PhD in Ultrasound Technology

<p>The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited over 150 diploma, certificate, associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography (<i>www.caahep.org</i>). Ultrasound technology (sometimes called sonography) is currently a lower-level field of study; therefore, Ph.D. programs specifically in ultrasound technology are unavailable. You can, however, pursue a Ph.D. in a research field that encompasses ultrasound technology, including biomedical engineering and biomedical ultrasound. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Fields</b></td><td> There are no doctoral programs in ultrasound technology, but biomedical engineering and biomedical ultrasound majors encompass the field</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Available Degrees</b></td><td> Certificate, associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Curriculum</b></td><td> Anatomy, biology, echo imaging, etc. through both lecture and in medical facilities</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Biomedical Engineering Subjects</b></td><td> Electrophysiology, computational vision and the nervous system</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Ultrasound training and non-credit courses are available, however there are very few formal degree programs available.</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---WhatUltrasoundTechnologyDegreesAreAvailable">What Ultrasound Technology Degrees Are Available?</h3> <p>Associate's degree and certificate programs each take roughly two years to complete. Some certificate credits can also be put toward an Associate of Science degree. You may need to choose an area of focus in ultrasound technology from general, vascular or cardiac. Employers generally only require you to have a certificate or an associate's degree to work with ultrasound equipment. Nevertheless, bachelor's and master's degrees are available to those looking for career advancement. These programs cover the same subjects as the lower levels, as well as addressing additional subjects in sectional anatomy. Many of the bachelor's and master's degree programs go by other names including sonography, diagnostic medical ultrasound or medical radiations. </p> <p>You may also consider completing your education with a credentialing exam provided by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This exam provides credentialing for many areas of the body, including the breasts, abdomen, reproductive system, vascular system or the nervous system. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3> <p>Ultrasound technology is the use of sound waves sent through the body to supply images for medical specialists. These images are used for diagnostic purposes. The majority of subjects taught in an ultrasound technology degree program focus on anatomy, biology, communication and equipment familiarity. </p> <p>You'll also work in a medical facility to gain experience and practicum credits. Some of the subjects you may encounter are pathophysiology, echo imaging, pharmacology and cardiac pathologies. You'll also study medical terminology and patient care. At the bachelor's and master's degree levels, you'll study more anatomy-specific courses, such as obstetrics, abdominal imaging and sectional anatomy. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatRelatedPh.D.ProgramsAreAvailable">What Related Ph.D. Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>A Ph.D. program that is related to the ultrasound field is biomedical engineering. In this programs, you'll study ways to improve the medical field with artificial organs and advanced ultrasound equipment and techniques. You'll be expected to focus your study in one area of biomedical engineering, such as biomedical systems, neuroengineering or diagnostics. Some of the subjects you may study are electrophysiology, computational vision and the nervous system. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIEarnTheseDegreesOnline">Can I Earn These Degrees Online?</h3> <p>While ultrasound training is available through online or distance learning formats, programs offered this way are limited. Some online programs offer non-credit courses and some offer degree programs only to credentialed sonographers. Non-credit courses can be transferred towards hospital training programs and other college degree programs. Many online programs still require you to attend on-campus informational meetings or prerequisite courses.</p>