What Are the Education Requirements for Ultrasound Technicians?

Ultrasound technicians, more formally known as diagnostic medical sonographers, analyze images made with ultrasound equipment.

Because ultrasounds are often the first images of internal organs done, ultrasound techs are on the front lines to diagnose diseases.

If you're interested in a career in healthcare, becoming an ultrasound technician is a great way to enter the field.

Read on to learn about the educational requirements for ultrasound technicians and how you can start this rewarding and fulfilling career.

Associate Degree

An associate degree in sonography is generally considered the entry-level education required to be an ultrasound tech.

Associate degree programs are typically offered by community colleges and trade colleges, but some are also offered by four-year universities.

Admission Requirements

Colleges and universities typically require you to have a high school diploma or the equivalent to be admitted to these programs.

However, some sonography associate degree programs allow seniors in high school to start part-time coursework before they graduate.

Some programs might also require you to have taken very specific courses in math, health, or science, such as anatomy.

Timeframe

Because an associate degree program typically only takes two years to complete, it can help you get started in your career sooner.

If you take a full-time load and take classes year-round, it might be possible to complete your program in less than two years.

However, many of these programs are cohort-based, meaning you have to progress through the course requirements as a group.

Online Options

Many colleges and universities also offer online sonography training programs. However, you still have to do clinicals in person.

Online sonography programs typically give you the option to complete your clinical training at a healthcare facility near where you live.

Some colleges and universities require online students to complete labs on campus or meet for orientation on campus.

Bachelor's Degree

Some ultrasound technicians have a full four-year bachelor's degree, which gives you a lot more career options.

A bachelor's degree also allows you to qualify for additional credentials, which can greatly increase your value as an ultrasound tech.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for bachelor's degree programs are typically similar to admission requirements for the university as a whole.

However, many colleges and universities require you to apply to the sonography program separately.

Typically, after you've been admitted and completed the general education requirements, you apply to the sonography program.

Timeframe

A bachelor's degree program is typically designed to be completed within four years if you study full-time.

If you're only taking classes part time, it might take you up to six years to finish the same degree program.

Some sonography bachelor's degree programs are cohort-based, which means you have no control over the pacing.

Online Options

Many colleges and universities offer four-year bachelor's degree programs in sonography online.

It's important to note, however, that these programs are usually hybrid programs with some on-campus or clinical components.

If you're looking at an online sonography degree program, make sure that you'll be able to meet any in-person requirements before you apply.

Degree Completion Programs

If you've already got an associate degree in sonography and want to turn it into a bachelor's degree, a degree completion program can help.

These programs allow you to apply the credits you've already earned through your associate degree program towards a bachelor's degree.

Admission Requirements

Most degree completion programs are only open to registered sonographers who already have an associate degree in sonography.

However, some degree completion programs also accept students who have an associate degree in nursing or another healthcare profession.

Double-check the grade requirements as well. These programs typically require you to have a minimum GPA on any transferable credits.

Timeframe

Because these programs allow you to apply credits you've already earned, you could earn your degree in as little as 18 months.

The timeframe largely depends on the number of credits the program will accept towards your bachelor's degree.

Most of these programs are designed to be completed with two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

Online Options

While there is a clinical practice component, many degree completion programs are offered primarily online.

The lecture classes are offered in either a synchronous or asynchronous online format, with weekly assignments and regular exams.

Clinical practice can typically be completed at a healthcare institution where you live (or through your current employer).

Certificate Programs

If you already have a bachelor's degree in nursing or another healthcare field, you can transition to sonography through a certificate program.

Certificate programs are technically graduate-level programs, although you typically can't apply the credits you earn towards a master's degree.

Admission Requirements

Certificate programs can be highly competitive and typically require you to have earned a bachelor's degree with a relatively high GPA.

Most certificate programs also require applicants to be currently employed in the healthcare field.

Many hospitals and healthcare institutions also have certificate programs that you can enroll in if you are an employee of that institution.

Timeframe

Certificate programs typically only require one year of study and are solely focused on sonography equipment usage.

They're often cohort-based, which means that you have little to no control over the pacing of the program.

Because these programs are geared towards healthcare professionals, though, they typically only require part-time study.

Online Options

Because these programs largely consist of hands-on training, it's hard to find a certificate program online (although they do exist).

Online certificate programs typically require that you have access to equipment so you can complete clinical training virtually.

This might be the case if, for example, you already work in a hospital or other institution with ultrasound equipment.

Learn More About Sonography Degrees

Get an associate or bachelor's degree in sonography to jumpstart your career as an ultrasound technician.