Tertiary education has become more accessible with the advent of internet. Education on campus is still a popular choice but the internet has made distance education or online programs a preference for people who have problems with commuting or living in a dormitory. Sonography is one of the many healthcare programs that have just begun to offer online ultrasound technician programs in the recent years.
Diagnostic medical sonography and the CAAHEP
Like other allied health education programs, the DMS – diagnostic medical sonography – program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). By 2014, the CAAHEP had accredited exactly 211 schools in the US. These schools offer quality DMS programs to students, with curriculum that have been approved by the CAAHEP. Compared to schools that aren’t accredited, there 211 educational institutions have the best possible training for sonographers. You can read more on choosing the right school for you in this article.
Expenses and school fees
Expenses and school fees
When you study online, it is much cheaper because a lot of school fees are waived and you don’t have to spend miscellaneous expenses for food and transportation. Basic fees for tuition are the only things a student would need to pay for. This is one of the main reasons why students who want to be sonographers choose an online program. With parts of the country still recovering from the financial crises in the economy, online education has never been more attractive to new high-school graduates.
Time management
Time management is a factor that can go both ways depending on one thing – discipline. Students who can manage their time wisely and have good study habits will benefit from studying an online program. With online classes, a student completely manages his or her schedule, taking classes that work around their daily activities. If you have good study habits, then finding a few hours each day to study will be no problem – the opposite if you need a structured and well-scheduled environment to concentrate.
When it comes to scheduling, students who have responsibilities at home like caring for a family or have part-time jobs will also benefit greatly from having complete control of their class schedule. You only need to set aside a few hours for classes (or none at all, depending on the kind of program you take) and complete your class works on your own time. The same goes for papers, exams, and other requirements that you need to submit.
When it comes to scheduling, students who have responsibilities at home like caring for a family or have part-time jobs will also benefit greatly from having complete control of their class schedule. You only need to set aside a few hours for classes (or none at all, depending on the kind of program you take) and complete your class works on your own time. The same goes for papers, exams, and other requirements that you need to submit.
The learning experience
On the argument for campus education, learning is not just input and output of information. Students still need a holistic learning experience when educating themselves. Especially in an occupation like sonography, much of the learning is done during hands-on clinical experience and daily patient interaction. You will also learn a lot from your peers, professors, and instructors. The environment of a college or university is very different from studying in the comfort of your own home. For some students, campus education is a luxury they can do without but for some, it is a necessity.
The choice
When choosing the DMS program you want to take, remember to scout different schools all over the country for the specialization that you want. You can choose to study general, pediatric, or cardiovascular sonography amongst a variation of specialties. After that, you can choose the nearest school that offers training for it, or find online ultrasound technician programs offered by select institutions. It all comes done to your needs and what the school can offer you.