p><p>Some schools that offer online programs in medical sonography include:
</p><ul><li>Washburn University
</li><li>Adventist University of Health Sciences
</li><li>Oregon Tech Online
</li><li>Baptist Health System School of Health Professions
</li><li>The College of Health Care Professions
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatOtherOptionsMightIPursue">What Other Options Might I Pursue?</h3><p>You might choose to pursue a training program through a hospital; these are not typically available online, however. Another option is to pursue either vascular or cardiac sonography as standalone specialties, or combine them with any of the other areas of expertise offered by certificate programs. You may be eligible for certification upon completion of either a certificate or a degree program once you've obtained the required clinical experience, according to the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) prerequisites (<i>www.ardms.org</i>).
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>While you may complete the majority of your coursework online, you might also be required to take part in clinical training at a local facility in order to fulfill ARDMS eligibility. If you're already a registered sonographer, you may take online continuing education courses, such as advanced echocardiography or vascular technology. Some online courses in diagnostic medical sonography programs include:
</p><ul><li>Ultrasound physics
</li><li>General sonography procedures
</li><li>Identifying pathological images
</li><li>Ultrasound instrumentation
</li><li>OB/GYN sonography
</li><li>Abdominal sonography
</li><li>Cardiovascular monitoring and scanning
</li><li>Vascular sonography
</li></ul><h3 id="section---DoINeedCertification">Do I Need Certification?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, few states have requirements for licensure, but registered sonographers are preferred by employers (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The ARDMS administers certification exams for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, and Registered Vascular Technologist credentials. Passing the exam demonstrates that you possess comprehensive knowledge of sonography principles and instrumentation. You'll take additional exams to prove proficiency in one or more specialties. For example, you may become an RDMS specializing in abdominal, breast, or OB/GYN sonography.</p>