According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ultrasound technology can expect a boom in job outlook and employment by as much as 44% between 2010 and 2020. This is way above the nationwide expected increase in employment opportunities of 14% and well above the predicated increase of other health care professions. Because of this, there has been an increase in the total number of schools being accredited by the CAAHEP to have regular sonography programs and online ultrasound tech classes.
Diagnostic medical sonography as a career
The ultrasound technology program is more commonly known as diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) by schools, with sonographers having the official title of diagnostic medical sonographers. The job of the sonographer is to use a machine called a sonogram, to send high frequency sound waves through the body and create images of internal structures. To become a sonographer, students are trained to analyze these images and make reports based on their findings.
Sonographer education and training
The DMS program can be completed in three ways: certificate, associate, and bachelor programs. Certificate programs are completed in 12 months, associate programs in 24 months, and bachelor programs in 4 years. Graduates of health care related degrees usually take a certificate program while those who shift from one degree to another usually sign up for associate programs. Any kind of DMS program includes hands-on training, whether it is on actual patients or training mannequins.
However, since training is very expensive and the cost of books, commute, and dormitories can be burdensome, a lot of students opt to take the DMS program through an online course. Online programs allow students to complete all lectures through the internet before starting with hands-on training.
However, since training is very expensive and the cost of books, commute, and dormitories can be burdensome, a lot of students opt to take the DMS program through an online course. Online programs allow students to complete all lectures through the internet before starting with hands-on training.
Accredited online programs
As of 2014, there are more than 200 CAAHEP- accredited (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and ARRT-recognized (American Registry of Radiologic Technicians) schools in the country. A full list can be found here. CAAHEP and ARRT are in charge of monitoring DMS programs throughout the country, standardizing the curriculum and ensuring that students receive the best training. Out of 200 schools, there are only three online ultrasound colleges that are accredited that provide an online DMS program.
1. Adventist University of Health Sciences, Orlando, Florida
Located in the state of Florida, Adventist University of Health Sciences offers students primarily health care related degrees – both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The DMS program in this university is CAAHEP-accredited and SACS-accredited (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Completion of the program is between 2 to 5 years, with 8 to 12 credits per trimester (24-36 credits per school year).
2. Jackson Community College
Jackson Community College or JCC can be found in Jackson, Mississippi; first established in 1928. Programs not only focused on health care are offered by JCC. The DMs program offered by the college is an associate in applied science (AAS) degree for general, cardiac, and vascular sonography, completed in two years. JCC offers students the chance to have their hands-on training in specialty hospitals out of state.
3. Washburn University
With 7000 students and 1000 faculty and staff members, Washburn University offers students over 200 programs in a school year. There are two DMS programs with Washburn University, a certificate program completed in 12 months and a regular bachelor program completed in 4 years for general, vascular, and cardiac sonography.
1. Adventist University of Health Sciences, Orlando, Florida
Located in the state of Florida, Adventist University of Health Sciences offers students primarily health care related degrees – both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The DMS program in this university is CAAHEP-accredited and SACS-accredited (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Completion of the program is between 2 to 5 years, with 8 to 12 credits per trimester (24-36 credits per school year).
2. Jackson Community College
Jackson Community College or JCC can be found in Jackson, Mississippi; first established in 1928. Programs not only focused on health care are offered by JCC. The DMs program offered by the college is an associate in applied science (AAS) degree for general, cardiac, and vascular sonography, completed in two years. JCC offers students the chance to have their hands-on training in specialty hospitals out of state.
3. Washburn University
With 7000 students and 1000 faculty and staff members, Washburn University offers students over 200 programs in a school year. There are two DMS programs with Washburn University, a certificate program completed in 12 months and a regular bachelor program completed in 4 years for general, vascular, and cardiac sonography.
While there are currently only 3 accredited online programs in 2013, the number of ultrasound tech schools online can only be expected to go up in 2014. Online classes for ultrasound tech will help make sonography education more accessible to students from all over the world, and it will help them cut back on financial needs and give them more control over their education.