Diagnostic medical sonography is a very popular program in the US in 2016 because of amazing job opportunities and great salary. Of course, there are plenty of sonographers who wish to pursue something beyond the clinical aspect of the occupation. This is where a Masters degree steps in. After completing a basic diagnostic medical sonography program --- bachelor, associate, or certificate programs – a student can apply for a Masters in sonography program.
What is a Masters in Sonography?
A Masters in sonography degree is offered for to sonographers who are looking to move towards administration, education, research, or a more specialized form of ultrasound technology. Because masteral training is very intensive, there are very few schools that offer a Masters program in sonography. There are many pros in having a Masters degree, such as being qualified to publish medical journals, becoming a teacher or professor, or pursuing a consultancy job in the private industry.
A Masters in sonography degree is offered for to sonographers who are looking to move towards administration, education, research, or a more specialized form of ultrasound technology. Because masteral training is very intensive, there are very few schools that offer a Masters program in sonography. There are many pros in having a Masters degree, such as being qualified to publish medical journals, becoming a teacher or professor, or pursuing a consultancy job in the private industry.
Currently, only two schools that offer an accredited Master’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography:
Accreditation is a very important factor to consider when choosing any sonography program – though it is not a requirement when you decide to become certified. However, accredited programs offer the best training, and can affect the quality of the education you receive. |
Salary jobs in the US
Sonographers are among the highest paid medical professions today. They earn, on average, close to $70,000 per annum. In certain states, like California, sonographers can earn up to $100,000 per year. Because of the very competitive starting salaries offered to new sonography graduates, ultrasound degrees are quite popular among the youth today.
Prerequisites for Masterals
Sonographers who have completed a Bachelor Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography may typically directly apply to a masters degree program. However, basic requirements can include a minimum TOEFL score, undergraduate GPA, and GRE score. The best way to find out the complete list of requirements is to visit the website (or the campus!) of your preferred university or college.
Completing your Masters in Sonography
A Masters Degree is quite short compared to regular college programs. It can take anywhere between a little over a year to two years to complete --- all depending on how fast you can submit all the required material. Some people take longer to finish their Masters degree, around three years or so, if they also have day jobs or completed an undergraduate program other than Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Tuition and Scholarships
In a private school, tuition can rise up to as much as $40,000 per year while the cheapest tuition at some schools is as low as $15,000 per year. Since a Masters degree is considered graduate studies, graduate scholarships are typically available in most schools as well as being offered by the government. Schools with tie-in medical facilities often offer scholarships in exchange for a commitment to work in the said facility.
If you are a sonographer who wishes to pursue a Masteral degree, it is pretty easy. Make sure you are completely decided and check out the two schools mentioned previously for more information