Associate's and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
degree programs in medical sonography are available online, but the
programs usually require a clinical component that must be fulfilled at a
hospital. Although both degree programs prepare students to work as
diagnostic medical sonographers, the bachelor's degree program allows
graduates to assume more advanced positions upon entering the field.
Associate's Degree in Medical Sonography Overview
Online universities offer both Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in medical sonography. Students learn the clinical skills needed to properly view the internal structures and organs of the body through ultrasound devices. The program requires a strong knowledge of anatomy, science and math. Because sonographers work directly with patients, it's important to develop strong interpersonal skills.Most programs require students to have their high school diploma or GED. Many online universities also expect students to have completed health sciences coursework or to have had prior experience working in the medical field.
Program Information and Requirements
The medical sonography associate's degree program shows students the correct sonographic methods for viewing four main parts of the human body, the cardiovascular system, the abdominal region, the vascular system and the gynecological region. The associate's program takes about one to two years to complete, depending on whether the school requires students to already hold postsecondary experience before starting the degree program.The online medical sonography program usually requires an on-site clinical component. Students are required to assist at a nearby hospital or clinic under the supervision of a skilled sonographer who has volunteered to mentor the student and assess his or her progress in the field.
List of Common Medical Sonography Courses
The online associate's degree program in medical sonography introduces students to the basics of sonography and provides them with specialized instruction on ultrasound practices for each section of the human body. Students gain experience in treating patients during the clinical portion of the program.Patient Care Course
This class emphasizes maintaining a friendly and open discourse with patients since communication is the key to alleviating any fears of the sonographic procedure. Various legal issues are also discussed, including maintaining patient confidentiality. Students are able to watch streaming video and learn techniques to interact with patients.Obstretrical and Gynecological Sonography Course
Students learn how to properly sonograph female reproductive organs, usually during the course of pregnancy, to detect any abnormal patterns in the body. Students also must determine what course of action should be taken based on any irregularities seen in the results.Human Anatomy Course
The course requires students to memorize the correct terminologies and placement of the human organs, particularly in the abdominal region. Students must learn to recognize these anatomical structures through pictures online.Medical Sonography Career Information
The vast majority of medical sonography associate's degree graduates go on to become diagnostic medical sonographers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that diagnostic medical sonographers earned an average salary of $63,640 in 2009 (www.bls.gov).The BLS also predicts that diagnostic medical sonography positions will rise 18% from 2008-2018, which is well above the average of other employment sectors. This is due in part to the increasing preference of diagnostic sonographic methods over more potentially dangerous radiological procedures.
Continuing Education and Licensure Information
There is typically no specific licensure needed to become a sonographer once a student has graduated from the associate's degree program. Graduates might want to apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to earn certification in the field, which requires passing an ARDMS exam.Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Sonography Overview
Online B.S. degree programs in medical sonography teach students many of the same skills that the associate's degree does, but earning the more advanced degree allows graduates to begin work at a higher salary and possibly take on managerial positions at hospitals or clinics. Most programs require students to have an associate's degree in sonography or in a related health sciences field.Some programs also require registration with the ARDMS before entering the bachelor's degree program. The application process for a bachelor's degree program usually includes sending multiple recommendation forms, and some students must pass an entrance exam before receiving admittance into the program.
Program Information and Requirements
The program usually take two years to finish, since most schools require students to already hold their associate's degree. Students continue learning about sonographic techniques, but they usually begin specialized study in a particular area, such as cardiovascular sonography.Like the associate's degree program, schools usually require students to participate in on-site clinical experiences. While many universities try to accommodate students by letting them practice at a nearby clinic or hospital close to their home, some require students to travel to an orientation on campus before beginning the program.
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