Wisconsin is one of the best paying states for sonographers who work in the US. The average annual salary in this state is above the nationwide average, along with a reasonably high employment level as well. There are seven accredited sonography schools in Wisconsin, three of which offer associate diagnostic medical sonography degrees. The information given below will surely help anyone who wants to become a sonographer in Wisconsin.
Associate Degree Programs vs. Certificate Programs in Sonography
The main difference between associate and certificate programs is the length of time needed to complete each. Both are very common in most schools throughout the country, compared to bachelor degree programs which take 4 years to complete. Associate degree programs are shorter – 2 years. Certificate programs are completed in 12 to 18 months.
The prerequisites of certificate and bachelor degree programs are the same; all students need is a high school diploma or a GED. While associate programs for sonography are shorter, students are typically required to have completed all general education classes before applying for the program.
The prerequisites of certificate and bachelor degree programs are the same; all students need is a high school diploma or a GED. While associate programs for sonography are shorter, students are typically required to have completed all general education classes before applying for the program.
Accredited Schools in Wisconsin with Associate Programs
There is an organization – the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) – that makes sure that sonography schools meet the nationwide standards in terms of curriculum. By the end of 2013, there are currently seven schools in the state of Wisconsin that offer a diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) program. Out of these seven schools, only three offer associate degrees in sonography. An accredited Sonography program list can be found through the link.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Length: 2 years – Associate’s degree in General Sonography
Requirements:
Total tuition fee: approx. $3,000; $6,000 (with additional fees)
Coursework: 70 credits over six semesters and two summers
Clinical training: starts during the third semester onwards
Link: http://www.nwtc.edu/academics/degrees/healthsciences/Medical/Pages/DiagnosticMedicalSonography.aspx
Financial aide: Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), renewed yearly starting January (scholarships vary among programs)
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Length: 2 years – Associate’s degree in General Sonography
Requirements:
Total tuition fee: approx. $9,382 ($122.20 per credit), $11,495 (with additional fees)
Coursework: 70 total credits
Clinical training: starts during the fifth semester onwards
Link: http://www.cvtc.edu/programs/program-catalog/Pages/Diag-Med-Sonography.aspx
Financial aide: Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), renewed yearly starting January (scholarships vary among programs)
The other school that offers an associate’s degree in sonography is Blackhawk Technical College. If you plan to study sonography, make sure to apply for accredited sonography schools in Wisconsin. They offer the best possible training compared to non-accredited schools.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Length: 2 years – Associate’s degree in General Sonography
Requirements:
- 2 high school semesters or 1 college semester of Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with a grade equivalent to a “B”
- Mandatory attendance to Spring program orientation
- Background check (with fees)
- Four-hour job shadow
Total tuition fee: approx. $3,000; $6,000 (with additional fees)
Coursework: 70 credits over six semesters and two summers
Clinical training: starts during the third semester onwards
Link: http://www.nwtc.edu/academics/degrees/healthsciences/Medical/Pages/DiagnosticMedicalSonography.aspx
Financial aide: Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), renewed yearly starting January (scholarships vary among programs)
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Length: 2 years – Associate’s degree in General Sonography
Requirements:
- Entrance assessment (COMPASS, ACT)
- Complete the Inventory of Student Succress (click here)
- For students with an international degree/diploma, the TOEFL must be taken (minimum score of 61 on the internet test or 500 on the paper based test)
- 2 high school semesters or 1 college semester of at least a grade of “C” for Algebra and Chemistry
Total tuition fee: approx. $9,382 ($122.20 per credit), $11,495 (with additional fees)
Coursework: 70 total credits
Clinical training: starts during the fifth semester onwards
Link: http://www.cvtc.edu/programs/program-catalog/Pages/Diag-Med-Sonography.aspx
Financial aide: Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), renewed yearly starting January (scholarships vary among programs)
The other school that offers an associate’s degree in sonography is Blackhawk Technical College. If you plan to study sonography, make sure to apply for accredited sonography schools in Wisconsin. They offer the best possible training compared to non-accredited schools.