Choosing a career in sonography is one of the hottest trends among new graduates today. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a an increase in employment opportunities for sonographers between 2010 and 2020, it is no surprise that more and more schools are offering different programs for diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). However, problems like tuition, living expenses, and book allowances are still a big problem among students. To resolve this, scholarships for sonography are available not only from the colleges but from different organizations as well.
Choosing sonography as a career
The first step is choosing sonography as a career to pursue. Sonograms are machines that can visualize internal organs and other structures within the human body without needing surgical or invasive procedures. It sends high frequency sound waves through the body that bounce off of solid objects and return as images to the sonogram monitor. This is often seen in ultrasound examinations for pregnant women. Sonographers are skilled technicians who are able to distinguish the images on the machine as parts of the human body.
Sonography in college or university
Students can choose from three kinds of DMS programs offered by over 200 educational institutions. Certificate programs are completed in 12 months, associate programs in 2 years, and baccalaureate programs in the typically 4 years. Most colleges and universities offer certificate and associate sonography programs, with hands-on clinical training in associated health care facilities. When choosing a school or program, always make sure that it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Educational assistance
Education isn’t cheap. Aside from tuition, money is still needed for living or commuting expenses and book and school supplies. There are hundreds of scholarships offered by different schools throughout the country but sonography organizations (a full list here) also offer some of the best scholarships and educational assistance to sonography students who wish to pursue DMS education.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation (SDMS) offers one or more undergraduate students who are SDMS members a scholarship worth $2500. They require the students to be enrolled or will enroll in a CAAHEP-accredited school. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Students who want to apply for the SDMS scholarship have to meet either the December 31st or June 30th deadline.
SDMS Foundation Sonographer Advanced Degree Scholarship Program
SDMS also offers a scholarship for post-graduates who want to pursue continuing education in sonography. This is also a $2500 scholarship, offered to graduates of baccalaureate, masters, or doctorate programs. The scholarship has to be used in an institution accredited by the US Department of Education.
The International Foundation for Sonography Education and Research
This foundation grants scholarships to ultrasound students who have been accepted or are enrolled in CAAHEP-accredited programs. The scholarship is worth $500 and can be used for tuition and other school expenses. Online forms and requirements to complete to apply for the foundation’s scholarship can be found on the website here.
When students graduate from accredited schools and programs, they can be eligible for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exam. The ARDMS exam is a certification exam, recognized throughout the country in the absence of a formal licensing body for sonographers. These scholarships for sonography will be able to assist students who choose to study and pursue a sonographer career.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation (SDMS) offers one or more undergraduate students who are SDMS members a scholarship worth $2500. They require the students to be enrolled or will enroll in a CAAHEP-accredited school. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Students who want to apply for the SDMS scholarship have to meet either the December 31st or June 30th deadline.
SDMS Foundation Sonographer Advanced Degree Scholarship Program
SDMS also offers a scholarship for post-graduates who want to pursue continuing education in sonography. This is also a $2500 scholarship, offered to graduates of baccalaureate, masters, or doctorate programs. The scholarship has to be used in an institution accredited by the US Department of Education.
The International Foundation for Sonography Education and Research
This foundation grants scholarships to ultrasound students who have been accepted or are enrolled in CAAHEP-accredited programs. The scholarship is worth $500 and can be used for tuition and other school expenses. Online forms and requirements to complete to apply for the foundation’s scholarship can be found on the website here.
When students graduate from accredited schools and programs, they can be eligible for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exam. The ARDMS exam is a certification exam, recognized throughout the country in the absence of a formal licensing body for sonographers. These scholarships for sonography will be able to assist students who choose to study and pursue a sonographer career.