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Medical sonographers perform ultrasounds in hospitals and other clinical settings. Ultrasound machines use sound waves to provide medical professionals a look inside of patients without the need for surgery. For example, ultrasounds play a significant role in women's health. They reveal breast cancer in its early stages and display fetal development without harm to the mother or child.
Professionals in the medical sonography field need more than technical expertise. Traits that lend themselves to the profession include the interpersonal skills necessary to work with patients directly. The career also requires physical stamina, as day-to-day activities involve standing for long periods. Workers should also possess a passion for professional development, as ultrasound technology evolves continuously.
The best medical sonography certificates and associate in medical sonography programs provide the training that aspiring sonographers need to attain a fulfilling position.
Career and Salary Outlook for Medical Sonographers
Typical job responsibilities for medical sonographers include maintaining and using ultrasound equipment, taking the clearest images, and speaking with patients and family members. Sonographers in all specializations perform these daily tasks. They also collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers to diagnose conditions and develop treatment plans.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that medical sonographers earn a median annnual wage of $84,470, and projects the medical sonography profession will expand 10% between 2022-2032, a rate that exceeds the median projected growth rate for all U.S. careers combined.
Achieving career advancement and earning a higher salary depends on years of professional experience, certifications, and additional education. Sonographers who earn a bachelor's degree make more than their peers without a bachelor's. Professionals who want to return to school as a professor need a master's or doctorate in sonography or another healthcare-related topic.
| Career | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $63,680 | $84,470 | $116,300 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Recommended Online Programs
Accreditation
Schools that offer an associate in medical sonography or a medical sonography certificate program should hold regional accreditation. Regional accreditation agencies use U.S. Department of Education guidelines to evaluate colleges and universities' academic programs and learning outcomes. Schools without this essential accreditation do not provide learners with the tools required for career success.
Some of the best medical sonography certificates have programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP certification signifies that a certificate or degree offers learners the best educational experience.
Courses in a Medical Sonography Program
Medical sonography certificate programs and associate in medical sonography degrees emphasize similar major coursework. These courses introduce students to different body systems and how sonographers take accurate images of each. Students demonstrate their skills during hands-on labs and clinical rotations in many hospital settings.
Despite featuring similar core courses, associate degrees and certificates differ in one regard. An associate degree takes longer to earn because graduation requirements include some general education courses, such as physics and psychology. The courses below act as a sample curriculum for either program type.
Medical terminology introduces students to typical terms that medical sonographers use on a daily basis. Learning outcomes include identifying the meaning behind prefixes, spelling medical terms correctly, and applying new vocabulary to different situations. Some of the best medical sonography certificates and degrees offer this course online.Medical Terminology
Medical sonographers work with patients directly. Professionals must possess honed communication skills and understand patients' rights. Other course topics include performing emergency medical care, such as giving CPR. Patient care prepares degree- and certificate-seekers for their first clinical rotation.Patient Care
Medical sonography plays a crucial role in women's health. Ultrasound results detect cancers and provide physicians with essential details about fetal development. Students analyze female reproductive systems, and the laboratory tests that accompany ultrasound results. OB/GYN sonography, like other upper-division courses, helps students explore their interests and choose a specialization.OB/GYN Sonography
Typical graduation requirements for medical sonography certificate programs and associate in medical sonography programs include multiple clinical education rotations. These rotations occur at local healthcare facilities and provide learners with hundreds of hours of hands-on experience. Each rotation focuses on a single type of medical sonography, such as abdominal or cardiovascular.Clinical Education
The best associate in medical sonography programs require a review seminar or capstone course in the final semester. This course asks students to synthesize new knowledge and skills while demonstrating mastery. Coursework also helps learners prepare for the ARDMS exam, a test all aspiring medical sonographers must pass.Review Seminar
Best Online Medical Sonography Schools
See our rankings methodology page.
We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Medical Sonography Degrees
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers from all walks of life pick Nebraska Methodist College because the private institution provides flexible education opportunities. Remote learners from around the United States pick from six virtual bachelor's programs at the school, located in Omaha. Many people interested in a sonography-related career find that the highly rated bachelor of science in imaging sciences meets their needs.
Top faculty members and a supportive student body benefit learners studying sonography. Degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals by completing coursework and projects in a remote learning space. Internships, externships, and faculty-led research projects are available for students to get involved with. Choosing electives and customizing classes with the help of an advisor allows enrollees to tailor their academic experience to their needs and interests.
A variety of internal and external funding opportunities help with the high cost of an education. Students who qualify benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial assistance. At the college, 100% of enrollees receive some form of aid to help bring down the price of their education.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,422
Out-of-state
$15,422
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,955
Out-of-state
$11,955
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
1,128
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Online Medical Sonography Degrees
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Fort Hays State University is a public college providing flexible educational opportunities to students from all walks of life. Online learners at the Hays, Kansas, school choose from 24 bachelor's programs offered virtually. Of these, the top-choice bachelor of science in medical diagnostic imaging suits individuals planning to go into sonography or a related field.
Connecting with premier faculty members and a supportive learning community benefits learners studying sonography. Degree-seekers do classwork and projects in an online classroom space to advance their personal and professional goals. Students can participate in faculty-driven research, internships, and externships. Picking electives and individualizing coursework with the help of an advisor allows enrollees to customize their program to their needs and interests.
Many different internal and external funding opportunities help with the high price of an education at the college. Students who qualify benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial aid. Getting some kind of financial assistance helps 96% of the college's enrollees bring down the price of their degree.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,990
Out-of-state
$14,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,582
Out-of-state
$10,206
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
15,908
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Online Medical Sonography Degrees
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Misericordia University features a bachelor of science in diagnostic medical sonography that is a great choice for people wanting a flexible online education in sonography. The private institution offers eight of its bachelor's program remotely, providing an industry-relevant education to 964 virtual degree-seekers. Located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, the college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources, including a tight-knit online community.
Students gain knowledge needed for the sonography industry in interactive classes. The curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Enrollees supplement their classroom education with hands-on learning experiences. Degree-seekers who do internships, externships, or research projects get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the sonography field.
Prospective applicants can learn about enrollment criteria by talking to the admissions office. Students should check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 100% of all enrollees are awarded some type of financial assistance. Qualified learners can offset the cost of their degree through aid opportunities like internships and fellowships.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,800
Out-of-state
$32,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$34,530
Out-of-state
$34,530
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
2,503
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Online Medical Sonography Degrees
AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Its flexibility makes the bachelor of science in imaging sciences at AdventHealth University a good choice for many people seeking an online education in sonography. The private institution features an online enrollment of 912 remote degree-seekers and three industry-relevant virtual bachelor's programs. Institutional resources, such as a supportive online community, benefit distance learners at the Orlando, Florida, college.
Students gain knowledge needed for the sonography industry in interactive classes. General education and advanced courses make up the curriculum for the sonography degree, which also includes opportunities for selecting electives and individualizing classes. Enrollees supplement their formal education with hands-on learning experiences. Internships, externships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the sonography field.
Applicants should discuss enrollment requirements with the admissions office. Financial aid is awarded to 91% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they qualify. Aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, help qualified learners decrease their educational expenses.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,240
Out-of-state
$12,240
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,130
Out-of-state
$17,130
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
1,688
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Accreditation
Yes
How We Rank Schools
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling. This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about our rankings methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Sonography and Medical Sonography School
Medical sonography reveals the inside of a patient's body without the need for surgery. Doctors use ultrasound results to diagnose patients and evaluate fetal development.
Yes. Hybrid degrees in medical sonography allow students to learn partially online while gaining hands-on ultrasound experience in classroom and clinical settings.
Yes. Medical sonographers need a certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The certification process involves passing one or more exams.
An associate degree takes approximately two years to complete. Certificate programs require fewer courses, and full-time students graduate in just 12 months.
