Friday, 1 June 2012

Online Medical Sonography Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Clinical requirements for certification prevent colleges from offering accredited online diagnostic medical sonography programs. Students may find hybrid programs that will fill their needs, however, especially if the program allows students to complete clinical requirements at a nearby clinic.

How to Choose an Online School for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Format and Level

There are several different degree options for diagnostic medical sonographers. Normally, the only fully-online degree options are associate's and bachelor's degrees that are designed for students who are already certified as diagnostic medical sonographers. Hybrid certificate, associate's and bachelor's degree options are available for those who have no experience in diagnostic medical sonography and wish to enter the profession. Students should select a program based on their current educational and professional qualifications.

Certification Options and Accreditation Requirements

Fully-online programs for students who are not certified as diagnostic medical sonographers are not normally available because, though there are no uniform licensing requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers, employers normally do not hire uncertified sonographers. Certification requirements include attending an accredited degree program and completing a required amount of supervised clinical practice. Students whose schedules do not permit full-time enrollment in an on-campus program should look for schools that provide hybrid options with online coursework and the option to complete clinical practice at a local site.

Online Programs Available to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Students

Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Two types of associate's degree programs for diagnostic medical sonographers have online components. Fully-online associate's degree programs allow those who have already completed a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography to gain their associate's degree while simultaneously working. Hybrid programs are designed for those who have no prior medical experience and are not yet certified as medical sonographers. Students take classes online and complete clinical education components at a site near their home.

Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Online bachelor's degrees in diagnostic medical sonography are normally designed to give students who already have associate's degrees or certificates in diagnostic medical sonography the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree while still working full-time as a professional sonography technician. Normally, prerequisites for entry into the program include proof that a student has already been certified as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Students take classes on topics related to sonography and complete a general education curriculum.

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