There are many sonography schools for students to choose from.
People who wish to become sonogram, or ultrasound, technicians must attend a school with an accredited program that will certify them to work. Most technicians have an associate degree, but some go on to earn a bachelor's or other higher degree in sonography. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008, sonographers earned median salary of $61,980, and employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to rise by 18% by the year 2018.
Carrington College
Carrington College offers a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at its Mesa, Arizona, campus and a certificate or associate degree at its Citrus Heights, California, campus. The program utilizes formal classroom instruction as well as clinical experience and prepares students to meet licensing requirements as well as pass certification exams. Students can complete these programs in less than two years. After graduation, students can specialize in a number of areas that typically use sonography.
Kaplan College
Kaplan College offers a diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography/ultrasound and certificate programs in diagnostic cardiac sonography or diagnostic vascular sonography at its North Hollywood, California, campus. The college uses hands-on training with anatomical models and real-world equipment and settings to best prepare students. Students will use the Ultrasim ultrasound training simulator as well as the Acuson Aspen advanced ultrasounds system and multimedia equipment.
Keiser University
Keiser University offers an associate of science degree in diagnostic medical sonography and diagnostic vascular sonography. Coursework includes sonography, clinical work and anatomy and other courses related to the medical field. Students must earn 88 1/2 credit hours to complete the vascular sonography program and 91 credit hours to complete the diagnostic medical sonography program. The total number of credit hours includes general education courses. Sonography programs are offered at Keiser University's Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Melbourne campuses as well.
Public Colleges
Many public colleges, particularly community colleges, often offer programs in the health care field. Some of these programs help students earn degrees in the field of medical technology and may even offer a specialization in the sonography or ultrasound field. Each college, community or otherwise, is unique in the programs it offers, and it would be highly beneficial when choosing a college to explore your options at public colleges as well as private ones. Because community colleges usually do not offer degrees beyond an associate degree, students can complete most programs within two years and would likely earn a certificate or associate degree in sonography or a related field. Community colleges also tend to offer a combination of online and traditional classroom course options, so there might be some flexibility in the type of courses you take.
Tags: diagnostic medical, associate degree, diagnostic medical sonography, medical sonography, credit hours, Keiser University, vascular sonography