Online Radiology Tech Programs & Online Ultrasound Schools
It can be challenging to find an online degree focusing specifically on ultrasound technology or any other kind of medical imaging technology. Luckily, here at UltrasoundTechnicianSchools.com we work with schools around the United States to ensure we have all of the information you need to make a decision on your educational needs. If an online ultrasound program is what will work the best for you, then we are going to help you find the right school!
According to a 2015 survey conducted by Babson Survey Research Group, almost 6 million students are taking at least one online course. As online learning is becoming more and more popular, it is still harder for some areas to move to a “full” online curriculum. A degree in this field requires lots of hands on learning with the equipment you will be working with after graduation. Students who wish to study online sometimes obtain an associate degree online in a health care-related field such as health care administration, allied health or medical assisting. With this background, you can go on to attend a program at a brick-and-mortar campus with an ultrasound or imaging program to become certified as an ultrasound technician.
While online sonography and ultrasound programs are great for those with limited free time, you should understand that while you can complete most of your coursework online, you will need to actually go into the classroom to complete your clinical training program at a hospital or other healthcare facility. Testing your ability and understanding in person with trained professionals is very important for your education and is something you must complete prior to graduation. Before starting your online sonography or ultrasound program, double check its accreditation. Your school must have the proper accreditation if you are to receive certification from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Types of Ultrasound Technician Online Schools & Programs
As noted, your online experience with ultrasound training will prepare you for clinical experience. This is when, in a professional setting, you finally get to apply the knowledge you gained in your online simulations, lectures, and class discussions. Now that online learning is everywhere, and healthcare is growing rapidly, it’s not surprising schools figured out how to educate students with a mix of in-person and online tools.
Online sonography programs offer different types of clinical opportunities and experiences. We will talk about the differences between the certificate, associate and bachelor’s level ultrasound training online experiences. However, if you have an opportunity for short-term training at the hospital where you work, or at another local facility, that might be a more convenient option.
And don’t forget, online learning takes self-discipline. Self-motivated students with busy lives can thrive in online formats. But many students enjoy having human interaction, instant access to feedback, and constant practice with sonography equipment.
Online Associate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
When you enroll in an online Associate’s program, make sure the curriculum gives you a solid foundation for the job you are pursuing.
Look for course topics that include:
- Ultrasound physics
- Anatomy & physiology
- Doppler physics
- Obstetrics
- Vascular
Even at the Associate level, some ultrasound technician online schools offer concentrations, such as:
- General
- Echocardiography
- Abdomen
- Obstetrics
Ultrasound training online can take around two years to complete. Many ultrasound students compare this option to radiology technician online Associate degree programs. Although the procedures and equipment are different, the type of work, training, and career potential is similar in many ways.
You can typically find campus and online options at community colleges and universities in most states. Once you earn your degree and pass your exam, you can start working. What’s more, you’ll have a degree in healthcare that can act as a springboard for furthering your education, and advancing in this growing field.
Ultrasound Technician Schools Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Believe it or not, you can find quality options for ultrasound technician schools online that offer bachelor’s degrees. Many of these are colleges and universities that also offer campus-based programs as well. However, the requirements can be a bit different than pursuing your Associate’s.
First of all, many bachelor’s programs require students to already have their American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers [Short Code Error: type value must be either online or ground] certification, and a current job in the field. Students take their knowledge-based courses in an online format but use their own professional work environment to advance their hands-on skills. This gives students a convenient path to earning their ultrasound training online, without missing out on the clinical portions that are so critical to professional success.
Online Bachelor’s in Ultrasound Courses May Include
- Sonography principles & instrumentation (advanced)
- Patient care
- Abdominal and small parts
- Anatomy
- Externship requirements
- Scanning skills
Online Certificate in Ultrasound Technology Programs
These programs tend to be around 50 credit hours and take about 18 months to complete. Coursework is a mix of online lectures, simulations, and clinical internship requirements.
Many of these programs are designed for professionals who already have a degree in the life sciences, and work in healthcare. Check with each school you speak with to make sure your current transcripts will transfer.
Certificate programs can also be very specific to different areas of ultrasound. For instance, your program might be focused on obstetrics, while another option would dive deeper into abdominal ultrasound.
Why Do 100% Online Sonography Programs NOT Exist?
Diagnostic medical sonography online schools do not come in 100% online formats for one main reason: You need hands-on training to become proficient in this role.
That’s the reason why most careers in the field of healthcare require hands-on training. When people’s lives are literally at stake, it’s essential for healthcare professionals to get the most comprehensive training possible. Being taught by experienced ultrasound techs in a classroom or clinical setting will help you immerse yourself in this profession more quickly than if you learned from a distance.
No ultrasound program should be considered complete without some clinical experience. When speaking with schools that offer online programs, be sure you are comfortable with the externship opportunities that will be available to you. Or, if you are aligning your online program with your current ultrasound career, make sure your employer is on the same page.
Ready to compare diagnostic medical sonography online schools?
Review your options for ultrasound technician schools’ online and campus programs below.
You can also narrow your options by state with the search box on this page. When speaking to schools, ask about other opportunities for healthcare training, such as radiology technician online associate degree programs. Understanding all your options will help you make the best decision for your future!
Join the thousands of working Ultrasound Technicians who earn a median salary of $65,620 in the U.S. (BLS, 2017) by getting your online education from one of the schools listed on our site. Expanding your education is the first step to expanding your career.