Ultrasound Master's Degree Programs

<p>Programs in diagnostic medical sonography are primarily available at the undergraduate level; master's degree programs in ultrasound are very rare. As of October 2011, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) only accredited two master's degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography (<i>www.caahep.org</i>). These programs are available at the University of Missouri in Columbia and Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. </p> <p>The master's degree program at the University of Missouri is campus-based and requires a commitment of 35-40 hours a week year-round. Nova Southeastern University's program is also site-based, but it incorporates some online courses. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Master's Program Locations</b></td><td> University of Missouri, Nova Southeastern University</td></tr> <tr><td><b>University of Missouri Curriculum</b></td><td> General and vascular sonography, abdominal ultrasounds, adult cardiac ultrasounds, cardiac principles in lecture, lab work, and fieldwork</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Nova Southeastern University Curriculum</b></td><td> Venous and cerebrovascular testing, epidemiology in both lecture settings and hands-on experience</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree, GPA requirements, GRE results, letters of recommendation</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$75,920* <i>(for diagnostic medical sonographers)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>17% growth* <i>(for all diagnostic medical sonographers)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoesTheUniversityOfMissouriSProgramEntail">What Does the University of Missouri's Program Entail?</h3> <p>The Master of Health Science in Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound program at the University of Missouri offers tracks in both general and vascular sonography. Coursework covers advanced topics like abdominal ultrasounds, sectional anatomy, adult cardiac ultrasounds, applied clinical research and cardiac principles. In addition to lecture and laboratory coursework, you will complete fieldwork at clinical sites affiliated with the university. </p> <p>Although a bachelor's degree is required, it does not have to be in diagnostic medical sonography. You will need to meet a cumulative GPA requirement, submit ACT or GRE scores and take prerequisite coursework before or during the application semester, as well as meet the program's physical requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoesNovaSoutheasternUniversitySProgramEntail">What Does Nova Southeastern University's Program Entail?</h3> <p>The entry-level Master of Health Science in Vascular Sonography program at Nova Southeastern University prepares you to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) vascular technology exam. Your studies will combine classroom training with career-focused practical experience via coursework in venous and cerebrovascular testing, health care practice management and epidemiology. You'll complete 300 lab hours and 1,700 clinical hours. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required to enter this program; however, your degree does not have to be in sonography or a related field. You will need to meet the GPA requirements and submit letters of recommendation, as well as complete prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy and physiology, physics and math.</p>